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Pistachio Salad Recipe
![close up shot of a large bowl of pistachio salad topped with whipped cream and crushed pistachios](https://thebestblogrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pistachio-Salad-instagram-post--150x150.jpg)
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This pistachio salad is irresistibly fluffy and sweet, making it a favorite at any gathering. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, blending creamy pudding with whipped cream, pineapple, and crunchy coconut for a dessert that bursts with tropical flavors.
![close up shot of a large bowl of pistachio salad topped with whipped cream and crushed pistachios](https://thebestblogrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pistachio-Salad-Hero1-1.png)
More Recipes ⭐ Lemon Fluff | Orange Fluff | Blueberry Fluff
Pistachio salad is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe combines pistachios, cool whip, and pineapple for a tasty treat. It's quick to prepare and sure to please your guests.
For a customizable twist, add your choice of nuts or fruit to the mix. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a simple family dessert, this pistachio salad recipe is a fantastic choice.
Pistachio Salad Recipe Ingredients
What you'll need to make this dessert with pistachios:
- 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple
- 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes of instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 cup of shredded coconut
- 12 ounces Cool Whip whipped topping
- Chopped pistachios and maraschino cherries for garnish
Substitutions and Additions
These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this pistachio dessert!
MIX-INS: I often add a sprinkle of white or rainbow mini marshmallows to my pistachio pudding dessert salad for a fun touch. You can also toss in some mandarin oranges for extra fruitiness.
NUTS: If pistachio nuts aren’t your family's favorite, feel free to skip them or substitute with walnuts, slivered almonds, or your preferred nuts.
WHIPPED TOPPING: Prefer homemade whipped cream? Find our simple recipe here to enhance this easy fruit salad.
FRUIT: To diversify the fruit flavors, consider adding a can of fruit cocktail to your salad.
CREAM CHEESE: For a creamier texture, mix some cream cheese into the Cool Whip for this delightful pistachio dessert recipe.
How to make Pistachio Cool Whip Salad
This pistachio dessert is wonderfully easy to make, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. Follow our step-by-step guide to whip up this delightful treat in no time!
FIRST STEP: In a large mixing bowl, mix the pineapple and instant pudding mix until the mix has completely dissolved and the pineapple is thick.
Pro Tip
Use the pineapple juice to completely dissolve the pistachio pudding mix.
SECOND STEP: Stir in the coconut and whipped topping with the pudding mixture.
Pro Tip
Gently stir all the ingredients together to avoid breaking the pineapple pieces.
![pistachio salad ingredients being combined in a bowl](https://thebestblogrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pistachio-Salad-Step2.jpg)
THIRD STEP: Transfer to serving bowl and top with chopped pistachios and cherries.
Pro Tip
If possible, let the pistachio fruit salad chill in the fridge for several hours. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
With just a few basic ingredients, you can quickly whip up this pistachio fluff salad. It's easy to prepare, has a pretty green color, travels well, and tastes delicious!
How to serve Pistachio Fruit Salad
Serve your green pistachio salad as a side dish or a creamy dessert. The bright green color adds to its charm, making it a perfect festive treat for St. Patrick’s Day or the holiday season.
Consider renaming it "Frankenstein Salad" for Halloween to delight kids with its vivid hues!
This dish echoes the beloved ambrosia salad, a family favorite. Our Watergate salad recipe, another simple pudding salad, is also a hit for its ease and popularity.
![close up shot of a small bowl of pistachio salad topped with whipped cream and crushed pistachios with a cherry on top](https://thebestblogrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pistachio-Salad-Hero2.jpg)
Why You'll Love This Pistachio Pineapple Salad
Refreshing: The combination of pineapple and pistachio offers a cool, refreshing taste that's perfect for warm weather treats.
Colorful: Bright green pistachios and vibrant pineapple make this salad a visual delight that brightens any meal.
Versatile: Serve it as a dessert or side dish; it's suitable for any occasion, from barbecues to holiday gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe for pistachio salad ahead of time?
Absolutely, it's actually best to prepare this vintage recipe ahead of time. Making it in advance allows the flavors to blend and enhance the taste of the green fluff salad.
How should I store pistachio salad?
Store this classic salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for a few days.
Can I add other fruits to this pistachio salad recipe?
Yes, this pistachio dessert is quite versatile. Adding fruits like red or green grapes, or mandarin oranges, would complement the flavors beautifully.
Is it okay to omit the coconut?
Certainly! You can leave out the coconut from this fluffy dessert salad, and it will still be delightful.
Storing this Pistachio Pudding Fruit Salad
MAKE AHEAD: Prepare this pistachio dessert with cool whip a day in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
IN THE FRIDGE: If you have leftovers of the creamy fruit salad, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for a few days.
IN THE FREEZER: Freezing this dessert is not recommended. The creamy dressing may not hold up well in the freezer.
Fluff Recipes
Pistachio Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boxes pistachio pudding mix (3.4-ounce boxes)
- 20 ounces pineapple (crushed)
- 12 ounces whipped topping
- 1 cup coconut (shredded)
- chopped pistachios and maraschino cherries (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS
- In a large bowl, mix the pineapple and pudding mix until the has completely dissolved and the pineapple is thick.
- Stir in the coconut and whipped topping.
- Transfer to serving bowl and top with chopped pistachios and cherries.
Notes
- You can use the pineapple juice to dissolve the pudding mix.
- Stir all of the ingredients together carefully, as you don’t want to break apart the pineapple pieces.
- If you have the time, allow this pistachio fruit salad to chill for several hours in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to mingle together in your salad.
Comments
Kimber says
Served this as a side dish at Easter and everyone loved it! Will definitely make it again soon.