Pistachio Fluff Salad is a quick and easy dessert salad that combines the creamy sweetness of pistachio pudding with the tangy fruitiness of crushed pineapple and the light, chewy texture of mini marshmallows. It’s a nostalgic dish perfect for holiday potlucks or casual gatherings.
You’ll love this salad because it is light, fluffy, and bursting with vibrant flavors. The pudding mix and pineapple blend perfectly, while the whipped topping and marshmallows add a delightful creaminess and texture contrast. It’s a colorful, no-bake dessert that’s simple to prepare and enjoys broad appeal.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes JELL-O Instant Pistachio pudding mix (3.4 oz each)
- 1 can crushed pineapple (20 oz), undrained
- 16 oz Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 bag mini marshmallows (10 oz)
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, combine pistachio pudding mix with crushed pineapple. Stir until well blended.
-
Fold in Cool Whip and mini marshmallows gently until uniform.
-
Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and salad to thicken.
-
Garnish with maraschino cherries before serving or fold them into the salad just prior to serving, as desired.

Tips for Success
-
Use instant pistachio pudding mix for convenience and bright flavor.
-
Mix until well combined but not overly vigorous to maintain fluffiness.
-
Allow ample chilling time to set the fluff properly.
-
Drain pineapple slightly if needed to prevent watery texture.
-
Use fresh maraschino cherries for vibrant color.
Delicious Variations
-
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
-
Substitute some Cool Whip with Greek yogurt for tang and health boost.
-
Fold in mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
-
Use fresh or frozen berries in place of cherries.
-
Try flavored whipped toppings for different taste angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this salad be made ahead?
Yes, prepare up to 24 hours ahead and keep refrigerated.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in a sealed container for 2-3 days for best quality.
Are frozen cranberries usable?
This recipe uses fresh cranberries; substitutions are not recommended.
Can I substitute other pudding flavors?
Pistachio is traditional; try vanilla or cheesecake pudding for variety.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Print
Pistachio Fluff Salad
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, fruity no-bake dessert salad blending pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and fluffy whipped topping. Light, vibrant green, and perfect for potlucks or holiday tables.
Ingredients
2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
16 oz Cool Whip, thawed
10 oz bag mini marshmallows
Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
Combine pudding and pineapple: Stir undrained crushed pineapple with pistachio pudding mix until blended and slightly thickened.
-
Combine pudding and pineapple: In a large mixing bowl, stir the undrained crushed pineapple with pistachio pudding mix until fully blended and slightly thickened.
-
Add creamy layer: Gently fold in Cool Whip until evenly combined.
-
Incorporate marshmallows: Add mini marshmallows and mix lightly until distributed throughout.
-
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.
-
Garnish & serve: Before serving, top with maraschino cherries or fold them in for added color. Serve cold.
Add creamy layer: Gently fold in Cool Whip until evenly combined. Incorporate marshmallows: Lightly mix in mini marshmallows. Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor. Garnish & serve: Top with maraschino cherries or fold in before serving. Serve cold.
Notes
Use instant pudding for quick prep and smooth blending.
Avoid overmixing to keep fluffy texture.
Drain pineapple if releasing excess liquid.
Chill thoroughly for stable fluff consistency.
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 recipe
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 10
Keywords: pistachio fluff salad, pistachio pudding dessert, ambrosia pudding salad, green fluff salad, holiday potluck dessert


