Pistachio Salad: A take on ambrosia salad recipes that uses simple ingredients like fruit, pudding mix, and marshmallows that’s great for dipping!
Pistachio Salad
If you’re like me at all, looking at this pistachio salad may have you thinking…
“Um… will something like looks like “Slimer” from Ghostbusters really taste good?”
To be honest, after we experimented and mixed this all together, I was sure it was going to go in the trash. Until I tasted it. O.M.G.
After I finally stopped scarfing this down with a spoon, I decided to try dipping graham crackers in it, so it could also serve as a finger food dessert for a party, and that made it even better!
How to Make Pistachio Salad
Get the full recipe card with instructions below!
Readers had been asking for more salad recipes, and I knew that this could mean anything from lettuce salads, to dessert salads… so I did some research.
Come to find out, a pistachio salad was a very requested dessert salad by readers, so after checking out a few different recipes on Pinterest to get an idea of how it was made, this pistachio pudding salad was born, and I’m so glad that it was.
What You’ll Need to Make Pistachio Salad
- pistachio pudding mix
- cool whip
- marshmallows
- mandarin oranges (and the juice)
- graham crackers for dipping
Fruit for Pistachio Salad
We used mandarin oranges for this recipe, but feel free to use pineapple instead, as that’s a popular fruit to use for pistachio salad recipes!
I’ve also noticed that some will put cherries in this type of salad, and my boys would LOVE that. I wish I had some of those for this recipe, as it would have added a beautiful pop of color to it too!
Pistachio Pudding
Using a pistachio pudding mix, this easily gives the salad a flavor that mixes so well with the sweetness of the cool whip, marshmallows, and mandarin oranges & juice… leaving the perfect combination!
Simply pour in the pistachio pudding mix in to a medium-sized mixing bowl…
Mix in the cool whip…
… and the mandarin oranges with some of the juices (see note below) and the marshmallows.
You’ll Love These!
Gently mix until combined!
NOTE: Gradually add more mandarin juice until the pudding mix is no longer “grainy” and the salad has a creamy texture!
Pistachio Salad Dip
Although you can eat and serve this pistachio salad as a dish to eat with a fork or spoon, it is DELICIOUS to serve with graham crackers, as a dip.
So the next time you’re asked to bring an easy dessert to a party or family gathering, this pistachio salad may just be a good one to turn to!
Pistachio Salad
Ingredients
- 1 3.4 pistachio pudding mix DO NOT MAKE PUDDING
- 1.5 cups cool whip
- half of 15 oz. can mandarin oranges retaining some of the juice
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- graham crackers optional
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix together the pistachio pudding mix with the cool whip.
- Chop the mandarin oranges into small pieces and place into bowl, and add about a tablespoon of the juices from the can.
- Add in marshmallows and stir everything to combine.
- Gradually add more mandarin juice until the pudding mix is no longer “grainy” and the salad has a creamy texture!
- Eat/serve alone as a side dish/dessert, or serve for dipping with graham crackers.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
More Easy Desserts
If you love dessert, and you love easy recipes… then you’re DEFINITELY in the right place. Browse our easy dessert recipes to have a place to turn when you’re in the mood for something sweet, and quick!
Megan says
I love this stuff! I make a similar recipe in the summer and eat it nonstop! Haven’t tried it with mandarin oranges (my version has pineapple) but I bet the oranges are really good! Also I add chopped pecans to mine, gives it a good crunch!
Jessica says
Ooooh! I LOOOVE a crunch to anything, so I’ll have to try that! Thank you so much Megan!
Joanne says
Going to make and going to add pistachios.
Jessica says
YUM!!! If you think about it, let me know how it is! I think it sounds great!
Kristyn says
This is seriously so good!! One of the yummiest salads & always a hit!! Pistachio is such a good flavor!
Jessica says
Thank you Kristyn!! I totally agree!
Sommer says
I make this year around! A family favorite.
Jessica says
Mmmm!! I could eat it all year too! 🙂 Thank you!
Natasha says
This is the cutest little side salad for our St. Patrick’s Day dinner!
Jessica says
Aww! YES! That’s a great idea to serve for St. Patrick’s Day!
Aimee Shugarman says
Our family eats this regularly in the summer. So fun to make it a dip!!
Jen says
My boys love it especially because it looks like Slimer, haha! It’s my go to for all potlucks and picnics during the summer.
Jessica says
Awww!!! Haha!!! That’s hysterical!
Marty says
What we love is substituting the pistachio pudding for instant coconut pudding, then use the pineapple and everything else just like the original recipe. I also add a handful of coconut and some chopped pecans. SO GOOD,
Jessica says
Mmm! That sounds AMAZING!! Thank you!