My mom is famous for this pistachio pudding salad, and while it is more dessert than salad, it's still the perfect summer side dish!
Okay, maybe this pistachio pudding salad isn't an official St. Patrick's Day recipe but it is green and it is delicious. That's reason enough to make it and devour it. Plus it's so ridiculously easy to throw together you'll wonder why you haven't made it every St. Patrick's Day (and every family get-together).
You're probably wondering why it's called pistachio pudding salad instead of pistachio pudding dessert of yumminess. If I had my choice, it would be the latter but I don't often get my way when it comes to common names for delightful side dishes.
Good thing I get my way the other 99 percent of the time.
The only thing you need for this St. Patrick's Day-themed pistachio pudding salad is pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, marshmallows and whipped topping. Gently mix them together, refrigerate and that's it! Crazy easy, right? Good thing because if it becomes your 8-year-old's favorite side dish, you'll be making it all the time.
Printable recipe for pistachio pudding salad below.
- 1 (3.5-oz) package pistachio pudding
- 1 (20-oz) can crushed pineapple in juice
- 1 (10-oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 1 (8-oz) container whipped topping, thawed
- In a large bowl combine pudding mix and pineapple. Add mini marshmallows and toss to coat. Gently fold in whipped topping until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving or overnight.
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
I remember eating this all the time growing up. So fun!
Emily Hill
I'm not kidding when I say it's my 8YO's favorite side dish!
Anne Marie
Thank you for posting this! I used to have it all the time growing up, but I forgot what it was called. My kids will love it! :)
Emily Hill
Yay! This was meant to be!
Maureen
I haven't had this salad/dessert since I was a kid. I live in Australia now and we don't have pudding in a box. I'd love to have it again - great memories.
Emily Hill
Oh my! How much is it to shop a box of pudding mix? If it's not too expensive I'll send you some (for reals). :)
dina
this is a great easy dessert for st. patty's day!
Emily Hill
Why, thank you!
Jan
I hVe always known this recipe as Watergate Salad, but my friend just calls it the green stuff. ;-)
Emily Hill
I've never heard it called that before! What a creative name!
Linda L
My grandma always made this for Thanksgiving and Christmas but she put pecans in it too and this was pre cool whip days so she used a box mix called Dream Whip. Might need to make this for turkey day! Good memories! :)
Emily Hill
Pecans sounds really yummy! And I think I remember that Dream Whip!
Jen R
Do you drain the pineapple juice first, or dump the pineapples in the bowl juice and all?
Emily Hill
You just dump the crushed pineapple in the bowl, juice and all. The juice mixes with the instant pudding mix in place of adding water. Hope you like it!
Jen R
Thank you. That's what I though but wanted to be sure.
Audra
I've never tried Pistachio pudding --- but I will, for you <3. Thanks for sharing!
Emily Hill
Hope you like it!
Susie
Sounds yummy. Do You make the pudding first. Or just pour the pudding dry from box. I am sorry. This is new for me. Thank you.
Emily Hill
You dump the box of dry mix into the bowl and combine it with the pineapple. No need to make the pudding beforehand! The juice from the pineapple makes it all come together!