This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy.
Watergate Salad is a classic retro dessert salad made with pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, pecans, and Cool Whip. Also known as pistachio salad or green fluff, it takes just a few minutes to make and has a creamy texture with crunchy and chewy bites throughout.
What is Watergate Salad?
I’ll be honest: dessert salads were completely new to me when I started blogging. We never ate fluff, ambrosia, or sweet salads when I was growing up, so I wasn’t sure what I would think the first time I made one. As it turns out, I loved it, and so did my family. Pistachio is already one of my favorite flavors, and paired with pineapple, marshmallows, and pecans, this is one of those quirky old-fashioned recipes that just works.
Watergate Salad has been around since the 1970s (invented by Kraft using their pistachio pudding mix) and goes by all sorts of names, including Pistachio Pineapple Delight, Green Fluff, Green Stuff, and even Green Goop. It differs from Ambrosia because you add pudding mix for extra flavor. Whatever you call it, this easy no-bake recipe is creamy, sweet, nostalgic, and perfect when you need a fast dessert or holiday side dish.
Watergate Salad Ingredients
- Pistachio pudding mix: be sure to get instant pistachio pudding. There is no substitute; this recipe was invented using pistachio pudding.
- Crushed pineapple: a 20 ounce can with pineapple juice
- Cool Whip: an 8-ounce container of frozen whipped topping, thawed. You can use any brand of whipped topping (any fat content, even sugar free). If you want to use 3 cups of fresh whipped cream, you can, but it won’t last as long.
- Pecans: you can use your favorite nuts
- Marshmallows: miniature marshmallows are best, and be sure to use fresh (not stale) marshmallows.
- Because of its pastel color, this is the perfect Easter fluff salad! You could even use colorful marshmallows for more color.
SAVE THIS RECIPE
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Dorothy’s Watergate Salad Tips
- Make sure to use INSTANT pudding mix so your pistachio delight sets up.
- You can make easy Watergate salad up to 2 days in advance. In fact, it’s better the longer it sits because the flavors meld and it’ll set up better.
- Don’t skip the marshmallows or your fluff will be too wet.
- Add this to a graham cracker pie crust to make Pistachio Pie!
- Variations: Add 1 cup shredded coconut or mix 8 ounces cream cheese into the pudding mixture. If you want to add cottage cheese you can too, but I don’t, it’s not the traditional way of making it.
Watergate Fluff Salad Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice
- 1 (8 ounce) container cool whip
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Add pudding mix and pineapple with the juice to a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Fold in Cool Whip. Then stir in marshmallows and pecans.
- Chill 30 minutes before serving. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Make sure to use INSTANT pudding mix.
- If you find sugar-free pudding mix you can also use sugar-free cool whip but remember that the pineapple has sugar in it.
- Use walnuts in place of pecans if you prefer.
- Don’t skip the marshmallows or your fluff will be too wet.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
© Crazy for Crust. Content and photographs are copyrighted. Sharing this post is much appreciated, but copying and pasting full recipes without authorization is strictly prohibited.
Did you try this recipe? Click here to rate the recipe below.
How to make Watergate Salad
- Don’t drain the pineapple – the liquid will make the pudding. Note: if you want a thicker salad, drain the pineapple first. This is personal preference.
- Be sure to fold in the whipped topping.
- Add the nuts and marshmallows and then chill to set.
Pistachio Salad FAQ
Traditionally no, but you can add 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut to the recipe.
No – you do not need to make the pudding recipe. Instead, the pineapple juice makes the creamy pudding.
You say add the puddin mix and pineapple together in a large bowel, do you mix the pudding as instructed on package first or just mix the dry pudding mix with the pineapple?
Just mix the pudding mix with the pineapple – the wetness from the pineapple will help make the pudding.
Such a fun recipe. Great to share at our family get togethers.
I have been making this for years as my go to potluck BBQ dish. Delicious! But now I need to try the pie version.
Can I exchange for real whipping cream instead of Cool Whip?
You can try whipped cream (about 3 cups) but it won’t keep as long and will get watery after a few hours, most likely.
I like making this and it’s so easy and delicious. Take it to office party and other gatherings with friends – this is a hit everyplace I take it.
Featured In
Rate This Recipe
Recipe Ratings without Comment