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This watergate salad is a classic side dish recipe or dessert that is perfect for any celebration! It’s easy to make in minutes and has the best pistachio flavor.

Need more ideas for a box of pistachio pudding? Try this pistachio dessert recipe, pistachio bread or pistachio cookies!

Watergate salad recipe in a bowl.
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The Best Watergate Salad

Pistachio desserts are so delicious and this tasty recipe is a reminder that I don’t make enough of them!

This watergate salad (also known as pistachio pudding salad, pistachio fluff or pistachio pineapple delight) is one of those old classic potluck dishes that my Grandma always made. We loved it and this waldorf salad recipe and ambrosia salad, too. It’s easy to make and prepped in less than 5 minutes!

This watergate salad could be served as a side dish or a dessert like raspberry pretzel salad. But at grandma’s house, it was considered a side dish since there was always something else for dessert.

Watergate Salad Ingredients

You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this pistachio pudding dessert. The original calls for nuts, but we usually leave them out since my kids prefer it that way. It adds great crunch, though!

Ingredients for watergate salad on the counter.
  • Crushed pineapple
  • Instant pistachio pudding
  • Whipped topping (cool whip)
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Pecans (optional)

How to Make Watergate Salad

Pouring mini marshmallows into a glass bowl.
  • Mix. All you need to do is mix all of the ingredients together and then let the watergate salad refrigerate for 45 minutes to an hour. You want it to firm up pretty well in the fridge.
  • Serve. When ready to serve, top with a maraschino cherry and some chopped pecans. You could even add a dollop of whipped cream, too!

Serving Tips

  • Serve in a large glass bowl, trifle jar or even mini trifle jars.
  • Top with maraschino cherries, chopped pecans and whipped cream before serving. Sometimes I add a few extra mini marshmallows on top too.
  • This recipe serves 8. You can double or even triple the recipe for a large crowd.

Make Ahead

Yes, it can definitely be made the night before. Simply make according to directions and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Then place the dessert in the fridge until ready to enjoy. Right before serving, drain any excess liquid and give it a good stir. Then add toppings and enjoy!

Watergate salad in a bowl.

Need more potluck salads? Try this Hawaiian fruit salad!

More Fluff Salad Recipes

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watergate salad recipe

Watergate Salad Recipe

5 from 10 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
This watergate salad is a classic side dish recipe or dessert that is perfect for any celebration! It's easy to make in minutes and has the best pistachio flavor.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

  • 3.4 ounce box pistachio instant pudding (dry)
  • 20 ounce can crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1 ½ cups whipped topping (thawed)
  • 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans

    Instructions

    • Combine the dry instant pudding, crushed pineapple and mini marshmallows. Stir in the whipped topping, just until combined.
    • Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm. 

    Notes

    Make ahead: Prepare as directed, then cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge until ready to serve. Give it a good stir right before serving. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 149kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 191mg | Potassium: 102mg | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 6.7mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.2mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

    Adapted from Kraft Recipes

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