Watergate salad is a classic dessert made with pistachio pudding, fluffy whipped topping, marshmallows, pineapple, and pecans.The combination creates a creamy, sweet salad that is quick and easy to make.
"I never fail with this recipe; it's always a classic that everyone loves."
-★★★★★ -Helene
🔍 Quick Look: Watergate Salad Recipe
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🥣 Classic Ingredients: Pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, mini marshmallows, and pecans.
👥 Servings: 8
🍒 Variations: Add shredded coconut, garnish with maraschino cherries and or whipped cream.
❄️ Make Ahead: For best flavor and texture, refrigerate 4 or more hours before serving.
❤️ You'll Love It Because: It's an old-fashioned favorite that is easy to make and brings a little nostalgia to the table.
Jump to:
This tasty vintage dish can be made in 5 minutes. Serve it as a side dish or dessert salad for parties, pot lucks, and cookouts.
Watergate salad brings me back to happy childhood memories. My grandma made this or her ambrosia fruit salad for our family gatherings.
The watergate salad (also known as Green Fluff Salad and Pistachio Pineapple Delight )was the first thing I would dart for on my dinner plate skipping over all the other dishes. I loved the flavors of the pistachio pudding salad and could not get enough of it.
It continues to be favorite dish in our home. I hope it will be a favorite in yours! Enjoy! Xoxo -Katie.
Ingredient notes and substitution
You will need the following ingredients to make the classic Watergate salad.
- chopped pecans- You can substitute with chopped pistachios or walnuts. If you do not like nuts, you can omit them. However, the nuts add a nice crunch and flavor.
- miniature marshmallows
- whipped topping-The original recipe uses Cool Whip. You can substitute with real whipped heavy cream.
- pistachio instant pudding mix
- crushed pineapple- Use crushed pineapple with the pineapple juice liquid. I do not recommend the big chunked pineapple. It will not mix in the same.
** Exact ingredient measurements are in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Flavor Tip
For a tasty variation, mix shredded coconut in the pistachio salad. For a pretty presentation, top with maraschino cherries and or whipped cream.
Steps
Follow these steps to make watergate salad recipe.
- In a large bowl, mix pistachio pudding mix with canned crushed pineapple and its liquid.
- Mix in cool whip.
- Add mini marshmallows and chopped pecans. Mix. Refrigerate 4 or more hours before serving.
Watch how to make
Texture Tip
Do not over mix. Over mixing can cause whipped topping to break down and become runny.
How do you store leftovers?
Watergate salad (aka pistachio pudding salad) is best made 4 hours to 24 hours in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Try these other retro recipes too!
Please leave me a comment below if you make this Watergate salad recipe and tell me what you think about it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.
Also post your picture of your pistachio pudding salad on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!
📖 Recipe
Watergate Salad Recipe- A Retro Classic Everyone Loves
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounce instant pistachio pudding mix
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple do not drain
- 8 ounce whipped topping
- 1½ cup miniature marshmallows
- ½ cup pecans chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, mix pistachio pudding mix with canned crushed pineapple and its liquid.3.4 ounce instant pistachio pudding mix, 20 ounce can crushed pineapple
- Mix in cool whip.8 ounce whipped topping
- Add mini marshmallows and chopped pecans. Mix. Refrigerate 4 or more hours before serving.1½ cup miniature marshmallows, ½ cup pecans
Video
Notes
- Some people like to add in shredded coconut.
- You can substitute with chopped pistachios or walnuts. If you do not like nuts, you can omit them. However, the nuts add a nice crunch and flavor.
Veronika says
I've been making this recipe for years and it never fails! It's a classic!
Megan says
Whipped cream, pineapple and pecans are a favorite for me. What a yummy combination for a special gathering.
Marie says
The kids enjoyed digging into this green fluffy dessert! Yummy!
Ana says
A nostalgic favorite—light, creamy, and full of fun textures. It's a refreshing treat!
Amy Liu Dong says
I made this for the first time and it was so delicious, that even my husband loves it! Thank you so much!
Jamie says
Wow! An instant favorite for me! This looks amazingly delicious and very yummy! It has our favorite ingredients, I love the pistachio pudding you've used here! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Erin says
I've always hesitated to try this, but it was so tasty! And super easy. My kid got a kick out of the color, too. Thanks so much!
mandy says
So delicious and easy to make! Everyone loved it and I’m making it again for a party this weekend.
Lauren Michael Harris says
I'd been wanting to try a watergate salad for awhile now - seems so unique. This was better than I expected - I get why it's so popular now!
Valentina says
This looks so delicious yet super easy to make. Can't wait to try it out. Thanks for sharing!
Kim says
What a fun idea! Seems like such a great simple and fast dessert to make! I love pistachio and the addition of pecans sounds perfect.
Carrie Robinson says
I haven't had this in YEARS! 🙂 Such a classic sweet treat. I definitely need to make this soon- so nostalgic!
Colleen says
This was a perfect and easy dessert to bring to a late summer cookout. All the kids, especially loved it.
Helene says
I never fail with this recipe; it's always a classic that everyone loves.
Ann says
I made this for over the weekend, and it barely lasted one day! Everyone loved it - my kids requested for it again!
Veronika says
This is such a classic! My mom used to make this salad, I can't wait to make it for our next cookout.
Amy Liu Dong says
A simple and delicious dessert to make, and I am sure everyone will love it!