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Pistachio Salad is a retro dessert salad recipe that also makes a great side dish! This fluff salad has pineapple, pistachios, marshmallows, and cherries!
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Pistachio Salad
Some of you may remember this dish from your childhood. It seems like every family had their own way of making it – and they were all delicious!
I remember my mom and grandma making this easy salad many times growing up. It is almost dessert-like but makes a great side dish, too. It’s a nice change from the typical coleslaw, potato salad, or macaroni salad … and perfect for warm weather! It’s also a holiday favorite!
Pistachio Salad Recipe
- pistachio instant pudding
- crushed pineapple
- chopped nuts
- miniature marshmallows
- frozen whipped topping
- maraschino cherries, optional
How to make dessert salad recipes
Time needed: 2 hours and 20 minutes
How to make Pistachio Salad
- In a large bowl combine the dry pudding mix with pineapple, nuts, and marshmallows.
- Add the whipped topping and mix well.
- If using, mix in the cherries.
- Chill until serving, at least 2 hours.
Pistachio Salad: FAQs
Be sure to read this section if you run into any problems or have questions about the recipes before leaving a comment.
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Yes! It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
You can freeze it! Make sure it’s wrapped well in plastic wrap before freezing. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
I wouldn’t call it healthy … but everything in moderation can be part of a healthy diet.
My personal opinion – pistachios, pecans, or walnuts. Use whatever kind of nuts your family likes.
For my family, we sometimes serve this as a fruit salad. Anywhere it makes sense to serve a fruit salad, it makes sense to serve this dish, in my opinion. It’s especially nice on days when it’s too hot to cook much – so we tend to serve it more when we have cookouts with a burger or hot dogs. It’s also a staple at every holiday!
My family always added them , so I do too. If you prefer, you can totally leave them out!
How did you like this recipe?
Doesn’t this recipe take you back to the good old days?! If you’re old enough to remember this dish, then you know how much of a blast from the past this is – everyone had a recipe for this salad!
I would love to know what your thoughts are … did you run into any problems or did you change it up? Maybe you loved it and it brought back a flood of memories. Let me know about your experience in the comments!
Other recipes you may enjoy
- Cherry Chiffon Salad
- Caramel Apple Snickers Salad
- Orange Fluff Salad
- Pina Colada Fluff
- Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad
Pistachio Salad
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box pistachio instant pudding, 3.4 oz.
- 1 can crushed pineapple, 20 oz.
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- 1 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 container frozen whipped topping, thawed, 8 oz.
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the dry pudding mix with pineapple, nuts, and marshmallows.
- Add the whipped topping and mix well.
- If using, mix in the cherries.
- Chill until serving, at least 2 hours.
Notes
- In my opinion, the best nuts to use for this are pistachios, pecans, or walnuts.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally published on July 8, 2012. Updated on September 9, 2020.
I would like to thank you for sharing this recipe. Pistachios are my favorite nut and I use them for this salad – chopped. Thank you also for your wonderful blog and sharing so many family-friendly recipes.
My mother in law made this for just about every family dinner. It will please hubs & my kids to re awaken that memory. 🙂 for what it's worth
My sister makes a very similar salad and it is so light and refreshing! Thank you for sharing with Foodie Friends Friday! Please join us again this week for our red, white and blue party!
This salad is a Thanksgiving and Christmas tradition at my table for my family! I too call it Watergate salad.
thanks for linking in. Have a super week.
You too, Carole! Thanks for the party 🙂