December 14, 2023
Review RecipePistachio Salad Recipe
Light and refreshing, this pistachio flavored Watergate Salad is the perfect easy summer treat!
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Watergate salad is an easy dessert created by mixing together a packet of pistachio-flavored jello, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows. Folded in with creamy whipped topping and finally, topped off with crunchy pecans, the unique texture of this refreshing salad makes it a favorite vintage delight.
Why Do They Call It Watergate Salad?
Before this salad was created, there was a cake named Watergate Cake which also was made with pistachio pudding and had a similar green hue. It is unknown the exact origin of the name.
Some say that a chef at the Watergate Hotel invented it, while others say that a newspaper columnist printed it with that name to gain the attention of the recipe during the presidential scandal.
No matter how the name came to be, we love how easy and delicious this salad is!
Watergate Salad Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 large can of crushed pineapple
- 2 boxes of instant pistachio pudding mix
- ½ cup of chopped pecans
- 1½ cups of white mini marshmallows
- Chopped pecans and maraschino cherries for garnish
- 12 ounces of Cool Whip
- OPTIONAL: 1 cup shredded coconut, if desired
Substitutions And Additions
NUTS: While we are using pecans in this classic recipe, you could opt for a different type of nut.
Walnuts are a popular substitute, and almonds go great with pretty much anything.
FRUIT: You can add other canned fruit to the pistachio salad if you’d like. Try mandarin oranges or fruit salad.
CREAM CHEESE: For a thicker dressing, you could mix in cream cheese with the Cool Whip.
How To Make Watergate Salad
STEP ONE: In a large bowl, mix pineapple and dry pudding mix until the mix has completely dissolved and the pineapple is thick.
PRO TIP:
You can use the pineapple juice to dissolve the pudding mix.
STEP TWO: Stir in the other ingredients, then fold in the whipped topping.
PRO TIP:
If using shredded coconut, add it in when combining the pecans and mini marshmallows.
STEP THREE: Transfer to a serving bowl and top with chopped pistachios and cherries.
How To Serve This Recipe For Watergate Salad
This classic dessert salad is perfect for a side dish or as a dessert. It is a tasty treat to whip up for family gatherings or special occasions.
Don’t forget to top it off with delicious homemade whipped cream.
Serve our refreshing iced tea, raspberry iced tea, sweet peach iced tea, or our southern strawberry sweet tea on the side.
Here are some other fun ideas for the perfect summer desserts. Both jello poke cake and no-bake cherry cheesecake are easy to make and create a light and fruity treat.
PRO TIP:
This simple salad tastes even better if you can let it chill for a couple hours before serving.
MORE SALAD RECIPES
How To Store A Pistachio Salad Recipe
MAKE AHEAD: You can most definitely make this easy Watergate salad recipe ahead of time.
In fact, I recommend making it the night before you plan to serve it. That way, it can sit in the refrigerator, and the flavors can blend together.
It also allows the marshmallows to soften up a bit.
IN THE FRIDGE: Be sure to store your pistachio dessert salad in the fridge in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for two to three days.
IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze pistachio fluff salad, and it will keep for about three months.
Be aware that the texture of the marshmallows won’t be the same once they’ve thawed out. Since this is such an easy recipe to make, it’s best to make it fresh.
Another fun idea is to use your leftover salad to make Watergate popsicles, using a popsicle mold.
You can also spread it in a baking dish and scoop it up like ice cream, once it freezes for a yummy twist.
Creamy Watergate salad, often called pistachio pineapple delight or green goddess salad, is so delicious and easy to make. With its pistachio and pineapple flavors, mixed with creamy whipped topping, and topped off with crunchy pecans, this retro dessert is a winner every time. This light and refreshing dessert salad is a great summer side.
PISTACHIO SALAD FAQs
Can I freeze this salad?
This simple recipe can be frozen, but note that the texture of the marshmallows will likely change once thawed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It is actually best to make this vintage recipe ahead of time. It gives the salad time to let all the flavors mingle and combine together for an even tastier green fluff salad.
What is in the pistachio pudding mix?
