Watergate salad, also known as pistachio fluff, is a retro favorite we love. It’s easy to whip up with pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, pecans, whipped cream, and marshmallows, and a cherry on top for the final touch.

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Watergate salad, a classic dessert also called Pistachio Delight or Shut the Gate Salad, is said to be named after the Watergate Hotel in DC.

Flavor: Sweet, creamy, and nutty with a light pineapple tang.
Skill Level: This dish is made ahead so the flavors have time to blend, making it super easy to toss together the day before your big dinner.
Swaps: Swap the pecans for crushed pistachios or walnuts. Stir in a fruit cocktail for extra color.
Serving Suggestions: It’s the perfect retro dessert for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or picnics, along with fun and tasty Kool-Aid pie!

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

Ingredient Notes

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 gives it that sweet, fluffy goodness. You can use real whipped cream; I would recommend adding a stabilizer (I use Whip It), which keeps your whipped cream light and airy.
Pineapple: Crushed pineapple adds a citrusy tang. Be sure to reserve the juices to mix the pudding.
Variations: Try a tropical Watergate salad with coconut pudding and mango. For something festive, make a cherry pistachio version with cherries and cherry juice, or go rich with a chocolate Watergate salad using chocolate pudding, mini chips, and pecans.

ingredients for watergate salad in seperate bowls

ingredients for watergate saladin a bowl

Secrets for the Best Watergate Salad

Gently fold the ingredients so the whipped topping stays fluffy.
Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 6 hours so the flavors blend and the marshmallows soften just right.
For extra flavor and crunch, toast the pecans in a small pan. Allow them to cool before adding them to the recipe. Add a sprinkle to the top for an even prettier garnish!

How to Store and Save

Keep Watergate salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Watergate salad can be frozen for up to 3 months, but it may lose some fluffiness. Leave room in the container for it to expand as it freezes, then thaw, stir, and fold in fresh whipped topping and 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

4.88 from 54 votes

Author Rebecca

Watergate Salad

Author Rebecca

Servings 10 servings

This Watergate salad is a simple and delicious dessert or side dish with a vintage feel!

Save Rate Print

Servings 10 servings

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Chill Time 6

Total Time 6 20

Equipment

Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

▢ 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juices
▢ 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant pistachio pudding mix
▢ 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.
Garnish with additional chopped toasted pecans if desired.
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 54 votes

Nutrition Information

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

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