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This Watergate Salad, also known as Pistachio Salad, Pistachio Delight or Pistachio Fluff or Green Fluff, can be a side salad or dessert salad and is a sweet, cool, crunchy dessert made with pistachio pudding, whipped topping, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, pecans, and coconut.
Whether it brings back memories of carnivals, county fairs, backyard BBQ's or picnics on the beach, summertime is often the time of year that we have the happiest childhood memories.
As we get deeper into the lazy days of summer, we hope our recipes will inspire you to gather your family and friends around the Sunday dinner table or picnic table and enjoy these fabulous recipes while remembering the good times and creating new memories.
This Watergate Salad or Pistachio Delight or Pistachio Fluff or green fluff is such a delicious, cool and refreshing dessert that is perfect for summer BBQ or picnic.
Many of you may already serve this Watergate Salad, or something similar, at holiday dinners, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter.
This Watergate Salad recipe was actually invented back in the 1970’s by a pudding company. However, no one is actually sure how it got the name, Watergate Salad.
Rumor has it that a creative editor in Chicago reprinted the recipe and the name stuck! Since it was named only a year after the infamous Watergate Scandal, it probably made this dessert salad more popular!
So does that make this Watergate Salad dessert scandalous? It certainly is scandalously delicious!
What makes this Watergate Salad taste so good that it has been served at family tables for decades?
The Watergate salad includes crushed pineapple, pistachio pudding mix, miniature marshmallows, chopped pecans, whipped topping and I add coconut and top it with a maraschino cherry!
It is now your turn to make this Watergate Salad / Pistachio Delight / Pistachio Salad / Pistachio Fluff! Scroll down for the printable recipe.
If you like Fluff Salads, be sure to check other our other Fluff desserts, such as Pumpkin Fluff, Oreo Fluff, and Cranberry Fluff.
Be sure to let me know if this has been a family favorite for years in your family. Also in the comments let me know what your family calls this sweet, creamy and crunchy dessert!
If you like this recipe, you may also like to try these other recipes!
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Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple, with juice, undrained
- 1 3.4-ounce package pistachio instant pudding mix
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut
- 1 8-ounce container whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the first 5 ingredients.
- Stir in the whipped topping.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. I recommend refrigerating overnight.
- Serve with additional whipped topping and a maraschino cherry. (optional)
Shelby says
This was always a salad that disappeared fast at potluck or family reunions!
Michele says
Ir disappeared at our family gatherings also.
The Finer Cookie/Kim says
What a great dessert.
Michele says
Thanks!
Nicole @ Crazed Mom says
By far one of my very favorite recipes of all time, and your’s looks absolutely gorgeous!!
Michele says
Thanks! It is one of our favorite desserts also.
Carlee says
I haven’t had anything like this in years and now I really want some! What a perfect picnic dish!
Michele says
It brings back memories doesn’t it? We love to bring it to a potluck!
Cindy says
Wow I think I just found a new pistachio favorite dish!
Michele says
Cindy, it is so good, you need to try it!
Liz says
Truly a blast from the past! Now I’m craving some of your yummy Watergate salad!!!
Michele says
It is so delicious! It is no wonder it has been popular for decades.
Marion@LifeTastesGood says
Can you believe I have never tried this type of salad? It sounds so yummy. I can’t believe I’ve never had it and will have to change that soon! I love your recipe especially because of the pistachios and that gorgeous color! Your photos are so beautiful!
Michele says
You don’t know what you are missing. It is so good. Thank you!
Renee @ReneesKitchenAdventures says
I’ve never added coconut to mine. I like that idea! I’m going to try that next time I make it!
Michele says
The coconut was my addition. It adds that sweet coconut flavor and texture.
Trena says
Am so glad I found this recipe. I remember my grandma making this. It’s the best ever, and never knew how to make it. What a wonderful childhood flashback.❤️
Michele says
Hi Trena,
I am so glad this brings back memories for you. I hope you enjoy it.
Michele
Lisa says
Made today since it’s St Paddy’s Day! Thought it will go well for dessert after a meal of Corned Beef and Cabbage very light and airy just Perfect and oh so easy! Ty Lisa
Michele says
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for the nice comment. I’m glad you liked it.
Michele
Carrie says
My mother made this every year for Easter. She also added coconut. It brings back special memories. It’s better than the other similar recipes in my opinion.
Michele says
Hi Carrie,
I love family traditions. That was one of the reasons I started this blog 10 years ago. I’m so happy you like the recipe. Since you like it, if you choose, please feel free to leave a 5-star rating on this recipe. It helps more people see the recipe.
Thank you so much.
Michele