This classic Watergate Salad Recipe, also known as Pistachio Delight and Green Fluff, is a fresh blast from the past with the flavors of crushed pineapple, pistachio pudding, pistachio nuts, mini marshmallows, and fresh whipped cream. This unique yet delicious salad is always a hit at potlucks, family reunions, holidays, and parties.
It is the perfect side dish or dessert salad for those freshly grilled spring and summer meals. I love to serve this nostalgic dish at Easter, along with ambrosia salad, grape salad, apple salad, or summer fruit salad.
Watergate salad is a retro pistachio-based recipe from 1975, made with crushed pineapple, pistachio pudding mix, pistachios, mini marshmallows, and whipped cream. This classic dessert salad was trendy in the mid-’70s during the Watergate scandal. It is the perfect spring and summer side or dessert. This fluff salad comes together in less than 5 minutes and is so delicious that it is always one of the first dishes to go.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Whipped cream: In a pinch, an 8-ounce container of Cool Whip can be substituted for the whipped cream and powdered sugar. I think the fresh whipped cream tastes better.
- Instant Pistachio Pudding: Either Jell-O or Royal Brand. It is becoming harder to find, but Amazon sells it here.
- Crushed Pineapple: Use canned crushed pineapple in 100% pineapple juice. The juice combines with the dry pudding mix to make the pudding. The pineapple packed in heavy syrup is too thick.
- Pistachios: You can substitute chopped walnuts or chopped pecans for the pistachios. However, my first choice is always pistachio nuts.
- Miniature marshmallows: For more pizzazz, use the colored ones.
How to make Watergate Salad
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
- Add heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar to a chilled bowl. Whisk on high speed until medium-to-stiff peaks form.
- Combine the dry instant pudding mix with the crushed pineapple. Stir in the pistachio nuts and mini marshmallows, then fold in the whipped cream.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Preparation Tips
- Only use the dry powdered pudding mix from the box. Do not make the pudding according to the package instructions.
- For a change of pace, add ½ cup shredded coconut.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
More Dessert Recipes
Watergate Salad
Ingredients
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple
- ½ cup chopped pistachio nuts plus more for garnish
- 1½ cups miniature marshmallows
- maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Chill the bowl and beaters for whipping cream. Add the whipped cream and powdered sugar to the bowl. Beat on high until medium to stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together the dry pudding mix with the crushed pineapple. Stir in the pistachio nuts and mini marshmallows. Fold in 2 cups whipped cream.
- Finally, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with the extra whipped cream, chopped pistachio nuts, and maraschino cherries. Cover with plastic wrap and store the dish in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this, as the salad’s texture will change.
Nutrition
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Karen
The salad looks so delicious…It has all the ingredients that I love. I can’t wait to make it, this is perfect for hot summer dinners.
Yvette
This sounds like such a classic! A bit like a trifle that we would have in England. I would definitely make this soon to give it a try!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Yvette! Enjoy!
Ben
Nice! This is the perfect dessert for the summer. I know because I made it last night, and I freaking love it. So good and so refreshing.
Beth Pierce
So happy that you liked it, Ben!
Lucy
The Watergate Salad is the perfect Summer dish, and the pistachios make the dish even better!
Lavanda
I love pistachios so I decided to make this. It is delicious and the family enjoyed it. I served it for dessert and I will make it again.
Carolyn C
I am really looking forward to trying this as it is a new dessert for me. I do love pineapple and I love pistachios too – so this sounds very interesting!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Carolyn! Enjoy!