This Pistachio Fluff Salad recipe most popularly known as Watergate salad is a sweet and creamy dessert salad that’s perfect for summer entertaining. Made with only a handful of ingredients including, pistachio instant pudding mix, crushed pineapple, cool whipped topping, and marshmallows pistachio fluff makes for the perfect simple fluff dessert. And with its beautiful presentation, this Watergate salad recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering. This tasty pistachio fluff dessert is easy to make ahead so all you have to do is scoop out servings when the guests come over. Start your next cookout off right with this delicious Pistachio Fluff Salad.
Watergate Salad Recipe (Pistachio Fluff Salad)
Also known as easy Watergate salad, this old-school recipe is a favorite among many people. While my kids refer to it as the green stuff salad, it is much more than that. It might be best to call it pistachio fluff fruit salad because it is fluffy and full of pistachio flavor and fruit!
Pistachio Fluff Salad is a sweet and creamy salad that is sure to be a hit for any occasion, from summertime BBQs to an afternoon treat. Impress your guests with this beautiful presentation that will leave them wanting more.
I like easy desserts and when the summer months hit the kids seem to always want a dessert. We have long summer days as that is the time my kids are at camps and hanging out with friends and dinner time is busier than our school year. It is a good thing that cold desserts are quicker and easier to make than the hot ones that we enjoy during the colder months.
This pistachio fluff recipe is a family favorite. I know it sounds like it is going to be a bit awkward and it looks like green goop in a bowl, but I can promise you that it will be a hit at any family gathering or BBQ that you bring it to this summer.
Being a retro dessert this great recipe will probably bring back some memories for many people who enjoy it when you bring it to family gatherings. So if you are wanting a classic dessert recipe that has simple ingredients, is sure to be a hit, and will bring back old-time memories for family and friends this pistachio salad recipe is it.
Summer Salad Recipes
- Frog Eye Salad
- Fruit Salad with Marshmallows
- Cherry Fluff Salad
- Pineapple Fluff Salad
- Orange Fluff Salad
Why is Pistachio Fluff Salad Called Watergate Salad?
The exact origin of the name “Watergate Salad” is not clear, but it is believed to have been named after the Watergate scandal, which occurred in the 1970s. According to some sources, a food editor at a Chicago newspaper named the dish “Watergate Salad” after a hotel in Washington, D.C., where some of the scandal’s events took place. Others believe the name was given because the dish was a green color, and the Watergate complex had a greenish hue. Regardless of the exact origin of the name, Pistachio Fluff Salad or Watergate Salad has become a popular dessert salad in the United States.
What are the other names for this Watergate Salad Recipe?
Pistachio Fluff Salad is also known by several other names. You may have heard of this recipe called by different names, including Pistachio Watergate Salad, pistachio fluff salad, Shut the Gate Salad, Green Goddess, Pistachio Delight, Pistachio pudding salad, Green Fluff, or simply Pistachio Salad. But in the end, it is the same easy dessert recipe that has been made for years and enjoyed by many.
What Ingredients Are in the Watergate Salad recipe?
The traditional Watergate Salad, also known as Pistachio Fluff Salad, typically contains Instant pistachio pudding mix, canned pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping such as cool whip.
Why is the Watergate salad recipe green?
The Watergate salad recipe is green because it contains a pistachio pudding mix, which is a bright green color. The pistachio pudding mix gives the salad its signature green hue and distinctive flavor.
What is Watergate Salad Served for?
The salad is easy to make and is often served as a side dish or dessert at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and other events.
Tips Making for Pistachio Fluff Salad
- Use instant pistachio pudding mix. This is the key ingredient that gives the salad its signature pistachio flavor. Use instant pudding mix for best results. You can use sugar-free pudding mix as well.
- Let the pudding mix set. Make sure to let the pudding mix set for at least 5-10 minutes before mixing in the other ingredients. This will ensure that the salad sets properly and has the right texture.
- Be sure to use canned pineapple. You want the juices from the pineapple to mix with the instant pudding mix for the base of this classic recipe.
- Fold in the whipped cream gently. Use a spatula to fold in the whipped cream gently into the old fashioned pistachio salad, so as not to deflate it. This will help the salad stay fluffy and light.
- Add extra mix-ins for texture. If you like, you can add extra mix-ins to the salad for added texture, such as chopped nuts, diced apples, mandarin oranges, or shredded coconut.
