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Watergate salad – sometimes called pistachio fluff, pistachio delight, or “green stuff” – is loaded with pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, miniature marshmallows, and pecans. It’s perfect for a potluck or easy mid-week dessert.
Growing up, salads that weren’t really salads were a staple at my Nana’s house. We are from the Midwest, after all!
From ambrosia salad to strawberry pretzel salad and orange fluff – these were the salads that I looked forward to at family gatherings, and watergate salad is no exception.
Nana and her friends always had their go-to recipes that they were famous for and could whip them up in no time flat for a church function, ailing friend, or family get-together.
Nana was known for her cheesecake – usually her easy cheesecake, but switched up with other pie fillings depending on the season. Strawberries during spring, and lemon during the summer months.
Nana’s friend, Anita, always made an amazingly fluffy pistachio “salad” known as watergate salad. We come from a family that loves anything with pistachio pudding, from pistachio pudding dessert to pistachio cake, so naturally, I was obsessed with the stuff as a kid.
What is watergate salad?
If you’re from the Midwest, you might have grown up eating Watergate Salad. Your family might have called it pistachio salad, pistachio fluff, pistachio delight, “green stuff” or even green goop.
No matter what you call it, this no-bake dessert falls under the umbrella of “fluff salads”. This one is a combination of pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, pecans, and cool whip.
The dessert is a springy green color and the flavor is sweet, a little nutty, and a bit fruity from the pineapple.
There are some variations of the dish that use jello, mandarin oranges, or even cottage cheese, but Nana’s friend Anita always made the most classic version and it’s the one I’ve come to love.
Why is it called watergate salad?
If you’re curious about the name of this recipe…well, so is the rest of the internet, it seems.
I did some research and it seems like no one really knows where the name “Watergate Salad” came from.
One story says that the recipe was invented by a chef at the Watergate Hotel. Others say that it came out around the same time as Watergate Cake, and both became popular during the Watergate scandal.
Maybe that’s why this salad goes by so many different names! No matter what name you call it, I call it delicious.
How to make watergate salad
You know how much I love a recipe that comes together in a matter of minutes and just gets better with time. And watergate salad is definitely one of those!
Ingredients you’ll need
To make my watergate salad recipe, you will need:
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple – do not drain!
- 2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant pistachio pudding mix
- 16 ounces thawed whipped topping
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- ¾ cup pecans – you can chop them or leave them whole
Pretty simple ingredient list, right? I usually keep all of the ingredients on hand so I can whip this recipe up at a moment’s notice!
It’s super important that you don’t drain the canned pineapple. The pineapple juice is what will combine with the instant pudding mix. That’s why there’s no milk or anything like that on the list.
I typically use cool whip in this recipe, but truwhip will work great, too. You could also use stabilized whipped cream if you want.
Even though I like to use fruit-flavored mini marshmallows in my ambrosia salad, I like regular mini marshmallows for watergate salad. But use what you like best!
Making this dessert salad
In a large bowl, mix together the undrained pineapple with the pistachio pudding mix. You need the juice of the pineapple to make this recipe come together, so make sure you don’t drain it!
Use a spatula to fold in the thawed whipped topping until no streaks remain, then fold in the marshmallows and the pecans.
And that’s it! Seriously. Let it chill for a few hours in the refrigerator before serving and you’re all set.
Make-ahead and storage tips
Watergate salad needs to chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert. I think it actually tastes better the next day, anyway!
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
I recommend garnishing the salad with a few extra chopped pecans right before serving for a little extra crunch. A fresh dollop of cool whip or whipped cream is also never a bad idea!
If you’ve never tried watergate salad, you’ve got to make it immediately. And if you have tried it before, it’s time to revisit an old favorite – it’s begging to be a part of your holiday tables!
Watergate Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 can crushed pineapple 20 ounces, undrained
- 2 packages instant pistachio pudding mix 3.4 ounces each
- 16 ounces frozen whipped topping thawed
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- ¾ cup pecans
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the pineapple and pistachio pudding mixes until combined. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the whipped topping until no streaks remain. Fold in marshmallows and pecans. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I am going to make this for Thanksgiving. I buy it at a local store for 5.99 a pound. Making it myself would be much more economical and homemade is always best.
It’s so easy to make at home! I hope you love it!
My mother in law makes this, but I can’t eat the Pineapple, so I’m wondering if you can substitute pineapple and what would be a good substitute?
Hi, Eva! You can definitely substitute the pineapple with whatever you like. Maybe oranges? Enjoy!
I love Watergate salad. My mom used to make it. I have not made it since she passed away in 2013
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jenny. I hope you get a chance to make it again soon. Let me know how you like it!
Was very good but the first time making it myself. Thanks Shirley
I’m so glad you liked it, Shirley!
I have made this recipe for years just as it is written but I sometimes add Charries to it for special. I always use sugar free pudding and sugar free Cool whip as well as pineapple in own juice. I have also tried this with other flavors of pudding such as Chocolate. If no pistachio pudding is available how about vanilla with chopped pistachios added.
That sounds wonderful, Sharon!
thanks my kids like it very much.!!
I’m so happy to hear that, Harper!
This pudding came about during the early 1970’s when the Watergate Scandal in Washington was in the news every day. I can remember the news stories and making the Watergate Salad!
Hi, Linda! It’s good to know some good food came out of the Watergate scandal!
Sounds wonderful. To make it a little healthier, I wonder if the sugar free pudding could be used, as well as substituting vanilla yogurt for the Cool Whip? Sure would like to try at least half a batch. M. Cherries and coconut suggestions sound good too. Thanks.
Hi, Linda! I don’t think the vanilla yogurt will hold up as well as the Cool Whip. I hope you give the recipe a try! All the best to you.
Hey Jamie: Thanks for the recipe and tips. Tomorrow will be first time of eating Watergate Salad. My sister-in-law from out of state is spending time with me and she will be making the salad and Derby Pie (never had any of them). Happy Holidays!!!
We have had Watergate salad at every holiday my entire life. Its not a family gathering without the “green stuff”. Thanks for putting it out there for a new generation. I urge everyone to try it, its really very good.