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This 4 ingredient pistachio salad is a perfect and easy sweet salad for your holiday meal, and it takes just a few minutes to make!
My grandma Jenkins always makes this for Thanksgiving; we just called it “green stuff“. I still love it today and make it for holiday meals when I want something sweet and cooling on the plate to complement all the other heavy, rich dishes. If you’re a fan of fruit salads made with whipped cream and marshmallows, this is reminiscent of that, but with a creamy pistachio pudding base that is to die for!
I know, I know, the green color might be throwing you off a bit. But I can promise you that you will LOVE this stuff, especially for a special occasion like Thanksgiving. And it’s kid and adult-approved, which is always a big-time bonus, don’t you agree? It comes together in just a few minutes, and it’s such a fun treat to chow down on with your family members gathered around a table and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- For most folks, pistachio pudding brings back nostalgic memories so it’s a perfect side for any party or holiday occasion!
- Pistachio pudding can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in various desserts. It pairs well with cakes, pies, or as a filling for pastries.
- Pudding is relatively easy to prepare, whether using instant pudding mix or making it from scratch.
Recipe Ingredients
- Crushed pineapple — canned or fresh
- Instant pistachio pudding mix
- Whipped topping — use store-bought frozen or make freshly whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How To Make Pistachio Pudding
Step 1: Combine the crushed pineapple and the instant pudding mix and stir well.
Step 2: Fold in the whipped cream.
Step 3: Fold in the mini marshmallows.
Step 4: Chill for at least 3 hours before serving cold.
Pistachio nuts have a green color to them, which is why the pudding (and this salad) have a light green hue to them.
Yes, pistachio pudding is made of pistachio nuts, and sometimes other nuts are used in it. When making pistachio salad, you can also add chopped pistachios, walnuts, or pecans to the recipe to give it some additional texture and crunch.
Yes, You can! Pistachio salad is a great dish to make 1 to 2 days ahead of when you want to serve it. Just prep it as called for in the instructions, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. Serve chilled.
Expert Tips
- Depending on your taste preferences, you can enhance the pistachio flavor with a touch of almond extract or a sprinkle of ground cardamom. These additions complement the nutty flavor of pistachios.
- Before serving, garnish your pistachio pudding with whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, or fresh berries for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- For a creamier and richer pudding, use whole milk instead of low-fat or skim milk. The higher fat content contributes to a smoother texture and better mouthfeel.
More Holiday Recipes to Consider
Ice Cream
Simple Homemade Ice Cream Recipes
Vegetable Sides
Glazed Honey Roasted Carrots
Breakfast Recipes
Homemade Mother’s Day Menu
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review and share it on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!
4 ingredients Pistachio Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can crushed pineapple, (20 ounce)
- 1 package instant pistachio pudding mix, (3 ounce)
- Frozen whipped topping, thawed (8 ounces) , OR 4 cups freshly whipped cream
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed pineapple and the instant pudding mix and stir well.
- Fold in the whipped cream.
- Fold in the mini marshmallows.
- Chill for at least 3 hours before serving cold.
Notes
- You can add a few chopped pistachios, walnuts, or pecans to this recipe if you like.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the dressing for a tangy twist.
- Incorporate fresh fruits like diced apples, strawberries, or grapes to add a burst of freshness and complementary flavors.
- Consider adding additional textures such as toasted coconut flakes, chopped pecans, or even granola for crunch. This adds depth and interest to each bite.
