There's something magical about those nostalgic recipes that transport you straight back to potlucks and family gatherings. Watergate Salad - also lovingly known as Pistachio Fluff or Pistachio Delight - is one of those wonderfully retro dishes that's stood the test of time. Watergate Salad is an easy, 5-ingredient Pistachio Fluff Salad, made with pistachio instant pudding, pineapple, cool whip, nuts, and marshmallows. This creamy, fluffy green dessert salad is not only incredibly easy to make but guaranteed to bring smiles to faces!
I grew up loving a salad that was more like a dessert call pistachio fluff in our house but watergate salad in many other houses. I don't feel like it is really a holiday without some green fluff! This cool whip salad is very similar to my Strawberry Tapioca Salad and brings back so many memories of childhood. It is an old fashioned salad recipe sort of like the strawberry pretzel salad.
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What is in Watergate Salad?
The ingredients in the Watergate salad are the old-fashioned go-to ingredients our mothers and grandmothers used to make this green jello salad.
- Pistachio Instant Pudding - The small 3.4-ounce box of instant pistachio pudding is what you need for this recipe. There is no substitute for this flavor of pudding.
- Pineapple - Crushed pineapple works best for this recipe. I have also used pineapple tidbits for this recipe giving the salad larger pineapple pieces. This really balances the marshmallows.
- Whipped Topping - Let's be honest, this is cool whip, regardless of if you buy the store brand or name brand. Nothing compares to this freezer treasure.
- Marshmallows - Mini marshmallows are what you need for this. Again no substitute for these pillows of sweetness.
- Nuts - You have options for the nuts. Walnuts or pecans work best. I have a preference towards the pecans but if you are a walnut person, then go that direction.
What is the difference between Watergate Salad and Pistachio Fluff?
Ever wondered about that unique name? While its origins are somewhat disputed, the most popular story links this fluffy green dessert to the infamous Watergate scandal of the 1970s. Some say it was created by a chef at the Watergate Hotel, while others claim it was simply named to capitalize on the era's biggest news story. Regardless of its name's origin, this retro dessert has remained a beloved staple at American gatherings for decades.
NUTS - that is the difference. If you have an aversion to nuts, then you want to make Pistachio Fluff Salad and not Watergate Salad. So, be an expert and serve your green fluff salad with confidence, with or without the nuts.
How to Make Watergate Salad Recipe?
Make your life easier and make this salad in the bowl you want to serve the salad in. In this large serving bowl, mix the instant pistachio pudding and crushed pineapple with the pineapple juice together.
Then, fold in the whipped topping and mini marshmallows. Yes, David, fold it in. Sorry, I just love Schitt's Creek. Now, if you are not adding nuts, stop right there. You have pistachio fluff salad!
If you are making the old-fashioned Watergate salad, then stir in your chopped nuts. For both versions refrigerate for two hours or longer to chill and set up.
When it is time to serve, have some additional nuts to garnish the salad with as well as some maraschino cherries. It will be a fancy little salad that will feel like a dessert.
Whether you're discovering this retro classic for the first time or recreating a cherished family favorite, Watergate Salad is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. It's simple, delicious, and carries that wonderful blend of nostalgia and novelty that makes sharing food so special.
So next time you're looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that's guaranteed to spark conversation, give this fluffy green delight a try. After all, there's a reason this recipe has been bringing smiles to faces for nearly half a century!
Recipe tip: Keep ingredients on hand for last-minute gatherings - they have a long shelf life and you never know when you'll need a quick dessert!
Tips for the Perfect Fluff
- Don't drain the pineapple! The juice is essential for setting up the pudding mix.
- For best results, chill for at least an hour before serving.
- Want to make it extra special? Try garnishing with additional chopped pecans, maraschino cherries, or even a sprinkle of coconut.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long!).
Variations to Try
- Swap pecans for walnuts or pistachios
- Add shredded coconut for extra texture
- Mix in mandarin oranges for a citrusy twist
- Use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping
- Add a few drops of green food coloring for a more vibrant color
Make-Ahead Magic
This is one of those rare dishes that actually gets better after it sits for a while! The marshmallows soften and the flavors meld together beautifully. You can easily make it the day before your event - just give it a quick stir before serving.
Easy Fruit Salad Recipes
Fruit salads are a great way to mix healthy and desserts into one recipe. A few of these fruit salad recipes are my favorite desserts too.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- High Protein Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Bourbon Peach Slab Pie - Peach Pie Bars 🍑 🥧
๐ Recipe
Watergate Salad - Pistachio Fluff
Ingredients
- 2 3.4 ounces Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix
- 20 ounce crushed pineapple
- 16 ounces whipped topping
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, mix the pudding mix and crushed pineapple with juice together.
- Fold in the whipped topping and mini marshmallow.
- For the Watergate Salad - Add the chopped nuts.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
Nutrition
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