Try this Watergate salad if you love simple, delicious, no-bake desserts! This classic recipe is a crowd-pleasing favorite, perfect for any occasion, from Easter brunch to Thanksgiving to a family dinner.
This is an old fashioned recipe just like the original recipe on the Jello box that grandma used to make! And it is effortless, making it perfect when you want something simple to bring along to your next family dinner.
Just combine the ingredients, chill, and serve for a refreshing and flavorful dessert salad with a subtle green color. It’s smooth, creamy, and sweet, with a well-balanced pistachio pineapple flavor and a subtly nutty background.
Whether hosting a party or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this retro dessert is a must-try recipe. Get ready to impress your family and guests with this simple and delicious dessert!
In this article, we’ll share how to make Watergate salad, some of the best variations of this classic dish, how it got it’s name, and expert tips for success.
Love fluff desserts? Try my other tasty dessert salads, including Orange Fluff, Cherry Salad, and Lime Jello Salad.
🍍Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Instant pistachio pudding mix
- Crushed pineapple (undrained)
- Mini marshmallows
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Cool Whip, thawed
🥣How to Make Watergate Salad
- Combine the pistachio instant pudding mix and undrained crushed pineapple in a medium bowl and mix.
- Add the marshmallows and pecans to the pudding mixture and stir until well combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping gently.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate this pistachio dessert for at least 1 hour before serving.
🍴Serving Ideas
Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Serve it for the holidays: Whether it is Thanksgiving dinner or Easter brunch, this easy-to-make salad is the perfect addition to a holiday meal.
- Serve it as a side dish: Watergate salad is a family favorite side dish for any meal. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and burgers.
- Make it a dessert: It is sweet enough to be served as a dessert. Top it with whipped cream and chopped nuts for an extra treat.
- Bring it to a potluck: Watergate salad is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for potlucks and parties. It’s sure to be a huge hit and one of the first dishes to disappear!
💭How to Store
To store the salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3 days for the best taste and texture.
❓Why is it called Watergate Salad?
Watergate Salad was named after the Watergate hotel in Washington D.C., which was the site of the infamous political scandal that led to President Nixon’s resignation in 1974. There are several theories about how the dessert got its name.
One theory suggests it was created at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. In contrast, another theory suggests that it was named after the scandal because it was a “cover-up” for the other things happening at the time.
Regardless of how it got its name, Watergate Salad has remained a popular dessert for over four decades and is often served at potlucks, picnics, and other family gatherings. It became extra popular after the recipe was featured on Jello boxes!
🍒Variations
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients!
- Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds. Or follow the name of the dessert and add pistachio nuts.
- For a lower-sugar dessert, choose sugar-free pudding and whipped topping.
- Try a different flavor of pudding mix, such as vanilla or chocolate, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Add different fruits to the mix, such as strawberries or peaches.
⭐Tips
- Mixing the pineapple and the pudding first helps evenly distribute the instant pudding mix. If you dump everything all at once, you may get clumpy pudding powder areas. Combining these two ingredients first is worth it and will make for a smoother pudding with better consistency.
- Use crushed pineapple rather than chunks for a smooth texture.
- Do not drain the pineapple. You will need the juice to help the pudding set.
- Be careful adding the whipped topping. Stirring too much can cause it to collapse.
📝FAQ
Yes. Substitute the crushed pineapple with canned mandarin oranges, fruit cocktail, or fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. However, remember that the salad’s texture and taste may vary depending on the fruit used.
Who cares! Pistachio fluff salad can be served as a side dish and a dessert. As a side dish, it pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches. As a dessert, it can be served on its own or topped with additional whipped cream or chopped nuts.
Yes, this dessert salad can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for holiday gatherings. You can make it up to a day before serving it, giving one less thing to worry about on the event day.
It is also called Watergate Salad, Pistachio Delight, Green Goop, Green Fluff, Pistachio Pudding Salad, and Pistachio Pineapple Salad.
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Watergate Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package instant pistachio pudding 4 ounce
- 1 can crushed pineapple 20 ounce, undrained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped nuts walnut or pecans
- 1 ¾ cup whipped topping thawed Cool Whip
- Optional Toppings: Extra whipped topping extra chopped nuts, cherry on top
Instructions
- Stir the pistachio pudding and crushed pineapple in a medium bowl until well combined.1 package instant pistachio pudding, 1 can crushed pineapple
- Add the marshmallows and nuts and stir until evenly distributed.1 cup mini marshmallows, ½ cup chopped nuts
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.1 ¾ cup whipped topping
- Refrigerate the Watergate salad tightly covered until ready to serve.
- Garnish with additional whipped topping, nuts, or a cherry if desired.Optional Toppings: Extra whipped topping
Notes
- Mixing the pineapple and the pudding first helps evenly distribute the instant pudding mix. If you dump everything all at once, you may get clumpy pudding powder areas.
- Use crushed pineapple rather than chunks for a smooth texture.
- Do not drain the pineapple. You will need the juice to help the pudding set.
- Be careful adding the whipped topping. Stirring too much can cause it to collapse.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
