Watergate salad is pistachio fluff salad and a retro recipe we love.
It’s easy to make with pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, pecans, whipped cream, and marshmallows.
For the final touch, top it off with a cherry.
This Watergate Salad Will Be On Repeat Because…
- It’s super easy to make and best made ahead of time.
- It’s sweet and creamy and tastes delicious.
- Since it’s made in advance, it’s ideal for potlucks or picnics.
What is Watergate Salad?
Watergate salad recipe is a classic also known as Pistachio Delight, pistachio pineapple delight, or Shut the Gate Salad.
It’s a dessert salad said to be named after the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC, where it was served during weekend brunches. The color and most of the flavor for this green fluff come from the pistachio pudding mix.
Watergate Salad Ingredients
Pistachio Pudding: Jell-O Pistachio instant pudding mix adds a sweet, nutty flavor and a pretty green color to Watergate salad.
Whipped Topping: Whipped topping makes it sweet and fluffy. You can use real whipped cream; I would recommend adding a stabilizer (I use Whip It), which keeps your whipped cream from weeping.
Pineapple: Crushed pineapple adds a citrusy tang, be sure to reserve the juices to mix the pudding.
Add-Ins: For sweetness and crunch, I add chopped nuts while
Variations
- Swap the pecans for crushed pistachios or walnuts.
- Stir in a fruit cocktail for extra color.
How to Make Watergate Salad
This salad is so easy to make for some old-fashioned fluffy fun!
- Whisk pineapple juice and pistachio pudding mix (recipe below).
- Stir in the mix-ins. Gently fold in whipped topping, cover, & refrigerate.
- Garnish with chopped pecans & a maraschino cherry for each serving.
Storing Leftovers
Keep Watergate salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Watergate salad can be frozen for up to 3 months, but it won’t be as fluffy once it’s thawed. Leave some space in the container for it to expand as it freezes. Once it’s thawed, stir it and fold in some fresh whipped topping and miniature marshmallows before serving.
Side Dish or Dessert?!
Easy Ambrosia Salad
Cherry Fluff Salad
Berry Fluff Jello Salad
Did you enjoy this Watergate Salad? Leave a rating and a comment below!
Watergate Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple in juice
- 3.4 ounces instant pistachio pudding mix 1 box
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- 8 ounces whipped topping such as Cool Whip
Optional
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- maraschino cherries for serving
Instructions
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Drain the juices from the crushed pineapple into a large bowl, reserving the pineapple in the can. Whisk the pudding mix into the pineapple juice.
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Stir in the crushed pineapple, marshmallows, pecans, & coconut if using. Fold in the whipped topping.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and up to 48 hours before serving.
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Garnish with additional whipped topping and a cherry for serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
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Love Watergate salad. Make it for all occasions. So easy!
Us too, so yummy, so easy!
absolutely outstanding!
It’s so easy to look up recipes here and they all sound good, and taste even better