Pistachio Mallow Salad

Total Time

Prep: 5 min. + chilling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Nov. 14, 2023
This fluffy pistachio salad is a real treat since it's creamy but not overly sweet. It's easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. It's perfect for St. Patrick's Day, served in a green bowl. —Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas

Ingredients

  • 1 carton (16 ounces) whipped topping
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 6 to 7 drops green food coloring, optional
  • 3 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple tidbits, undrained
  • 1/2 cup chopped pistachios or walnuts
  • Additional whipped topping, optional

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine whipped topping, pudding mix and, if desired, food coloring. Fold in the marshmallows and pineapple. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Just before serving, top with additional whipped topping if desired and sprinkle with nuts.

Pistachio Salad Tips

How do you serve pistachio salad?

We love fluff salad recipes like this pistachio salad because they can pass for a dessert or a side dish. You don't get many opportunities to eat marshmallows before dessert—so don't pass up the chance! If you serve the pistachio salad as a side, try pairing it with glazed sliced ham for a delicious spring meal, and with leftover ham sandwiches the next day. It also goes well with most main dishes you'd find at a potluck or barbecue.

What else can you add to pistachio salad?

One popular topping for pistachio salad is maraschino cherries. You can put a few on top for a pretty pop of color or stir chopped cherries into the salad, or both.

Can you make pistachio salad ahead of time?

Pistachio salad is better when made ahead of time, so put it on your list of foolproof potluck recipes. While we recommend that you prepare it at least 2 hours ahead, you can do it the night before, too. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days—but the longer it sits in the fridge, the wetter it may get because of the pineapple juice. Otherwise, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it fully before serving, or your pistachio fluff salad won't be so fluffy. Make more green foods to pair with your pistachio salad for a St. Patrick's Day party.

—Lauren Pahmeier, Taste of Home Associate Editor

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 236 calories, 9g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.