Watergate Salad Recipe
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Watergate salad is an easy dessert salad made in 5 minutes with just 5 ingredients! This dump-and-go recipe uses crushed pineapple, whipped topping, mini marshmallows, and instant pudding mix to whip up the perfect retro dessert.
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I was looking through old recipes of my grandmother’s like her strawberry stuffed angel food cake or Southern pecan pie and I found this classic Watergate Salad and instantly craved it!
What is watergate salad?
For those not in the loop, this is a classic 1970s-era dessert similar to ambrosia salad. It is full of marshmallows, crushed pineapple, pudding mix, and whipped cream. Legend has it that it was invented by a chef at the infamous Watergate hotel.
I have also heard it called a myriad of other names: green goop, pistachio fluff, green fluff, pistachio pineapple delight, green fluff salad, pistachio delight, the list goes on and on. Whatever you call it, I think you’ll love it!
Why I love this recipe
- easy enough the kiddos can make it
- it tastes better after time in the fridge so it is perfect to make ahead of time
- great sweet side dish or dessert for potlucks and parties
- the green color makes it perfect for St. Patrick’s Day but we also like to serve it at Christmas or Easter too
Ingredients
- instant pistachio pudding mix
- crushed pineapple (with juice-do not drain!)
- mini marshmallows
- Cool Whip
- chopped pecans
Traditionally watergate salad is served garnished with a maraschino cherry, but that is totally optional.
Step by step
To make this easy recipe simply fold together all the ingredients in a large bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
Variations
- substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for the pecans
- omit the nuts altogether
- add shredded sweetened coconut
- some versions mix in a block of cream cheese but I prefer this recipe without it to keep it light and fluffy
If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!
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Watergate Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Watergate Salad is a 1970s era dessert with pistachio pudding, whipped cream, marshmallows, pineapple, and pecans and while it sounds like a crazy mix, it’s absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
- 3.4-ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 8-ounce container Cool Whip
- 20-ounce can crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup crushed pecans
Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and chill for at least one hour before serving.
Notes
Keep covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Category: dessert
- Method: none
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 249
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 258.7 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 47.7 g
- Protein: 1.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0.1 mg
So tell me, have you tried Watergate Salad? Do you love it as much as I do??
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One of my favorites. We make this every Thanksgiving and Christmas. The kids love it. My mom made this when we were growing up and has stayed in the family.
I love the Watergate Salad… I also make it every holiday… It’s my tradition and it is usually gone almost when
my dinner’s are over.. Almost gone but I save some for me to have later’s… My mother made it when I was a little girl.. So I’ve been eating it for many years.. Thank You Melissa for your recipe.. Yumm!