Pistachio pudding is a creamy jello pudding that is made with milk and has small pieces of pistachio nuts in it. The pudding tends to be a light green color.
Does jello pistachio pudding have nuts in it?
Jello pistachio pudding has pistachios and sometimes small pieces of almonds as well.
Why is pistachio salad called Watergate salad?
There is not a clear answer as to why it is called Watergate salad. Some believe it is named after Watergate cake which is similarly made with pistachio pudding. Others believe it was created by a chef at the Watergate hotel. Some even believe that the newspaper columnist that printed it gave it the name to gain attention to the recipe during the political scandal.
More Easy Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- No Bake Cookies
- Chocolate Lasagna
- Peanut Butter Pie
- No Bake Eclair Cake
- Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- Dole Whip
- Pistachio Salad
- Tropical Cheesecake Fruit Salad
- Margarita Popsicles
- Pineapple Cookies
- Peach Pretzel Salad
- Lemon Fluff
- Peanut Butter Fluff
- Dole Popsicles
- Root Beer Popsicles
- Banana Split Fluff
- Pineapple Casserole
- Velveeta Hamburger Cheese Dip
- Best Fried Rice Recipe
- Recipe for Strawberry Jello Pie
- Popular Storybook Characters
- Graham Cracker Pineapple Dessert
- Cream Cheese Cheddar Cheese Dip
- Pistachio Pie
- Overnight Fruit Salad
- Pudding Fruit Salad
- Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad
- Fudgesicles
- Fuji Apple Panera Salad
- Cream Cheese Mints
- Pineapple Cake
- Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
Recipe For Watergate Salad
Light and refreshing, this pistachio flavored Watergate Salad is the perfect easy summer treat!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 1 large can crushed pineapple
- 2 boxes pistachio pudding mix
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1½ cups white mini marshmallows
- chopped pecans and maraschino cherries, for garnish
- 1 cup shredded coconut, if desired
- 12 ounces whipped topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the pudding mix and pineapple until the mix has completely dissolved, and the pineapple mixture has thickened.
- Stir in chopped pecans and mini marshmallows, then fold in whipped topping.
- Transfer to serving bowl or glass and top with chopped pistachios and cherries.
Video
Notes
- If using shredded coconut, add in when combining pecans and mini marshmallows.
- You can use the juice from the pineapple to dissolve the pudding mix.
- This simple salad tastes even better if you can let it chill for a couple of hours before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 42mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
Sylvie says
Love seeing different recipies.
Nan says
This has been a guarantee salad/dessert at house for years. I sometimes add a small can of drained mandrin oranges.
Debbi says
This is an old recipe but very good!!!
jay platte says
my grandma males this often, this recipe is delicious and everytime I eat it I think of her.
Gloria says
My grandma always serves this and our whole family loves it!
John says
I would add the coconut
Wanda says
I love the Watergate salad. My sister made it years ago but I never heard it called that. It is so light & creamy. No matter what it’s called I just call it delicious.
Barb says
Sounds delicious. I would certainly try the shredded coconut and if I didn’t have chopped pecans, I would use chopped walnuts which I usually have on hand in the freezer.
Tracy says
I never thought of freezing this. It always went to fast.
Clarazina Graham says
This is an old recipe that is excellent in taste. I add macadamia nuts and it reaches a different height in taste! Absolutely delicious!👍🏾😋
linda says
would try adding coconut
Helene says
I would not add coconut to the Watergate salad.
Betty kolb says
this recipe takes me back to my childhood…..love it. I love coconut so
i think it would be great to add it, I also think pistachios would be really good in it.
Maureen Swymer says
I make this salad all the time. I would pecan & cashew. I would add coconut to this salad. I have made popsicle but the marsh mellow get mushy.
Shannon says
This looks delicious. I think I would try to freeze the leftover and Mane watergate popsicles, especially if it’s during the warmer weathers
Elizabeth M Heimlich says
This looks and sounds tasty! I would not add coconut to it though- not a fan!
Gail says
I have made this “salad” for many years & always love it. Shredded coconut would be a delightful addition!
Melanie says
Made this after Thanksgiving. It was like eating a cloud….so yummy.
I would never add coconut, that would spoil the experience.
