Watergate salad is pistachio fluff salad and a retro recipe we love.

It’s easy to make with pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, pecans, whipped cream, and marshmallows.

For the final touch, top it off with a cherry.

bowls of Watergate Salad

This Watergate Salad Will Be On Repeat Because…

  • It’s super easy to make and best made ahead of time.
  • It’s sweet and creamy and tastes delicious.
  • Since it’s made in advance, it’s ideal for potlucks or picnics.

What is Watergate Salad?

Watergate salad recipe is a classic also known as Pistachio Delight, pistachio pineapple delight, or Shut the Gate Salad.

It’s a dessert salad said to be named after the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC, where it was served during weekend brunches. The color and most of the flavor for this green fluff come from the pistachio pudding mix.

ingredients assembled to make watergate salad, including marshmallows, pistachio pudding, whipped topping, pecans, crushed pineapple, and maraschino cherries

Watergate Salad Ingredients

Pistachio Pudding: Jell-O Pistachio instant pudding mix adds a sweet, nutty flavor and a pretty green color to Watergate salad.

Whipped Topping: Whipped topping makes it sweet and fluffy. You can use real whipped cream; I would recommend adding a stabilizer (I use Whip It), which keeps your whipped cream from weeping.

Pineapple: Crushed pineapple adds a citrusy tang, be sure to reserve the juices to mix the pudding.

Add-Ins: For sweetness and crunch, I add chopped nuts while

Variations

  • Swap the pecans for crushed pistachios or walnuts.
  • Stir in a fruit cocktail for extra color.

How to Make Watergate Salad

This salad is so easy to make for some old-fashioned fluffy fun!

  1. Whisk pineapple juice and pistachio pudding mix (recipe below).
  2. Stir in the mix-ins. Gently fold in whipped topping, cover, & refrigerate.
  3. Garnish with chopped pecans & a maraschino cherry for each serving.

Toasting Pecans

For extra flavor and crunch, toast the pecans in a small pan. Allow them to cool before adding them to the recipe.

Storing Leftovers

Keep Watergate salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Watergate salad can be frozen for up to 3 months, but it won’t be as fluffy once it’s thawed. Leave some space in the container for it to expand as it freezes. Once it’s thawed, stir it and fold in some fresh whipped topping and miniature marshmallows before serving.

Side Dish or Dessert?!

Did you enjoy this Watergate Salad? Leave a rating and a comment below! 

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text
Watergate Salad with whipped cream and a cherry on top
4.88 from 56 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Watergate Salad

This Watergate salad is a delicious retro recipe that needs just 5 minutes of prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Author Rebecca

Equipment

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Ingredients  

  • 20 ounces crushed pineapple in juices, 1 can
  • 3.4 ounces instant pistachio pudding mix 1 box
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 8 ounces whipped topping such as Cool Whip

Optional

  • ½ cup coconut flakes
  • maraschino cherries for serving

Instructions 

  • Drain the juices from the crushed pineapple into a large bowl, reserving the pineapple in the can. Whisk the pudding mix into the pineapple juice.
  • Stir in the crushed pineapple, marshmallows, pecans, & coconut if using. Fold in the whipped topping.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and up to 48 hours before serving.
  • Garnish with additional whipped topping and a cherry for serving.

Video

Notes

Coconut is optional but we love it.  This dish is best made ahead of time so the marshmallows soften and the flavors blend.
Leftover Watergate salad can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Mix well before serving again. 
Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container; thaw, stir, and enjoy.
4.88 from 56 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 242 | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 173mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 5.4mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
bowl of Watergate Salad
fresh and fruity Watergate Salad in a bowl with writing
sweet Watergate Salad with whipped cream and a cherry and writing
yummy Watergate Salad in a bowl and plated with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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