Watergate Salad
14 Comments
Posted: 11/15/24
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Watergate salad is a classic fluff salad recipe that’s a hit at any holiday or party! It’s quick and easy, only requiring about 5 minutes of time to throw it together. If you love pistachio you are going to love this! Tons of flavor from the pineapple, pistachios, marshmallows, pistachio pudding and Cool Whip!
Classic Watergate Salad only requires five ingredients and just five minutes of your time. Seriously, it’s that easy! This yummy recipe has been around for over 40 years and once you try it you’ll see why it’s so beloved. It’s a staple for potlucks and is always tasty for parties and holidays.
The salty sweet combo of pistachio and pineapple is just irresistible. At Christmas time, I can never decide whether to make this salad or cranberry fluff. I typically end up making both — then it’s extra festive with a green dish and a red dish! Easy watergate salad is fluffy, light and so creamy. Learn how to make it and I can guarantee you’re going to want to make it all the time! Not just for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
Why You’ll Love this Watergate Salad Recipe
- It only takes five minutes to whip up this watergate fluff salad! Gather the 5 ingredients, combine, and then you’re done.
- Watergate salad is a great make ahead recipe! Make it the day before or freeze it for up to 2 months in advance. Save prep time on those days you’re making a bunch of food for a party.
- Need more serving? Easily double or triple the recipe to make enough salad for all your friends and family. Or keep it all to yourself. I won’t tell!
Ingredients for Watergate Salad
- Crushed pineapple – Find some canned crushed pineapple in your local grocery store, or buy a fresh pineapple and crush it yourself. Both work great in this dessert salad.
- Instant pistachio pudding – Instant pistachio pudding mix is the base of this salad and gives it it’s classic green color. Who doesn’t love a tasty green fluff?!
- Cool Whip – This sweet topping adds plenty of fluff and stability for the salad.
- Miniature marshmallows – I recommend using mini marshmallows so you get a little bit of everything in every bite. Gotta have all that marshmallow goodness in this pistachio fluff.
- Chopped pistachios – Garnish your pistachio delight with extra chopped pistachios. Added nuts will give little bit of crunchy texture.
How to Make Watergate Salad
- In a large bowl, stir to combine the crushed pineapple and pistachio instant pudding mix.
- Once combined, gently fold in the whipped cream and mini marshmallows.
- Chill for a minimum of two hours.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios and serve!
How to Store Leftover Watergate Salad
FRIDGE: Store leftovers of this easy watergate salad in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
FREEZER: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator for the best results. Note: the marshmallows may change texture while defrosting.
Why do they call it a Watergate salad?
The origins of Watergate Salad are still a mystery to this day. There are two leading theories, though neither has been definitively proven. The first theory is that the salad was created at the Watergate Hotel and then gained popularity after the Watergate scandal.
The second theory is held by Kraft Foods. They claim the recipe is theirs after they developed it to promote their pistachio pudding that came out in 1975, under its original name “Pistachio Pineapple Delight”. They allegedly sent the recipe out to newspapers around the country and then a Chicago newspaper published it with its now iconic name Watergate Salad. The original article however has never been found to confirm this!
Why is pistachio pudding green?
Pistachios have tan-colored shells but the nut inside is green, which is what gives pistachio it’s green color. Green food coloring is often an added ingredient to enhance the color of the pudding.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
The main difference between homemade whipped cream and Cool Whip is the stability. Homemade whipped cream deflates over time whereas Cool Whip will typically remain light and fluffy. The taste however, will be pretty much the same!
If you decide to use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip, I recommend whipping the cream to a medium stiffness so that it is fluffy and has plenty of air incorporated. Just be aware, the Watergate salad may not keep as long due to the whipped cream deflating.
Can I use fresh pineapple for this fluff salad?
Yes! You can totally use fresh pineapple for this recipe! However, you will need to crush the pineapple before adding it to the pudding. Simply place fresh chunks of pineapple into a food processor and pulse them around a few times to break them down. Once done, drain off the pineapple juice and add then the newly crushed fruit to the salad!
What can I add to watergate salad?
There are loads of ways to customize this recipe! A few tasty add-ins and variations are:
- maraschino cherries
- mandarin oranges
- extra nuts
- shredded coconut
Pro Tips for the Best Watergate Salad
- Feel free to add different nuts to this salad. Chopped pecans and walnuts would be tasty.
- When combining the marshmallows, be careful not to crush them! You want plump little marshmallow bites throughout the salad, not crushed marshmallow fluff.
- Add some green food coloring to enhance the green hue of the pistachio pudding for some extra festive flair.
More Fluff Salad Recipes You’ll Love!
Love fluff salad? They are quick, easy and perfect for entertaining. Here are a few more twists on fluff salad, both old classics and new recipes:
- This light and fluffy Strawberry Tapioca Salad is easy and so yummy!
- Make a fluffy Snicker Salad with Cool Whip and vanilla pudding mixture. Then load it up with your favorite Snickers candy bars and apples!
- This Cookie Salad is irresistible. Who wouldn’t love cookies, cool whip and other tasty fillings?
- Creamy, fluffy with coconut, pineapple, oranges, cherries, and marshmallows! There’s a reason Ambrosia Salad is winning classic side dish.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Watergate Salad
It is a quick and easy fluff salad recipe that only has five ingredients and takes five minutes to whip up!
Video
Ingredients
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple drained
- 3 ounces instant pistachio pudding
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- ¼ cups chopped pistachios chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine crushed pineapple and pistachio pudding mix. Gently fold in whipped topping and marshmallows.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Just before serving, sprinkle with pistachios.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 284kcal (14%), Carbohydrates: 62g (21%), Protein: 3g (6%), Fat: 4g (6%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Cholesterol: 4mg (1%), Sodium: 177mg (8%), Potassium: 155mg (4%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 47g (52%), Vitamin A: 93IU (2%), Vitamin C: 6mg (7%), Calcium: 42mg (4%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
Martha says
Very good
Joyce says
Love it
Sarah Hill says
Great to hear!
Judy says
Taking to a church picnic tomorrow. I sample tasted and it seemed great.
Julie Evink says
Awesome to hear Judy!
Gap says
I haven’t made this in 40 years. My daughter reminded me of it. I’m going to make a double batch for a party on Saturday because I’ll probably eat it till I make a fool of myself.
Malinda Linnebur says
My favorite salad to make for the holidays or for potlucks!! Everyone loves this salad!
Julie says
It’s such a classic!
Danielle Green says
Only 5 minutes to make this delicious side! Anyone can look like a pro with this on their table. Yum!
Julie says
Yes!!
Katie says
Made this for my family and it was a hit!
Julie says
Wonderful!
Suzy says
Hands down one of our favorite salads to make over the holidays! So delicious!
Julie says
Ours too! Glad you enjoy it!