‘Fluffy stuff’ adds green treat to St. Paddy Day

An easy way to add some “green” to St. Patrick’s Day is this Pistachio Salad.

St. Patrick’s Day will be here on Tuesday, March 17, so I thought something “green” might be appropriate. This Pistachio Salad is a favorite at pot-luck dinners. I always have requests to bring it, even though it is a super simple recipe. Some folks ask for “that green salad with marshmallows.” My favorite request was for me to bring “the green fluffy stuff.” I know exactly what they want and am happy to make it -- especially since it is easy and can even be prepared a day ahead to save time.

The Pistachio Salad is creamy and not overly sweet. Some consider it a salad while others save it for dessert.

Pistachio Salad

1 container (16 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed

1 small box pistachio pudding mix

3 cups miniature marshmallows

1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple, do not drain

5 or 6 drops green food coloring

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pistachio nuts

In a large bowl, combine Cool Whip, pudding mix and food coloring by hand. Do not use a mixer. Fold in the pineapple and marshmallows. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. Before serving, sprinkle with nuts.