Pistachio Pudding Salad

This pistachio salad is the delicious sweet, creamy and fruity dish like your grandma used to make! With just a handful of ingredients, it is so easy to make and is sure to be a hit!

The word salad is funny.

If you say salad to me I think of leafy greens, fresh veggies, maybe some shredded cheese and croutons and dressing.

It’s a standard side dish at most restaurants, or throw in some chicken, or steak and it’s a dinner.

However, I have recently been perusing my Grandma’s recipe box and I have realized that back in the day salad meant something entirely different.

In the “salad” section of Grandma’s recipe box there are a ton of recipes that involve cool whip, pudding, marshmallows, and jello…. quite different from the salads that we think of!

But let’s face it, these old fashioned “salads” are delicious, they are a fantastic addition to holiday meals, potlucks, parties, anywhere a delicious sweet and creamy dish would be appreciated.

This pistachio dessert salad has a beautiful green color that makes it perfect for St. Patrick’s day, Easter, or even Christmas. It will become one of your favorite side dishes for any occasion!

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This pistachio salad is a little different from some recipes that are floating around out there. Often pistachio salad is called Watergate Salad and it has chopped nuts and marshmallows in it and is made with Cool Whip. This recipe doesn’t have marshmallows or nuts and it’s made with sour cream… which I know sounds weird.

But the sour cream combines with the pudding mix to create an amazingly creamy texture that is smooth and sweet and perfect.

You might have also heard this recipe called pistachio delight, pistachio fluff salad, pistachio pineapple delight, green fluff salad, or even the very flattering names green stuff or green goop! Whatever you call it this simple salad is always a hit! Made with just four ingredients, instant pudding mix, a can of pineapple, sour cream, and coconut this classic recipe is a super easy dessert!

Additions & Variations-

This creamy dessert is perfect the way it is but if you want to mix it up a little there are several ingredients that make delicious additions.

Miniature marshmallows– These are a classic in pudding fluff salad recipes and they make a great addition to this one. If you are adding them don’t drain the pineapple, they will absorb the excess liquid and delicious flavor. Allow the salad to sit for at least 2 hours before serving.

Maraschino Cherries- Cherries make a great topping for this salad or a delicious addition. They are also great for making it a festive red and green addition to holiday tables! Add about 1/4-1/2 cup of drained cherries that have been patted dry. Or arrange them on the top of your salad.

Chopped Pistachios– To add a bit of crunch to this creamy fruit salad you can add some extra nuts! Chop shelled pistachios and add about 1/3 cup to add some texture to this salad!

Use Pineapple Chunks- If you want bigger pieces of pineapple in your salad you can swap out the crushed pineapple for pineapple chunks.

How to store this pistachio salad- This pistachio pudding salad recipe is great for making ahead of family gatherings or parties. It keeps beautifully and having it ready in advance can free up time in the kitchen for other things. Store it refrigerated in an airtight container or cover the bowl with plastic wrap to store.

Here’s What You’ll Need For This Pistachio Salad-

1- Box Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix

2- Cups Sour Cream

1- Can Crushed Pineapple

1 1/2- Cup Shredded Coconut

Here’s how to make this creamy pistachio salad

In a large mixing bowl mix together your dry pistachio pudding mix and sour cream until well blended.

Drain your crushed pineapple but reserve the juice. Mix the pineapple and coconut in the pudding mixture until well blended.

Now if your pistachio salad is a little too thick you can gradually add in the pineapple juice until you get the consistency you’d like, or you can just leave it as it is.

You can serve it immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to eat!

You can serve it as is or add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and coconut as a tasty and beautiful garnish!