Frog Eye Salad

If you grew up around church potlucks, family reunions, or holiday tables loaded with “salads” that were definitely more dessert than side dish… you probably already know exactly what Frog Eye Salad is.

And if you didn’t? Welcome. You’re about to meet one of the most nostalgic, creamy, fruity, sweet little retro desserts of all time.

This classic Frog Eye Salad recipe is made with acini de pepe pasta, pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, coconut, and a creamy vanilla-pineapple base. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s SO good.

Classic Frog Eye Salad | An old fashioned Frog Eye Salad recipe that tastes just like the one from church potlucks and family reunions. A nostalgic creamy fruit salad everyone always asks for!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family dinners
• Easy to make ahead
• weet, creamy, and nostalgic
• A fun old-fashioned recipe people still love
• Great for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer gatherings
• Feeds a crowd

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 ounces Acini De Pepe pasta
• 1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from pineapple tidbits)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg beaten
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 22 ounces mandarin oranges (drained)
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple tidbits (drained and reserve juice)
• 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 3/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1 (8 ounce) Cool Whip

Ingredient Notes

Acini de pepe:
This is the tiny pasta that gives Frog Eye Salad its signature texture. It’s usually near the pasta or soup noodles.

Pineapple juice:
Don’t toss it — it’s what helps flavor the creamy base.

Whipped topping:
This gives the salad that fluffy, classic potluck texture.

Coconut:
Optional, but we like it!

Frog Eye Salad Recipe | This classic Frog Eye Salad is creamy, fruity, sweet, and perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners. Made with acini de pepe pasta, pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, and whipped topping!

How to Make Frog Eye Salad

1. Cook the pasta
Cook the acini de pepe according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then let it cool.

2. Make the pineapple custard
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the pineapple juice, sugar, flour, salt, and beaten egg.

Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let cool.

3. Combine with the pasta
In a large bowl, stir together the cooled pasta and the thickened pineapple mixture.

4. Fold in the fruit and mix-ins
Gently fold in the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, pineapple tidbits, marshmallows, and coconut.

Then fold in the Cool Whip until everything is creamy and combined.

5. Chill before serving
Refrigerate until ready to serve. This salad is best once it’s had a little time to chill and come together.

Easy Frog Eye Salad Recipe | Looking for an easy make-ahead dessert salad? This Frog Eye Salad recipe is fluffy, creamy, fruity, and perfect for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and potlucks.

Tips for Success

Drain the fruit really well
This is probably the #1 thing that keeps Frog Eye Salad from getting watery.

Cool the pasta mixture completely
If it’s still warm when you add the whipped topping, things can get weird fast.

Make it ahead
Honestly? It’s better after it has had time to chill.

Don’t overcook the pasta
You want it soft and tender, not mushy.

Continue to Content

Old Fashioned Frog Eye Salad

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

This old fashioned Frog Eye Salad is loaded with pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, coconut, and acini de pepe pasta for the ultimate retro dessert salad.

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Ingredients

• 8 ounces Acini De Pepe pasta
• 1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from pineapple tidbits)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg beaten
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 22 ounces mandarin oranges (drained)
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple tidbits (drained and reserve juice)
• 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 3/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1 (8 ounce) Cool Whip

Instructions

1. Cook the Acini De Pepe pasta according to package directions. When done, rinse under cold water in strainer. Let cool.
2. In a saucepan over medium high heat stir together pineapple juice, sugar, flour, salt and egg. Cook and stir constantly until mixture thickens and is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl combine the pasta and thickened mixture.
4. Then gently fold in the mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, pineapple tidbits, marshmallows and coconut. Fold in Cool Whip.
5. Refrigerate until serving.

Notes

Drain the fruit really well so your salad stays creamy instead of watery.

Don’t forget to save the pineapple juice from the tidbits — you’ll need it for the custard base.

Make sure the pasta and cooked mixture are fully cooled before adding the fruit and Cool Whip.

Frog Eye Salad is best after it has had time to chill, so try to make it at least a couple hours ahead.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 289Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 4gUnsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 123mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 3gSugar: 45gProtein: 3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.

Did you make this recipe?

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More Nostalgic Dessert Favorites

• Fresh Strawberry Pie
• Classic Muddy Buddies
• Easy Peach Cobbler
• Grandma’s Chocolate Pudding Trifle

Variations

Add maraschino cherries

A very classic addition if you want even more retro dessert energy.

Leave out the coconut

If coconut is controversial in your household, you can skip it.

Add more marshmallows

No one is stopping you.

Make it for a holiday table

This is such a fun addition to:

• Easter brunch
• Thanksgiving dinner
• Christmas dinner
• baby showers
• spring luncheons
• summer potlucks

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Frog Eye Salad?

Because the tiny cooked acini de pepe pasta looks a little like frog eyes. Charming? No. Delicious? Yes.

Is Frog Eye Salad a dessert or a side dish?

Honestly… both. It usually lands on the table with the “salads,” but it definitely eats like dessert.

Can I make Frog Eye Salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s even better after it has had time to chill.

What pasta is used in Frog Eye Salad?

Acini de pepe is the classic pasta used in this recipe.