This4 ingredient pistachio saladis a perfect andeasysweet salad for your holiday meal, and it takes just a few minutes to make!

close up of pistachio salad with walnuts on top.

My grandma Jenkins always makes this for Thanksgiving; we just called it “green stuff“. I still love it today and make it for holiday meals when I want something sweet and cooling on the plate to complement all the other heavy,richdishes. If you’re a fan offruit saladsmade with whipped cream and marshmallows, this is reminiscent of that, but with a creamy pistachiopudding basethat is to die for!

I know, I know, the green color might be throwing you off a bit. But I can promise you that you will LOVE this stuff, especially for a special occasion like Thanksgiving. And it’s kid and adult-approved, which is always abig-time bonus, don’t you agree? It comes together injust a few minutes, and it’s such a fun treat to chow down on with your family members gathered around a table and making memories that will last a lifetime.

top view of pistachio salad with walnuts on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

For most folks, pistachio pudding brings backnostalgic memoriesso it’s a perfect side for anyparty or holiday occasion!
Pistachio pudding can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in various desserts. It pairs well withcakes, pies, or as a filling for pastries.
Pudding is relativelyeasy to prepare, whether using instant pudding mix or making it from scratch.

Recipe Ingredients

Crushed pineapple —canned or fresh
Instant pistachio pudding mix
Whipped topping —use store-bought frozen ormake freshly whipped cream
Mini marshmallows

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

raw ingredients for pistachio jello salad.

How To Make Pistachio Pudding

pistachio jello salad ingredients coming together.

Step 1:Combine the crushed pineapple and the instant pudding mix and stir well.

Step 2:Fold in the whipped cream.

Pistachio jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

Step 3:Fold in the mini marshmallows.

Step 4:Chill for at least 3 hours before serving cold.

Why is pistachio pudding green?

Pistachio nuts have a green color to them, which is why the pudding (and this salad) have a light green hue to them.

Does pistachio pudding have nuts?

Yes, pistachio pudding is made of pistachio nuts, and sometimes other nuts are used in it. When making pistachio salad, you can also add chopped pistachios, walnuts, or pecans to the recipe to give it some additional texture and crunch.

Can you make pistachio salad ahead of time?

Yes, You can! Pistachio salad is a great dish to make 1 to 2 days ahead of when you want to serve it. Just prep it as called for in the instructions, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. Serve chilled.

Thanksgiving dinner on a plate, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, and pistachio salad.

Expert Tips

Depending on your taste preferences, you can enhance the pistachio flavor with a touch ofalmond extract or a sprinkle of ground cardamom. These additions complement the nutty flavor of pistachios.
Before serving,garnish your pistachio puddingwith whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, or fresh berries for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
For a creamier and richer pudding,use whole milkinstead of low-fat or skim milk. The higher fat content contributes to a smoother texture and better mouthfeel.