The easiest watergate salad recipe made in just 5 minutes with only 4 simple ingredients! Fluffy, creamy and full of delicious pistachio flavor. A classic potluck dish that everyone loves!
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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! I usually make pistachio cookies around Christmas time, but definitely need to add more to my rotation. They are so yummy!
This watergate salad (also known as pistachio pudding salad, pistachio fluff or pistachio pineapple delight) is one of those old classic potluck dishes that everyone loves. It is SO unbelievably easy to make and can be made in less than 5 minutes!
Growing up, my grandma always had some type of fruit jello salad on the dinner table and it was usually this salad or her classic ambrosia salad. The kids always loved it because it had marshmallows hidden inside.
This watergate salad could technically be served as a side dish or a dessert like this raspberry pretzel salad, although it definitely seems more like a dessert to me because of the ingredients. But at grandma’s house, it was considered a side dish since there was always something else for dessert. :)
Only 4 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 does look pretty with a few sprinkled on top though!
- 1 can crushed pineapple
- Box of instant pistachio pudding
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (cool whip)
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
How to Make Watergate Salad
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. When ready to serve, top with a maraschino cherry and some chopped pecans. You could even add a dollop of whipped cream, too!
TIP: For an added crunch, feel free to mix in about 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
Can you Make it Ahead of Time?
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!
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.
Need more ideas for a box of pistachio pudding? Try this pistachio dessert recipe or pistachio cookies!
More Fluff Salad Recipes
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Watergate Salad Recipe
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
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Adapted from Kraft Recipes
Categorized as: American, Christmas, Desserts, Fruit Desserts, Fruit Salad, Kid-Friendly, No-Bake, Salads
My husband is diabetic. I use sugar free instant pistachio pudding, cool whip, no sugar added pineapple tidbits and a container of cottage cheese instead of the marshmallows. I actually like it better without the marshmallows!
Thanks for sharing your substitutions, Tina!
Simply delicious
Simple to make and most importantly, DELICIOUS! I love this salad so much!
I loved this salad! So easy to make and so good!
Need something to take to a potluck or BBQ? This is for you. It’s quick and easy and tastes delicious. .
I’ve always made this with the whole can of pineapple juice and all, it’ll still firm up—I also make it with my own whipped cream (so it’s not too sweet) 2c whipping cream, 1 tsp sugar and 1-2 tsp vanilla
Looking forward to making the sweet potato scallop potatoes and then the watergate Salad.
Yummy!!!!!
I have been making this for years not missed a Christmas yet my family loves it.
I’m so glad your family loves it! :)
This takes me back! My granny used to make this every holiday when I was younger!
This salad looks really amazing! Can’t wait to give this a try!
This is my favorite dessert!! I LOVE it!! Perfect for the holidays!
This sounds absolutely delicious! I must make some for myself
Such a classic dessert and so easy to make! Perfect for the holidays!
I have always wanted to try this and your recipe has inspired me!!
What a unique, easy dessert! If I’d have known how easy it was, I would’ve made it years ago!
So easy!!