Pistachio Pudding Jello Salad
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Pistachio Pudding Jello Salad – This simple festive side dish is silky smooth and full of flavors that will have your guests begging for the recipe!
Want more recipe ideas? Try my Berry Cheesecake Salad, Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Salad, and Cranberry Fluff Salad next!
Last year for Thanksgiving at my in-laws, someone made and brought a big bowl of green fluff. If I had known what it was before I tried it, there’s a good chance I’d have passed it up. But what really went down was something more like this… “ooh, look at the pretty green fluffy stuff, I want some! Mmmmmmm, this is delicious, I think I’ll have a second helping, and a third! Hey, what is this stuff anyway? Pistachio what???”
Yes, truthfully pistachio pudding probably would have sounded gross to me. Somewhat shallow, I know. But if we’re being completely honest, I am absolutely one of those people who judge books by their cover. How can you not?? If the cover isn’t compelling, what are the chances the inside will be very intriguing? I will admit, sometimes a book’s cover is not a good reflection of what is written inside, and that really annoys me. In my utopian mindset every book cover would reflect exactly what you were about to read, without giving away the whole story. But again… that would be in my perfect world which does not currently exist.
For my own sake, I am so glad I didn’t know what that salad was before trying it last year. It was so delicious, I’ve had a craving for it in the back of my mind ever since last Thanksgiving! So this year for our round one Thanksgiving dinner at my parents, I brought my version of this Pistachio Pudding Jello Salad. SO GOOD! And I just have to say, my executive chef brother in law gave me two thumbs up on this dish which never happens. Really. It never happens. So you know it has to be ah-mazing if my gourmet food-snob (i say that with love!) brother in law even loved it! The perfect side dish for your holiday meal with a smooth, creamy texture and incredible, surprising flavors, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
More Recipes to Try
- 3 Ingredient Old Fashioned Potato Candy (no bake) – sweet, soft, and nostalgic.
- Tropical Trail Mix – instant island getaway in snack form.
- Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’mores – for the sweet and savory lovers!
When you make this recipe, snap a photo and tag me on social – I love connecting with you and seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!
Pistachio Pudding Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 1 3.4-ounce instant pistachio pudding mix, dry
- 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 8 ounces cool whip , (I used sugar free), thawed
- 2 cups mini marshmallows, divided
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine pistachio pudding mix and pineapple and stir to combine. Stir in cool whip until smooth. Add 1 cup marshmallows and gently stir to combine. Spread mixture into a large casserole dish (you can also serve this in a large bowl or trifle dish). Scatter remaining marshmallows and pecans over the top of the mixture. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Pecans? Can I use pistachios?
Of course 🙂
This is easy-peasy and delicious. My entire family loves this recipe!!
Does this set up well enough to use a jello mold?
I would say no, but I’ve never tried!
I have had this salad for years but did not know how to make it. Thanks. Now I don’t have to wait for someone else to fix it.
You are welcome! 😉
Is the pistachio pudding instant or cook kind?
It’s instant 🙂
Needed something quick and easy to make and this was perfect! It’s delicious! I even added come coconut for a little pizazz. Family loved it!
Tiffany, you are a darling girl. I wonder if you have made any cooking videos.
This pistachio pudding recipe is indeed delicious. It is also served in a graham cracker pie crust as a dessert, and I like it best that way. As you may or may not know, it has been printed on the Jello Pistachio Pudding box for many, many years and is copyrighted by Kraft Foods. You have made a few minor adjustments in the measurements, but still it is Kraft’s recipe. The name they gave it was Watergate Salad. A little irony in that, I would say.
I actually just recreated this recipe after having tasted my sister in law’s friend’s recipe at a family party. I did not know that it was on the back of a pudding box or that Kraft first created a recipe like this. Thanks for the info!
Where’s the Jello in this??
The jello is the Jello Pistachio Pudding. 🙂
Hi…This is an incredibly easy and delicious dish. Also known as ‘Watergate Salad’. Great on
a buffet.
Yum! This looks delcious! I wish I could get pistachio pudding in the UK!
Why is the UK lacking in so many necessary delicious things?!?! Maybe you can order it online!