This Watergate salad recipe proves that you can’t go wrong with a classic. Bursting with nostalgic flavor, this simple treat has stood the test of time for good reason.
I have been enjoying this dish since the 1970s when it first came out. This recipe is truly a throwback and anyone who grew up during that time knows exactly what this is. You may not have had it in a while, but years ago, it is a vintage salad served at our local church potluck, baby shower, and every summer picnic.
It’s a beloved American classic that home cooks have been serving at family gatherings, potlucks, and graced holiday tables for a few decades now. This delightful dish, perfect as a side salad or dessert, features simple ingredients. A blend of pistachio-flavored instant pudding mix, canned pineapple, mini marshmallows, nuts, and whipped cream topping.
Known as different names. Some call it a sweet side dish, while others call it a dessert (ambrosia salad), and some call it green fluff. Either way, it comes together in minutes. After chilling in the refrigerator for an hour, it impresses with its light and fluffy texture and colorful appeal. For an extra touch, garnish with crushed pistachios and maraschino cherries.
What Is Watergate Salad?
The Watergate salad, also known as Pistachio Delight, is a dessert salad or side dish made with pistachio pudding, canned fruit, whipped topping, and other ingredients. Using General Foods products, the original simple recipe was published under the title “Pistachio Pineapple Delight.”
In 1975, a Chicago food editor renamed it “Watergate Salad” when she featured it in her column. Likely to capture readers’ interest in the wake of the presidential Watergate scandal of the time.
Just Five Ingredients and Five Minutes
This easy recipe comes together in just minutes. Just one package of instant pistachio pudding mix and a can of crushed pineapple for sweetness. A cup of miniature marshmallows to add fluffiness to the salad. Frozen whipped topping to bring everything together. Add crushed walnuts or pecans for a delicious nutty crunch.
Classic Watergate Salad Recipe (Pistachio Delight)
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 3.4 Ounces Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix 1 (3.4 ounce) package
- 8 Ounces Crushed Pineapple 1 (8 ounce) with juice
- 1 Cup Miniature Marshmallows
- ½ Cup Walnuts chopped
- 4 Ounces Frozen Whipped Topping such as Cool Whip, thawed
- ½ Cup Pistachios crushed, optional
- ½ Cup Maraschino Cherries optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the instant pudding mix, crushed pineapple with the juice, mini marshmallows, and walnuts. Mix until combined.3.4 Ounces Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix, 8 Ounces Crushed Pineapple, 1 Cup Miniature Marshmallows, ½ Cup Walnuts
- Fold in the whipped topping and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.4 Ounces Frozen Whipped Topping
- To serve, garnish with the crushed pistachios and maraschino cherries.½ Cup Pistachios, ½ Cup Maraschino Cherries
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Make This Recipe Ahead of Time
This recipe is perfect to make the morning before a party as it needs to be refrigerated at least an hour before serving.
This pistachio salad will last in the refrigerator up to four days when stored in an airtight container.
Can You Freeze Watergate Salad?
Yes, you can freeze this when stored in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to three to four months. The marshmallows might change in texture a bit upon thawing.
Delicious Summer Treat
Line a cake pan with plastic wrap lightly sprayed with oil. Add the dessert to the pan spreading out to an even layer. Freeze and remove from the pan using the plastic wrap to lift out of the baking pan.
Remove the plastic wrap and cut into squares. Serve frozen or place the frozen treat squares in an airtight container and place back in the freezer. Enjoy a treat whenever the sweet tooth strikes.
We hope you enjoyed this fluffy salad retro dessert. Here are other family recipes for you to try. Including a fluffy salad with fruity flavor.
super easy and delicious