This classic Watergate Salad is a fresh blast from the past with 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 for those fresh grilled spring and summer meals. I love to serve this nostalgic dish with Spaghetti Salad, Broccoli Salad, and Creamy Pea Salad.
How to make Watergate Salad
The original salad recipe was made with non dairy whipped topping like Cool Whip. I honestly prefer fresh whipped cream with this so start by chilling a large bowl and beaters. Then add the whipped cream and powdered sugar to the bowl. Next whisk on high until medium to stiff peaks form. Now combine the dry pudding mix with the crushed pineapple. Stir in the pistachio nuts and mini marshmallows. Then fold in the whipped cream. Finally cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. If desired garnish with more chopped pistachios and maraschino cherries.
What is Watergate Salad?
It is a retro pistachio fluff salad recipe from 1975 made with crushed pineapple, pistachio pudding mix, pistachio nuts, mini marshmallows and whipped cream. It is the perfect spring and summer side or dessert. It comes together in less than 5 minutes and is so delicious that it is always one of the first dishes to go.
Why is it called Watergate Salad?
This dish was very popular in the mid 70’s during the watergate scandal. This coupled with the fact that there was a Watergate cake recipe that came out the year prior with a green lime hue, pistachio pudding in the mix and sometimes in the icing. Jell-O originally called the dessert pineapple pistachio delight however it was not long before the general public was referring to it as Watergate Salad.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Use canned crushed pineapple in 100% pineapple juice. It is the juice that combines with the dry pudding mix to make the pudding. The pineapple packed in heavy syrup is too thick.
- You can substitute walnuts or pecans for the pistachios. However my first choice is always pistachio nuts.
- In a pinch an 8 ounce container of cool whip can be substituted for the whipped cream. I just think the fresh whipped cream tastes better.
- For a change of pace add 1/2 cup shredded coconut.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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PrintWatergate Salad
This fun and easy retro Watergate Salad is a pineapple pistachio fluff combination that comes together in less than five minutes. It is always a huge hit at potlucks, family reunions and parties and it is always one of the first dishes gone.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: sides, dessert
- Method: bowl and spoon
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachio nuts (plus more for garnish)
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Chill 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.
Keywords: pistachio delight, green goop, pistachio salad, pistachio fluff, pistachio pudding recipe
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Courtney
What a great light and refreshing dessert! I love that you use real fresh whipped cream here too.
★★★★★
Kathryn
I have never had Watergate salad — but I feel like I need to definitely try it ASAP after living in DC for so long! Thanks so much for the recipe!
★★★★★
Sunena
This is so nostalgic! I love this delicious rendition on a super yummy sweet treat. Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Sara Welch
Such a light and flavorful salad that does not disappoint! Excited to serve this again for Easter brunch, indeed!
★★★★★
Neli Howard
Wow, this salad sounds fantastic. Yummy pistachio pudding with pineapple, marshmallows and whipped cream is just awesome.
★★★★★
Vikki
A classic dessert beautifully done! Definitely making this again
★★★★★
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This Watergate Salad is looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
★★★★★
Kathryn
It’s been too long since I’d had Watergate salad, so I just had to make it – and the flavor here was spot on to what I remember!
★★★★★
Jen
This is such a nostalgic dish for me. We used to have it at every family reunion when I was little. Love it!
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
Wow I’ve never heard of this, but now I’m definitely going to have to try it! I can’t wait!
★★★★★
Cathy
Such a classic salad! Can’t wait to make this for Easter!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
Ooo! I love blast-from-the-past recipes like this! I really need to try this — it’s fun and looks flavorful!
★★★★★
Lauren
I love anything with pistachio pudding and this is such a classic recipe!
★★★★★
Elizabeth
This brought me back to every holiday and family gathering of my childhood! So fun to be able to recreate those flavors and introduce this classic to my kids.
★★★★★
Emily Liao
Loved how easy this was to make and perfectly sweet!
★★★★★
Biana
This salad looks so yummy! Such a perfect summer dessert, with all the different flavors and textures.
★★★★★
Sara Welch
Whipped this up with dinner and it was a hit all around the table! Perfectly light and flavorful; easily, a new favorite!
★★★★★
Kara
My mom used to make this when I was a little girl, and one bite took me back to my childhood. So yummy! My kids loved it just as much as I do!
★★★★★
Stephanie
I used to have this as a kid and then kind of forgot about it. I’m so happy I found this recipe! This recipe is even better than I remember.
★★★★★
Julia
I’ve never heard of this salad before but I have a weakness for all things pistachio, so I had to try. It was so good!!
★★★★★