• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Flavor Mosaic logo

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Creative Recipes
    • Breakfast / Brunch
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
      • Vegetarian
      • Dinner in Under 30 Minutes
      • Slow Cooker
    • Desserts
    • Appetizers
    • Side Dishes
      • Grains
      • Legumes
      • Pasta
      • Potatoes
      • Vegetables
    • Soups / Salads
      • Green Salads
      • Pasta Salads
      • Potato Salads
      • Soup
    • Cuisine
      • American
      • Asian
      • Cajun
      • French
      • German
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican Recipes
    • Seasonal Recipes
      • Christmas
      • Cinco De Mayo
      • Easter Recipes
      • Fall Recipes
      • Game Day
      • Halloween
      • Holiday Baking
      • Holiday Leftover Recipes
      • July 4th
      • Mardi Gras
      • New Years
      • St Patrick’s Day
      • Summer
      • Thanksgiving
      • Thanksgiving Desserts
      • Thanksgiving Sides
      • Winter Recipes
    • Seasoning Mixes
  • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Instant Pot Beef Recipes
    • Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
    • Instant Pot Soups
  • Southern Recipes
  • Tex-Mex Recipes

Home » Creative Recipes » Desserts » Pudding » Watergate Salad

Watergate Salad - Pistachio Salad - Pistachio Fluff

Watergate Salad

BY: Michele
PUBLISHED: Jun 19, 2016
UPDATED: Aug 17, 2021
4 Reviews / 5 Average
Jump to Recipe
Pin SaveSaved!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Watergate Salad AKA Pistachio Fluff Pin with Red Label and photo

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.

Watergate Salad - Pistachio Salad - Pistachio Fluff

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.

Watergate Salad - Pistachio Salad - Pistachio Fluff

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.

Table of Contents
  • Recipe
  • Reviews
Watergate Salad - Pistachio Salad - Pistachio Fluff

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.

Watergate Salad - Pistachio Salad - Pistachio Fluff

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!

Watergate Salad - Pistachio Salad - Pistachio Fluff

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!

Watergate Salad - Pistachio Salad - Pistachio Fluff

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!

Cranberry Fluff

This pretty Cranberry Fluff Salad, made with fresh cranberries, makes a sweet and delicious salad, side dish, or dessert for a Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday dinner.

Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

If you like this recipe, be sure to follow me on:

Email | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Recipe

Print Pin Save Saved!
5 from 4 votes

Watergate Salad Recipe

This Watergate Salad, also known as Pistachio Salad, Pistachio Delight or Pistachio Fluff or Green Fluff, is a sweet, cool, crunchy dessert made with pistachio pudding, whipped topping, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, pecans and coconut.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword pistachio fluff salad, watergate salad
Prep Time 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Servings 8
Calories 145kcal
Author Michele @ Flavor Mosaic

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
Prevent your screen from going dark

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)

Notes

Round out your holiday dinner with these recipes
turkey
green bean casserole
easy cornbread dressing
squash casserole
pumpkin pie

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 145mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Filed Under: American, Christmas, Easter Recipes, Marshmallows, Pudding, Thanksgiving Tagged With: coconut, crushed pineapple, dessert, Dessert Salad, Fluff, marshmallows, pecans, Pistachio Fluff, pistachio pudding, side salad, Watergate Salad, whipped topping

DISCLOSURE: Flavor Mosaic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Please note: This blog may contain affiliate links to products I use and love. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, to help with blog expenses when you make a purchase through an affiliate link. Thank you for your support!

Reader Interactions

Michele F - Owner / Founder / Creator / Blogger at Flavor Mosaic
Michele

Hi, I’m Michele Feuerborn, wife, and dog Mom, with 20+ years experience as a home cook. I’m the Founder of Flavor Mosaic, as well as the author and content creator. I share fast, easy, flavorful recipes with bold flavors, featuring Instant Pot and Air Fryer recipes and Italian, Southern and Mexican cuisines.  Contact: [email protected].

Comments

  1. Shelby says

    June 19, 2016 at 4:49 am

    This was always a salad that disappeared fast at potluck or family reunions!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      June 21, 2016 at 8:00 am

      Ir disappeared at our family gatherings also.

      Reply
  2. The Finer Cookie/Kim says

    June 19, 2016 at 10:29 am

    What a great dessert.

    Reply
    • Michele says

      June 21, 2016 at 8:01 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  3. Nicole @ Crazed Mom says

    June 19, 2016 at 12:21 pm

    By far one of my very favorite recipes of all time, and your’s looks absolutely gorgeous!!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      June 21, 2016 at 8:02 am

      Thanks! It is one of our favorite desserts also.

      Reply
  4. Carlee says

    June 19, 2016 at 1:26 pm

    I haven’t had anything like this in years and now I really want some! What a perfect picnic dish!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      June 21, 2016 at 8:03 am

      It brings back memories doesn’t it? We love to bring it to a potluck!

      Reply
  5. Cindy says

    June 19, 2016 at 8:18 pm

    Wow I think I just found a new pistachio favorite dish!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      June 21, 2016 at 8:04 am

      Cindy, it is so good, you need to try it!

      Reply
  6. Liz says

    June 19, 2016 at 8:59 pm

    Truly a blast from the past! Now I’m craving some of your yummy Watergate salad!!!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      June 21, 2016 at 8:05 am

      It is so delicious! It is no wonder it has been popular for decades.

      Reply
  7. Marion@LifeTastesGood says

    June 19, 2016 at 10:55 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      June 21, 2016 at 8:06 am

      You don’t know what you are missing. It is so good. Thank you!

      Reply
  8. Renee @ReneesKitchenAdventures says

    June 19, 2016 at 11:20 pm

    I’ve never added coconut to mine. I like that idea! I’m going to try that next time I make it!

    Reply
  9. Michele says

    June 21, 2016 at 8:07 am

    The coconut was my addition. It adds that sweet coconut flavor and texture.

    Reply
  10. Trena says

    July 24, 2021 at 9:32 am

    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.❤️

    Reply
    • Michele says

      July 24, 2021 at 11:34 am

      Hi Trena,

      I am so glad this brings back memories for you. I hope you enjoy it.

      Michele

      Reply
  11. Lisa says

    March 17, 2024 at 11:00 am

    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

    Reply
    • Michele says

      March 17, 2024 at 12:01 pm

      Hi Lisa,

      Thank you so much for the nice comment. I’m glad you liked it.

      Michele

      Reply
  12. Carrie says

    March 19, 2024 at 3:48 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Michele says

      March 19, 2024 at 5:38 pm

      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

      Reply
5 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Michele F - Owner / Founder / Creator / Blogger at Flavor Mosaic

Hi, I’m Michele, a home cook with 20+ years experience. I created Flavor Mosaic as a place to share our favorite fast, easy, and flavorful creative recipes with bold flavors, including Southern, Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Instant Pot recipes.
Read More…

Follow Me

Follow FlavorMosaic on Facebook Follow @FlavorMosaic on Instagram Follow FlavorMosaic on Pinterest Follow @FlavorMosaic on Twitter Subscribe to FlavorMosaic's RSS Feed

Search Flavor Mosaic

Logos of websites that have featured recipes from FlavorMosaic.com

Newest Recipes

  • Instant Pot Braised Beef Short Ribs
  • Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
  • Homemade Pie Crust (From Scratch!)
  • Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad
Copyright © 2013-2025 Flavor Mosaic · All Rights Reserved. FLAVOR MOSAIC™ IS A TRADEMARK OF MICHELE FEUERBORN · Privacy Policy

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.