Sweet and fluffy, Watergate Salad is a classic recipe made with pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, chopped nuts, and Cool Whip.

Watergate Salad in a bowl with a cherry on top


 

Watergate Salad is one of those traditional, sweet, fluffy dessert salads that you find at every southern gathering, similar to Ambrosia salad or cranberry fluff.

What sets this dish apart is Watergate Salad is made with Cool Whip, or stabilized whipped cream, and pistachio instant pudding, which gives it that signature green coloring.

It’s sweet, creamy, fluffy, and totally delicious! This dish is perfect any potluck, or Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas feast!

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Watergate Salad ingredients

What Ingredients are in Watergate Salad?

As usual with a classic recipe that is loved by everyone, Watergate Salad has lots of variations. I’m sharing the recipe that my family makes but if you want to make a few changes, or have family traditions of your own, go for it!

  • Instant pistachio pudding mix – Adds not only flavor but color!
  • Crushed pineapple – Undrained! You’ll need that juice to blend in the pudding.
  • Marshmallows – I use regular marshmallows, but some recipes call for fruity, multi-colored marshmallows
  • Pecans – The nuts vary from one recipe to another. My family has always used chopped pecans, but I have seen recipes that use pistachios or walnuts. Do whatever you like!
  • Cool Whip – I know some people prefer to use homemade whipped topping rather than Cool Whip. If you do, just make sure to use a stabilized whipped cream so it doesn’t lose its fluffiness as it sits out. 

Other Variations

There are lots of ways to modify this recipe. You can any variety of garnishes such as coconut, mandarin oranges, or maraschino cherries. Feel free to play with this recipe to make this fluff salad your own.

Watergate Salad with cool whip

How to Make Pistachio Salad

Step 1 – Mix pudding and pineapple. In a large bowl, combine the undrained pineapples and the pistachio instant pudding mix. Stir together until the pudding mix is fully dissolved. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 5 minute to let the pudding firm up.

Step 2 – Fold Cool Whip. Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and gently fold in the Cool Whip.

stir ingredients in Watergate Salad

Step 3 – Add marshmallows and nuts. Add the marshmallows and chopped nuts and fold them in until they are well mixed.

Step 4 – Chill. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Watergate Salad in a bowl topped with chopped pecans and a cherry

Why is it Called Watergate Salad?

You may be wondering why it is called a Watergate salad. Well, that depends on who you ask. Also known as Pistachio Delight, Green Goop, Green Fluff, and Green Stuff, some say it was because this dish was served every weekend at the Watergate hotel in Washington D.C. in the 1970s.

Others say it’s history goes back much further. The origin of the name may be a matter of debate, but one thing is for certain. This dish will be a fantastic addition to your party spread.

What Makes Watergate Salad Green?

The pistachio instant pudding is what gives it that lovely green color.

How Long Does Watergate Salad Need to Chill?

You will want to chill your Watergate Salad for at least 30 minutes prior to serving. This allows the ingredients to set for enhanced flavor.

a bowbowl of Watergate Salad topped with chopped pecans and a cherry

Can Watergate Salad be Made a Day Ahead?

Yes! In fact I recommend you make it the night before, or first thing in the morning on party day. When it can sit in the refrigerator, all of those flavors will meld together, the marshmallows will soften a little, and the Watergate Salad will firm up a little.

How Long Does Watergate Salad Last in the Fridge?

You can store your Watergate Salad in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3 – 5 days.

Can Watergate Salad be Frozen?

You can freeze Watergate Salad, but it isn’t recommended. Freezing changes the taste and texture of the marshmallows and can impact the flavor of your dessert. 

If you do wish to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. 

Watergate Salad with mini marshmallows

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Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Watergate Salad

Sweet, fluffy, Watergate Salad is a classic recipe made with pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, chopped nuts, and Cool Whip.
Watergate Salad in a bowl with a cherry on top
Print Recipe
4 from 3 votes

Ingredients

  • 3.4 ounce Pistachio Instant Pudding, small box
  • 20 ounces Crushed pineapple, canned
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip
  • 1 cup Marshmallows
  • ½ cup Pecans, chopped

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine the undrained pineapples and the pistachio instant pudding. Stir together until the pudding mix is fully dissolved. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 5 minute to let the pudding firm up.
  • Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and gently fold in the Cool Whip.
  • Add the marshmallows and chopped nuts and fold them in until they are well mixed.
  • Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 202mg, Potassium: 143mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 31g, Vitamin A: 85IU, Vitamin C: 6.7mg, Calcium: 48mg, Iron: 0.4mg
Nutrition Disclaimer: We are not certified nutritionists. Nutrition facts are an estimate and are provided as a courtesy. They are generated by an online API which recognizes ingredient names and amounts and makes calculations based on the serving size. Results may vary.
Author: Kat Jeter & Melinda Caldwell
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pistachio fluff, pistachio pineapple delight, watergate salad recipe
Handwritten signature for Kat & Melinda