Pistachio Salad

4.8
(315)
260 Reviews
11 Photos

This pistachio salad is super simple to make with pistachio pudding mix, whipped topping, and marshmallows for a classic dessert. This recipe can be changed to suit your tastes by adding additional fruit or nuts.

Submitted by Margit Wallin
Updated on March 6, 2024
11
2 cups of pistachio salad
11
11
11
Prep Time:
5 mins
Additional Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
12
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This retro pistachio salad recipe is bursting with nostalgic. 

What Is Pistachio Salad?

Pistachio salad (a.k.a. Watergate salad) is a dessert salad or side dish made with pistachio pudding, canned fruit, whipped topping, and marshmallows. The original recipe was published by General Foods under the title "Pistachio Pineapple Delight."

Pistachio Salad Ingredients

These are the four ingredients you’ll need to make this easy pistachio salad recipe: 

  • Canned pineapple: This recipe starts with a drained 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple.
  • Pistachio pudding mix: A package of pistachio-flavored instant pudding mix gives the salad its signature flavor and color. 
  • Whipped topping: A container of thawed frozen whipped topping gives the pistachio salad its fluffy texture. 
  • Marshmallows: The classic pistachio salad wouldn’t be complete without mini marshmallows.

How to Make Pistachio Salad

Combine the pineapple and pudding mix in a bowl, fold in the whipped topping and marshmallow, and let it sit in the fridge until chilled. That’s all there is to it! Find the full, step-by-step recipe below for detailed instructions. 

Can You Make Pistachio Salad Ahead of Time? 

Sure! You can make the pistachio salad up to four days in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“Awesome,” says one Allrecipes community member. “I put baked coconut in it and on top! It was beautiful!”

“This is an easy, quick and very good salad,” raves Linda Harrison.

“I have always loved this recipe, but I find it really sweet,” according to tessgin3. “To tone it down a bit, I add a 16-ounce container of cottage cheese.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

  • 1 (3 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix

  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

  • ½ (10.5 ounce) package miniature marshmallows

Directions

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Combine pineapple and dry pistachio pudding mix in a large bowl. Fold in thawed whipped topping and marshmallows until well mixed.

  3. Refrigerate until chilled and serve.

    closeup of a parfait glass of instant pistachio pudding, whipped topping, and mini marshmallow salad garnished with a maraschino cherry

    Tammy Lynn
399 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

159 Calories
5g Fat
29g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 159
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Sodium 133mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 29g 11%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 24g
Protein 1g 1%
Vitamin C 4mg 5%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 61mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.