This Pistachio Fluff salad is a simple no-bake dessert recipe that’s perfect for the summer, holidays, or any time. You may have also heard it called “Grinch Fluff” because of the green color and red sprinkles, which are reminiscent of Christmas! Every time I make this pistachio salad, there are never any leftovers.
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I make this pistachio fluff recipe with pineapple and Cool Whip for a fruity flavor and a creamy texture. It's a great combination with the pistachio pudding and fluffy marshmallows.
If you like easy fluff recipes, you will love Orange Fluff Salad and Easy Oreo Fluff Recipe.
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Why You Will Love This Pistachio Pudding Fluff Recipe
- Crowd favorite: Everyone loves the balanced flavors and delightful texture of this dessert. This makes it the perfect treat for a party!
- Easy to make: Making this pistachio pudding salad consists of just mixing the ingredients - it’s that simple!
- Budget-friendly: This recipe uses inexpensive ingredients that fit even the tightest budget.
Ingredients
The base of this Jello pistachio fluff recipe uses only 4 ingredients that are easy to find. I like to add fun garnishes to make it stand out.
- Crushed pineapple: Do not drain the can of pineapple! I like to add it straight into the bowl with the juice because it adds even more flavor. Feel free to use diced pineapple instead if you prefer.
- Pistachio pudding mix: Just add the dry mix - don’t prepare it according to the package directions. I don’t add milk to this recipe.
- Mini marshmallows: Using mini marshmallows ensures that you get one in every bite. I don’t recommend using the large ones.
- Whipped topping: Gives this pistachio fruit salad its creamy texture and adds a subtle sweetness. I prefer the Cool Whip brand, but you can use your favorite.
- Sprinkles: I use a combination of green sugar sprinkles, red regular sprinkles, and red heart sprinkles. You can use any of these, try different colors, or just leave them off.
- Maraschino cherries: I love the bright color of maraschino cherries as a garnish on this pistachio pineapple fluff.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even pistachios add a crunchy texture to this recipe.
- Mixed berry: Swap the pineapple for chopped strawberries and blueberries for a sweet berry version.
- Mango lime: To amp up the tropical flavors, add diced mango and garnish with fresh lime zest.
How to Make Pistachio Fluff
It only takes about 10 minutes to mix all of the ingredients for this pistachio pineapple fluff recipe.
Step 1: Combine the pineapple and pudding mix. Add the crushed pineapple with the juice and the pistachio pudding mix to a large mixing bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Add the marshmallows and Cool Whip. Fold in the mini marshmallows and Cool Whip until everything is fully mixed and creamy.
Step 3: Refrigerate. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Garnish and serve. Top the finished fluff with maraschino cherries, green sugar sprinkles, red sprinkles, and heart sprinkles. Enjoy a scoop (or two)!
⭐ Hint: Add more mini marshmallows on top for extra sweetness and texture.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff Salad.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday drink pairing: At the end of your party, serve this with a festive beverage like Christmas Punch.
- Finish a holiday meal: Serve this recipe as a light dessert after Christmas dinner! Try a yummy Glazed Spiral Ham, Cornbread and Sage Stuffing, and Garlic Butter Carrots.
- Keep the theme: Make it a Grinchy affair and pair the pistachio fluff fruit salad with Grinch Hot Chocolate and Grinch Rice Krispie Treat Pops.
Expert Tips
- Chill the bowl: Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before you combine the ingredients. This will help keep the whipped topping cold, making it easier to mix.
- Storage directions: Store leftovers tightly covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make it ahead: This recipe needs some time in the refrigerator to set and can be made up to 24 hours before serving!
- Add food coloring: If you want an even more pronounced green color, add a couple of drops of green food coloring.
Recipe FAQs
Sure! Use very cold heavy whipping cream and beat until soft peaks form. It’s super simple!
Of course! For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy store-bought whipped topping or make your own using coconut cream.
I do not recommend freeing this fluff salad. As it thaws, it will separate and become very watery, so it's best made fresh.
Video
More Delicious Cool Whip Dishes
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Pistachio Fluff (Grinch Fluff)
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with the liquid)
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed but refrigerated
- 2 tablespoons green sugar sprinkles
- 2 tablespoons red sprinkles
- 1 tablespoon red heart sprinkles
- ¼ cup maraschino cherries
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple and pudding mix. Use a spoon or spatula to mix and fold until the two are completely combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping and mini marshmallows.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the tub of whipped topping and mini marshmallows until there are no longer any white streaks.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
- Garnish with green sugar sprinkles, red sprinkles, heart sprinkles and maraschino cherries.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Chill the bowl: Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before you combine the ingredients. This will help keep the whipped topping cold, making it easier to mix.
- Storage directions: Store leftovers tightly covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make it ahead: This recipe needs some time in the refrigerator to set and can be made up to 24 hours before serving!
- Add food coloring: If you want an even more pronounced green color, add a couple of drops of green food coloring.
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