Learning how to make Pistachio Mallow Salad is a right of passage for some midwestern kids. I learned standing by my mom’s side and it brings back fond memories! If you love easy desserts that you will be proud to bring to any gathering, try my Piggy Pie Dessert, Oreo Fluff, and Peanut Butter Oreo Dessert.
Pistachio Fluff
So apparently this is also called a Watergate Salad. I hadn’t heard that name until I became a recipe writer and was curious to know more. This recipe has been around for more years than I have been alive and consumed by many!
What is a Fluff recipe?
Typically it is an instant pudding base with whipped topping added to create a lighter and “fluffier” texture. This recipe is a pistachio pudding base, whipped topping, and the fruit of choice, pineapple. There are a few variations like the number of boxes of pudding to use, the garnish (some, like my grandma, always put a cherry on top!), and the ingredients. Some folks add coconut, some add mandarin oranges, some add chopped walnut to the salad, and some make homemade whipped topping instead of store-bought. It seems that no matter what variation you choose, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser! I have a few fluff recipes including Cranberry Fluff (perfect for the holidays), Blueberry Lemon Fluff, and Pineapple Fluff.
How to Serve Pistachio Fluff
When attending an event I make it in a big bowl and bring a big spoon. (Who doesn’t love a giant helping of pistachio fluff?) But when at home I like to serve it in individual bowls.
It is recommended that you serve pistachio fluff cold, but my experiences lead me in a different direction. I can remember many a neighborhood get-together where it was served next to jello, potato salad, and cheese balls. It has usually sat out for a bit before we got to dive in which meant my fondest memories are of eating it warm. Not saying this is the way to serve it, just that it is how I remember eating it and therefore how I like it today. 🙂
Pistachio Fluff Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces whipped topping, plus more for garnish (optional)
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 can (20 ounce) crushed pineapple, do not drain
- ½ cup chopped pistachios or walnuts
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the whipped topping, pistachio pudding, marshmallows, and pineapple.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour. (Can be chilled up to 48 hours prior to serving.)
- When you are ready to serve, top with additional whipped topping and sprinkle with chopped pistachio. (If you are like my grandma, you add one maraschino cherry on top!)
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Is there something else that can be used instead of marshmallows?
I don’t know your age, but I am 73 and have been eating Watergate Salad for most of my life so I’m thinking it came before your Pistachio Fluff.
lol of course it did!! Pistachio fluff is Watergate Salad and no, I am not saying I invented it.
do you make the pudding first or use it dry in the whipped topping
Hello
Pistashio Fluff recipe, do you make the pudding according to directions, or do you add dry ingredients to whip topping?
Thank you!
I add maraschino cherry halves. Been making this forever, and you’re right, it’s delicious!
Fiancée is allergic to pineapple so what can I use as a substitute
Thanks
You can omit pineapple. Or try mango.
Pistachio Fluff looks yummy! Have to try it!
I would make this and put it in a Graham cracker crust pie shell. Refrigerate. Cut and serve.
You put the dry pistachio pudding in with the crushed pineapple … used the juice from the pineapple to mix the pudding then I add the cool whip. It says whipped topping… do not use the aerosol can of whipped topping. Needs to be a frozen cool whip type of topping. If you add other stuff with juice, I would drain the juice first. Such as mandarin oranges, other mixed fruit. I don’t like nuts in mine, so I omit them. I put pine in a ready made pie shell and make a pie with it. Quick, easy, tasty treat!
We call it green stuff and we have a pink version of ambrosia salad that we call the pink stuff lol