Watergate Salad
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Watergate Salad (also called Pistachio Dessert Salad, Watergate Salad or Pistachio Fluff) is the sweet stuff good memories are made of!
Our Watergate salad recipe just screams nostalgia, and is an absolute must-have at any party or potluck. Try it alongside our other vintage favorites, like Cranberry Jello Salad and peanut butter lush.
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Watergate Salad
Watergate Salad
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Watergate Salad Ingredients
- Pistachio pudding – Instant pudding.
- Crushed pineapple – Canned, undrained.
- Marshmallows – Mini marshmallows. Plain or fruit flavored.
- Walnuts – Chopped.
- Whipped topping – Like cool whip, thawed.
How do you make Watergate Salad (step-by-step)
⭐ First, combine pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, marshmallows and walnuts.
⭐ Next, stir in the whipped topping.
⭐ Then, refrigerate until set and fully chilled.
⭐ Finally, top with cherries and extra chopped walnuts.
Preparation
Can you make fluff salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead and store it in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 days. Give it a stir and top with extra nuts and cherries before serving.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Homemade whipped cream can be used in pistachio salad, but you’ll want to serve it right away unless you prepare a stabilized whipped cream (usually made with gelatin or cream cheese).
What nuts in Watergate salad?
We typically include chopped walnuts, but you can use whatever type of nut you love. Pistachio, pecan, and almond are all great choices.
Leftovers and storage
How long does Watergate salad last?
This recipe will last 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep in a sealed/air-tight container for best results.
Can you freeze pistachio salad?
You can freeze Watergate salad for 3 – 4 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container with enough headspace for expansion. Defrost in the refrigerator for best results.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
Why is it called Watergate salad?
According to lore, the recipe previously known as Pistachio Pineapple Delight was renamed by an an unnamed Chicago food editor to promote interest in the recipe when she printed it in her column. Presumably because this was around the time of the Nixon Watergate scandal.
What else is Watergate salad called?
This salad can be found under many names including Pistachio Pineapple Delight, Green Goop, Pistachio Fluff, and Pistachio Dessert Salad. If you know more names for it, definitely let me know in the comments!
What does Watergate salad taste like?
This recipe’s flavor is most accurately described as “nostalgia” – not to be cute, but it really does taste like something grandma made. It’s decadently sweet, creamy, chewy, and has just the right amount of crunch.
And lest you think it’s just for past generations, there are never leftovers when we put this out!
What to eat with Watergate salad (serving suggestions)
We typically serve this recipe at potluck dinners where we also enjoy dishes like baked bbq chicken, chicken salad, classic potato salad, ranch chicken dip, and baked spaghetti.
More delicious desserts
- Valentine candy pretzels
- Classic peanut butter blossoms
- Cake balls recipe
- Magic cookie bars recipe
- See all our easy dessert ideas!
More pudding recipes
- Classic banana pudding
- Easy pumpkin pudding
- Eggnog rice pudding recipe
- Strawberry shortcake pudding cups
Tools we love
- Large crystal style bowl – This is perfect for serving dessert or punch at a party, and bonus it won’t break.
- Short champagne glasses – Also perfect for individual servings of dessert or punch at the party!
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How to Make Watergate Salad
Watergate Salad
Ingredients
- 1 package instant pistachio pudding 3.4 ounce
- 1 can crushed pineapple 20 ounces, undrained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows classic or fruit flavored
- ½ cup chopped walnuts plus more for garnish
- 8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip) thawed
- maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Combine pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, marshmallows and walnuts.
- Stir in the whipped topping.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
- Garnish with extra nuts and cherries.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Watergate Salad
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My mom used to make similar salad like this growing up so it was fun to try this recipe and recreate it!
My mother used to make a similar salad and we always loved it! Thank you for this recipe!