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Not going to lie – pistachio salad doesn’t sound like it would be that appetizing but this fluffy, sweet dessert (it really shouldn’t be called a salad, lol) is a family favorite.
Filled with pistachio pudding, marshmallows, pineapple and whipped cream, this dish always makes an appearance at holidays and special events. Similar to our Pretzel Salad, we serve it alongside the main dish – again, why wait for something sweet?!
Best part is this pistachio salad takes 5 minutes to whip up, and then it chills. We love that it serves 12, but can EASILY be doubled or tripled for big events.
This cool and creamy sweet salad is perfect for summer, similar to our Ambrosia Salad, Cranberry Salad, or Cheesecake Fruit Salad.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- 5 minutes to prep! You’ll only need FOUR ingredients, and it’s ready to chill in no time. We love to make this the morning of the event so it’s all ready to go.
- For sharing. This is a big pistachio salad recipe, which makes it great for taking to picnics and potlucks with friends.
- Feeds a crowd. It serves about 12 people, and can easily be doubled, which is awesome!
Pistachio Salad Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple drained – Drain well or the excess liquid will water down the salad.
- 1 (3-ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix – Use INSTANT pudding mix. You will only be using the instant pistachio pudding powder. Do not make it into a creamy pudding, or it will throw off the texture.
- 8 ounces whipped topping – Use store-bought Cool Whip or Homemade Whipped Cream. Thaw it in the fridge for 4 hours.
- ½ (10.5-ounce) package miniature marshmallows – For a classic version, we use plain marshmallows, but you could try the multi colored flavored mini marshmallows.
How to Make Pistachio Salad
- COMBINE. Combine the drained canned pineapple and the dry pistachio pudding mix in a big bowl. Be sure the whipped topping is thawed because it will be easier to handle.
- Fold the whipped topping and mini marshmallows into your pudding/pineapple mixture. Mix it until combined.
- CHILL. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Fluff and add a dollop of whipped topping on top and sprinkle with some chopped pistachios for an extra touch.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Whipped topping or Cool Whip is usually found in the frozen food aisle. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before assembling the salad.
- Sometimes we include delicious additions like maraschino cherries, mandarin oranges, or a drained can of fruit cocktail. Garnish with coconut flakes or nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts.
- To keep a fluffy texture, we FOLD in the whipped cream and keep the salad chilled.
- To keep the salad from becoming runny, drain and pat dry the pineapple and use only the pudding powder (do not make it into pudding).
Pistachio Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (3 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
- ½ (10.5 ounce) package miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine drained pineapple and dry pistachio pudding mix. Fold in thawed whipped topping and marshmallows. Mix until well combined. Chill before serving.
- Chill for at least 1-2 hours before serving.
Video
Notes
- Whipped topping or Cool Whip is usually found in the frozen food aisle. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before assembling the salad.
- Some delicious additions you can mix in include maraschino cherries, mandarin oranges, or a drained can of fruit cocktail. Garnish with coconut flakes or nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts.
- To keep a fluffy texture, FOLD in the whipped cream and keep the salad chilled.
- To prevent a runny salad, drain and pat the pineapple dry, and use only the pudding powder (do not make it into pudding).
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Prep the salad the day before. Keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
Store covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Complete The Meal
Main Dishes
Crockpot Ham
3 hrs 40 mins
Roast Chicken Recipe
1 hr 30 mins
Easy Baked Salmon
40 mins
Country Style Pork Ribs
2 hrs 40 mins
Fruit Salads
Pretzel Salad
4 hrs 20 mins
Cranberry Salad
1 hr 15 mins
Ambrosia Salad
1 hr 15 mins
Cheesecake Fruit Salad
1 hr 7 mins
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This recipe was originally published July 2018.
It is the same one I have used for years and it is FANTASTIC.
Awesome! It’s one of my favorites too.
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My family has been making this for generations (I’m 43). We call it Watergate salad, or green stuff for the kids that can’t remember the name. But we also add chopped pecans, so delicious! It is a staple at every family gathering.
Can I make this 2 days in advance Making for 75 people.
Yes you can. The salad really only lasts about 3-4 days because sometimes the moisture from the pineapple will leak out or separate the cool whip a bit. Also, if making ahead, I would assemble everything but leave out the marshmallows. Add those in just before serving. Hope you enjoy!
A lady at Church made this yesterday for our Family Fall Festival dinner. I fell in love with it and will be making it over and over again and again. So yummy..
Great!!!! !!!So good
Love this salad! It’s a favorite of both our families, so I usually double the recipe.
On pistachio salads cool whip in can be used? And why do you say not frozen cool whip?
One package of instant pistachio mixed made small amount need to double batch.
We have been making this since I was a kid (I’ll be 33 come February). The only difference with ours is we don’t put marsh mallows in it and we call it “martian dump” 😂😂😂😂 it definitely good but I could be bias.
I made this for my husbands work crew (11 guys) As they, a lot of times work the holidays (coal mine) I try and fix a meal for them on those occasions. I made a Thanksgiving meal and this salad. They are always grateful for the meal, but they especially went crazy for this dessert salad! I also added a couple cut up bananas.
Don’t know if I’d do that if it wasn’t going to get eaten all at one sitting but with them it is all gone at one sitting! : )
I bet the bananas were yummy… especially if eaten right away. I’m happy to hear the salad was a hit! Thanks for sharing.
Easy and delisciou!!
Thank you so much!!
Just made thiS! I Had to make a last minute salad for a party… this was quick and tasty!!