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Tropical Glow Frog Eye Salad

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If you grew up loving the quirky, creamy delight known as Frog Eye Salad, get ready for a glow-up you’ll want to make all summer long. Our Tropical Glow Frog Eye Salad swaps out the traditional whipped topping for velvety Greek yogurt, making it lighter, tangier, and full of protein—without losing that classic charm. Tender acini di pepe pasta blends with sweet pineapple, juicy mandarin oranges, coconut, and fluffy marshmallows to create a creamy, fruity dish that’s part salad, part dessert, and totally irresistible. Optional mix-ins like fresh strawberries or chia seeds add even more flair. Whether you serve it at a backyard BBQ, brunch, or just as a sweet treat, this version feels both nostalgic and new.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup acini di pepe pasta

1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve 1/2 cup juice)

1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained

1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)

3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or vanilla, if you prefer sweet)

2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup mini marshmallows

1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries or kiwi (optional)

2 tbsp chia seeds or toasted almonds (optional for crunch)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook acini di pepe according to package instructions (about 9–11 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool completely.

  2. Make dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, reserved pineapple juice, honey/maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  3. Mix salad: Add cooled pasta, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows to the yogurt mixture. Gently fold until everything is coated.

  4. Optional adds: Fold in strawberries, kiwi, or crunchy toppings like chia seeds or almonds if desired.

  5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow flavors to blend.

  6. Serve: Give it a gentle stir before serving chilled. Top with extra fruit or coconut for garnish.

Notes

Tips:

  • What is Acini di Pepe?
    Acini di pepe translates to “seeds of pepper” in Italian. These tiny pasta pearls were traditionally used in Italian soups, such as Italian Wedding Soup, because their small size made them perfect for spoonable broths. Over time, they found their way into creative cold salads like Frog Eye Salad in American home kitchens during the 1950s–60s.

  • Why the name “Frog Eye Salad”?
    The salad gets its quirky name from the way the tiny round pasta resembles small “eyes” floating in the creamy dressing—fun and nostalgic for many!

  • Modern Makeover:
    Swapping whipped topping for Greek yogurt not only adds protein and tang but also makes this dish lighter and more balanced. You can also use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.

  • Make it your own:
    Try mixing in tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or even diced banana. A handful of toasted nuts or granola adds crunch, and fresh mint gives it a cool finish.

 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes! Rinse the acini di pepe with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together. It also helps cool the pasta quickly for mixing with the yogurt-based dressing.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This salad is even better when chilled for a few hours or overnight. Just give it a gentle stir before serving, and add any crunchy toppings (like nuts or granola) right before eating to keep them crisp.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt like coconut, almond, or oat. Just choose one that’s thick and creamy, and adjust sweetness as needed.

Q: What if I can’t find acini di pepe pasta?
Look for pastina or pearl couscous as alternatives. They’re slightly larger but still work well in this type of salad.

Q: Is this served as a dessert or a side dish?
Both! It’s sweet enough to serve as a dessert, but it’s often used as a fun, fruity side dish at potlucks and BBQs.

✨ Did this lighter twist on a classic win your heart? Save this Tropical Glow Frog Eye Salad for your next gathering or treat-yourself moment! Share it with your favorite fruit lover and tag me when you make it—I’d love to see your version! 💙

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://joyistalife.com/recipe/tropical-glow-frog-eye-salad/