- Chill before serving. Pistachio Fluff Salad should be chilled for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to set.
- Store leftovers in the fridge. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The salad may lose some of its fluffiness over time, but it will still be tasty.
- Add more toppings. This pistachio dessert salad pairs nicely with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for garnish. You can also add more crushed nuts on the top or some miniature marshmallows, and maraschino cherries.
Variations of Watergate Salad
- Add Chopped pecans. You can add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or candied pecans to the recipe if you would like to have more nuts than just on top.
- Add chopped pistachios. If you want more pistachio flavor you can add additional chopped pistachios into the fluff mixture.
- Add more fruit. This fruit fluff salad is easily customizable by adding more fruit. You can add mandarin oranges, strawberries, and maraschino cherries to the fluff mixture.
- Use rainbow marshmallows. While the traditional recipe uses mini white marshmallows you can add more color to your pistachio fruit salad by using rainbow marshmallows instead of white ones.
- Add shredded coconut. You can add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to this recipe if you are a fan of coconut.
Does Jell-O Pistachio Pudding Have Pistachios in it?
Yes, Jell-O Pistachio Pudding does contain real pistachios. However, the amount of pistachios may vary depending on the brand and flavor you choose. Be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it will work with your recipe.
Is Watergate Salad The Same Thing As Ambrosia Salad?
No, Watergate Salad and Ambrosia Salad are not the same thing. While both salads are popular desserts made with fruit and marshmallows, they have different ingredients and flavors.
Watergate Salad is typically made with instant pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, and whipped topping. The salad has a sweet and slightly nutty flavor and is often a bright green color.
Ambrosia Salad, on the other hand, is typically made with fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows, and is often mixed with whipped cream or sour cream. The salad has a sweet and tropical flavor and can be served with or without nuts.
While both salads are popular at potlucks and holiday gatherings, they are distinct from each other in terms of their ingredients and flavors.
How to Store Watergate Salad
Pistachio Fluff Salad is best served chilled, so it’s best to store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. You can store it in the fridge in a big bowl covered with plastic wrap as well.
How Long Does Pistachio Fluff Stay Good in the Fridge?
It will last up to three days when stored properly. If you leave it in the fridge longer than that you will find that it gets a bit liquidy.
What to do with Leftovers?
Of course the obvious is to enjoy it the next day just as it is but if you want to change things up a bit you can. You can make a Watergate pie by adding the filling to a graham cracker crust. If you want to make individual servings then you can use the small graham cracker pie crusts and fill them to make mini watergate pies.
Watergate Salad Ingredients
- 1 3-ounce box of instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, not drained
- 1 8-ounce tub of whipped topping I personally like to use a tub of cool whip instead of using the store brand.
- 2 cups miniature white marshmallows
- Maraschino cherries, chopped pecans, and/or additional mini marshmallows for topping
How to Make Watergate Salad
In a large bowl, combine the box of pistachio instant pudding and the crushed pineapple including the pineapple juice in the can. Mix well to let the pudding mix absorb into the juices from the pineapple. I like to let it sit for about 10 minutes so everything mixes well.
Fold in the whipped topping and miniature marshmallows.
Pour into a large serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Just before serving, top the fluff with chopped pecans, additional miniature marshmallows, and maraschino cherries.
Serve chilled.
Summer Side Dish Recipes
- Tuna Pasta Salad
- Egg salad Pasta Salad
- Red pepper pasta salad
- Chickpea Pasta Salad
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Sun dried Tomato Pasta Salad
- Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Pistachio Fluff Salad
Ingredients
- 3 ounces box of instant pistachio pudding mix
- 20 ounces can of crushed pineapple not drained
- 8 ounces cool whip whipped topping
- 2 cups miniature white marshmallows
- Maraschino cherries chopped pecans, and/or additional mini marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the box of pistachio instant pudding and the crushed pineapple including the pineapple juice in the can. Mix well to let the pudding mix absorb into the juices from the pineapple. I like to let it sit for about 10 minutes so everything mixes well.
- Fold in the whipped topping and miniature marshmallows.
- Pour into a large serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Just before serving, top the fluff with chopped pecans, additional miniature marshmallows, and maraschino cherries.
- Serve chilled.
Follow Us For More!
Be sure to share your review in the comments below and follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok for even more food + family fun!