Watergate salad is full of pistachio pudding, walnuts, pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping. Perfect to serve as a side or dessert salad during the holidays, around Easter, or any get-together!
You may be thinking.....what in the world is watergate salad recipe?!
Are we talking about a side dish named after the Watergate scandal??
Well .... perhaps haha! I am not sure where the name comes from, but this easy 5 ingredient salad is also referred to as:
- green fluff
- pistachio delight
- green goop
All very appetizing names in my opinion.....

Regardless of where the name comes from, watergate salad is a staple at Christmas time at my in-laws. I had never ever heard of this salad before knowing them, but it was my husband's grandmother's favorite during the holidays and continues to show up at the Christmas table each year in her honor and memory.
It is a strange little dish but surprisingly delish and one that brings a smile to everyone's face each year.
What is Watergate Salad?
This is a simple and easy dessert salad that is only 5 ingredients and can be made in 5 minutes. All you need is:
- Pistachio pudding mix
- Crushed pineapple
- Nuts
- Mini Marshmallows
- Cool Whip
How to Make
- To a large bowl, add the pistachio pudding mix and crushed pineapple. Mix to combine.
- Add in the marshmallows and nuts, stirring to mix together.
- Gently fold in thawed whipped topping until all combined, light, and fluffy.
- Place in a serving bowl and store in the fridge to chill for 1 hour.
- Serve and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
You can make watergate salad up to 24 hours before eating. Just keep wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge until needed.
More Dessert Recipes for the Holidays
- Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
- Brown Butter Apple Bars
- Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
- Old Fashioned Pumpkin Loaf
- Easy Cream Cheese Danish
- Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls {No Bake}
- How to Make Buckeye Candy
- Apple Pie
- Pumpkin Pie
- Pecan Pie
- Pineapple Crush Jello Cake
Recipe
Watergate Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Watergate salad is full of pistachio pudding, walnuts, pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping. Perfect to serve as a side or dessert salad during the holidays, around Easter, or any get-together!
Ingredients
- 1 - 3.4 Ounce Package Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix
- 1 - 8 Ounce Can Crushed Pineapples (with juice)
- 1 Cup Mini Marshmallows
- ½ Chopped Nuts (chopped - pecans or walnuts)
- 1 - 8 Ounce Container Whipped Topping (thawed)
Instructions
- To a large bowl, add in the pistachio pudding mix and crushed pineapple. Mix to combine.
- Add in the marshmallows and nuts, stirring to mix together.
- Gently fold in thawed whipped topping until all combined, light, and fluffy.
- Place in a serving bowl and store in the fridge to chill for 1 hour.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spoonful
- Calories: 144
- Sugar: 19.9 g
- Sodium: 190.4 mg
- Fat: 6.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22.3 g
- Fiber: 0.9 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0.2 mg
Keywords: Watergate Salad Recipe