Watergate Salad

Watergate Salad is a tasty side dish that’s easy to make and full of different flavors and textures! With creamy pistachio pudding, tangy fruit, and crunchy nuts, this dish is a delight to the senses and the taste buds!

If you need an easy recipe to make and bring to potlucks or family gatherings, then look no further! This salad, also known by different names like Pistachio Delight, takes only a few minutes to throw together. Let it chill in the fridge to develop the flavors, and you’ve got a side dish or dessert that anyone will enjoy!

Why is it Called Watergate Salad?

If the name “Watergate” makes you recall a certain presidential scandal, you might be wondering why in the world this ambrosia-like salad has the same name. Well, both the scandal and this salad have ties to the famous Watergate hotel.

This salad was created by Kraft under the name Pistachio Pineapple Delight, but its similarity to Watergate cake caused people to start requesting it by this name. This dish actually gained popularity during the Watergate scandal! Read more about it here.

My family always calls this classic recipe “Green Fluff”. Of course, we also eat “Orange Fluff” and “Pink Fluff”, so we’re not exactly creative with our name choices. But it does describe this green, fluffy dish!

Watergate Salad Main Ingredients

Gather the following items together to make this fluffy, sweet salad:

• Pistachio instant pudding mix
• Canned pineapple chunks (don’t drain the juice- you’ll need it!)
• Maraschino cherries, drained
• Mini marshmallows
• Chopped walnuts
• Cool Whip whipped topping (thawed) or my recipe for Stabilized Whipped Cream
• Chopped pistachios

Check the recipe card at the end of the post for a detailed ingredient list and instructions!

How to Make Watergate Pistachio Salad

This sweet side dish is so easy to make, requiring just a few easy steps:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the pudding mix and pineapple chunks, including the juice!
2. Stir in the cherries and chopped walnuts, then gently fold in the miniature marshmallows and Cool Whip.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place the Watergate salad in the fridge for 2 hours. This allows the flavors to combine and deepen for the best results.
4. Before serving, top with additional cherries and pistachios as desired.

FAQs

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Be sure to stir before serving as the ingredients may begin to separate.

Can I make Watergate Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Feel free to make the night before you need it. It’s best enjoyed within the first day or 2 that it’s made, so you shouldn’t make it days in advance. Making it the night before would be ideal. 

Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix for this recipe for Watergate Salad?

Sure, although the flavor will be slightly different. If you can’t find pistachio pudding, you can use vanilla instead. Just be sure to add plenty of chopped pistachios on top. If you still want the green color, you will have to add in a few drops of green food dye when mixing together the pudding mix with the pineapple and juices, as it was the pistachio pudding mix that gave it its green color. 

Can I use crushed pineapple instead of pineapple chunks?

Absolutely, just be sure it’s around the same amount (20 ounces), and be sure to add the juices from the can, just like with the pineapple chunks. 

What can I use instead of chopped walnuts?

If you don’t like crunches in your fluff salads, feel free to omit them. If you simply don’t like walnuts, chopped pistachios would be the best substitute.

More Ways to Use Pudding Mix

Who knew a little box of pudding mix could be so versatile? Here are some fun treats you can make with pudding mix:

• Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad
• The Best Lemon Squares
• Lemon Meringue Rice Krispie Treats
• Any of my famous Dream Bars!
• Ambrosia Salad

Which one is first on your list to make?

FOLLOW ME

 FACEBOOK ~ PINTEREST 
 INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER 
YOUTUBE

Keep an eye out for more of my easy recipes each week!