Janice says
We use pineapple and mandarin oranges for pistachio salad in my family. Wonderful jello-like salad!
Barbara says
I love this recipe! I like it with coconut but my family prefers it without and it is delicious both ways!
Tracy Goff says
No way wouldn’t I add coconut.
Deb Brunsvold says
I would use walnuts. I love this recipe
Torria says
Coconut would be pretty on top. My grandmother would put extra chopped pecans and a few cherries on top, as extra garnish. I used to eat this a slightly frozen, like icecream.
Susan Ruch says
This has been a favorite of mine since childhood. Thanks for posting.
Teresa Cunningham says
Love this! I’ve been given different recipes for the same “look”, but this one will taste delicious! IF I was lucky enough to have any leftover salad I’d definitely make Watergate popsicles.
Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Tina says
I would make Popsicles with left overs. But, doubt there would be any!
Ashley says
I love this salad !!!! Definitely yes to adding coconut 👍
Annette Lewis says
Definitely add coconut, Mandarin oranges are also a good choice. My favorite nut in it is pecans. It is a quick and easy salad. A fun color for the holidays.
Kat Ann says
I would add walnuts or black wanuts instead of or besides pecans.
Gail says
This looks like a very yummy recipe. I will give it a try exactly as it is written.
Thanks for sharing.
Becky M says
I wish I could add coconut. Unfortunately, no one in my house enjoys coconut.
Alison H says
Since I am not a lover of Pistachio’s I would like to change the Jello flavour but to stay with the colour I would Coconut Pudding mix and drop in a few drops of food colouring or maybe Lime Jello to change the Sweetness of the Salad.
Beverly Lloyd says
This looks really good. It has been a long time since I had watergate salad. I would probably use the pecans in it because I like them best but you could use walnuts or cashews. Freezing it as either popsicles or ice cream sounds really good and I think I will try that.
Jan Barrett says
Really makes a festive table presentation. I would add more nuts, like English Walnuts, Pistachios (always good with green). This would make it more crunchy and give an extra flavor.
Sable says
I’ve never heard of this but I will definitely make it, it looks delicious! I wouldn’t add shredded coconut. I love the popsicle idea, sounds so yummy 😋
Julie says
I couldn’t find the size of Jello mix you are suppose to use. Anybody wants to let me know, I would really appreciate it. My grandmother made this special in the hot summer. It was so good and cold dessert after lunch. Hot day sandwiches, and potatoes salad topped with this salad and a big glass of ice tea perfect summer day.
Thanks for putting it up very good salad.
Just Ned the size of Jello box 3 or 6 oz?
Maureen says
This recipe has been around for awhile but I haven’t tried it yet. It is so simple and sounds delicious. I would defintely keep the pecans and the coconut. They add real texture to the salad.
MaryAnn says
I have not tried this but I love pistachio but not coconut
Britnei Tweedy says
Would you add shredded coconut to this watergate salad?
Yes I would add coconut to it and also I would add walnuts and almonds in addition to the pecans because I think it would taste very good that way. I Never heard of this salad before but I am definitely going to try it.
Kathy says
I think it would be good with the coconut but not too much. I plan on making this salad this weekend.
Linda says
This is an OLDIE but such a goodie. Pecans are so good in this salad
Jill says
This is so good. It reminds me of the Watergate cake that was popular when I was little. I’d definitely add the coconut to it.
Bobbie says
I do think that shredded coconut would add a zing to this recipe, however, I love it just the way it is! Thank you for reminding us that it’s a fun holiday treat! 🙂
Tina says
add pistachios! carmel suace or tres sauce to the top………..
Laurie Mathews says
i’ve never put coconut in watergate salad or Gorilla Snot Salad as it’s known in our house. my sister came up with the name when my son was little. The name has stuck ever since.
Jennifer D says
Watergate salad is one of my childhood favorites. People that have never heard of it always think it looks weird and then they love it!! I tend to make a basic recipe of just the pudding, pineapple, and cool whip. I’ve never been a huge fan of the marshmallows in it. I think I would try adding even more fresh pistachios to the recipe! I think that would add a nice crunch