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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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!!
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.
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!
Sara Welch
Whipped this up with dinner and it was a hit all around the table! Perfectly light and flavorful; easily, a new favorite!
Biana
This salad looks so yummy! Such a perfect summer dessert, with all the different flavors and textures.
Emily Liao
Loved how easy this was to make and perfectly sweet!
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.
Lauren
I love anything with pistachio pudding and this is such a classic recipe!
Patricia
Ooo! I love blast-from-the-past recipes like this! I really need to try this — it’s fun and looks flavorful!
Cathy
Such a classic salad! Can’t wait to make this for Easter!