Q: Can I make this Watergate salad recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, this recipe actually tastes better the next day. Make it up to two days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge.

Q: Can I make Watergate salad without pistachio pudding?

A: Pistachio pudding gives the salad its color and flavor, but vanilla pudding works if that is what you have on hand. The color will just be lighter.

Q: Why is it called Watergate salad?

A: Nobody knows for sure. Kraft Foods created the recipe in 1975 as Pistachio Pineapple Delight, and the Watergate name came along later, possibly from a Washington DC hotel that served it at lunch.

Q: Is Watergate salad the same as pistachio fluff?

A: Yes, Watergate salad and pistachio fluff are the same dessert. Some families also call it Watergate fluff or green fluff.

Q: Can I make this Watergate salad recipe without nuts?

A: Yes, just leave the pecans out. The salad is just as creamy and delicious without them.

Easy Watergate Salad Recipe with Pistachio Pudding

Watergate Salad Pineapple Pistachio Dessert

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This Watergate salad recipe mixes pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, and Cool Whip into a light, fluffy dessert. It comes together in fifteen minutes with no baking, and it is one of my favorite make ahead dishes for holidays and potlucks.

Total Time: 15
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 Can Crushed Pineapple with the juice (20 oz)
1 Sugar-Free Instant Pistachio Pudding (1 oz)
3 cups of Mini Marshmallows
1/2 cup of chopped nuts, pistachios, or Pecans
1 Cool Whip regular size, thawed (8 oz)

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Instructions

In a large bowl mix the pudding and the pineapple along with the juice. Mix well as this is the only liquid to add to the pudding. (do not add milk).
Stir in the marshmallows and the nuts. (you can make this without the nuts)
Fold in the Cool Whip.
cover with plastic wrap and up in the refrigerator for an hour or two.

Notes

Use regular pudding mix instead of sugar-free if you prefer the classic version.
Leave out the pecans for a nut-free salad.
This salad tastes even better the next day, so it is a great make-ahead dish.
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10
Category: Dessert
Method: refrigerated
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size:
Calories: 194
Sugar: 17.3 g
Sodium: 66.4 mg
Fat: 11.3 g
Carbohydrates: 23.3 g
Fiber: 0.9 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 21.5 mg