Watergate salad is a fluff made with pistachio pudding, whipped topping and packed with pecans , pineapples and marshmallow. Growing up on the 1970’s this was a staple at our house at every summer cook out all the way to our holiday tables. If it was a more formal occasion this went into a nice serving bowl , if it was a less formal occasion it came straight out of the fridge onto the table. Literally no occasion was complete without this green fluff.   It is more like a dessert and that is how I serve it now but back then we mixed in with the side dishes. I guess in the 1970’s we tried to convince ourselves that is was a salad and could be served as a side, lol.  Over the years we have made many different “salads” like my Pina Colada Fluff.

There is nothing better than a dump and go recipe . This recipe is not only delicious it is super easy to make. I really think this is why this recipe has stood the test of time. It is so good , easy to make and rather inexpensive. I say to chill this 3-4 hours , that’s how long it takes to get that fluffiness to it. Plus the marshmallows absorbs all of the flavors. I find making it the night before works well.

Commonly asked Questions:

  Do I have to chill it 3-4 hours?

Yes and no.  Yes if you want it to have the fluffiness to it but if you are in a hurry it can be chilled for less time.

Can I make it the night before?

Yes I usually make this the night before

Can I use the store brand ingredients?

Absolutely. This will not change the results

Can I use a different nut than pecans ?

Yes , I have seen people use wal-nuts or even pistachios

Can I use sugar free or light ingredients?

Yes , my mother used to do this all the time

Over the years I have heard this called many things . No matter what you call it , I call it delicious !! Here are a few other names for Watergate salad I have heard over the years.

• Green stuff
• Green Fluff
• Green goop
• Pistachio Delight
• Mean Green

What do you need to make Watergate Salad:

• Instant Pistachio Pudding
• Crushed pineapple with the juice
• Whipped topping
• pecans
• marshmallows
• Mixing bowl
• Saran Press and seal or a covered bowl

This dish starts with very simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.

In a mixing bowl combine the pudding mix and crushed pineapple with it’s juice. Mix until the pudding is dissolved.

Fold in the whipped topping and pecans .

Mix until it is well combined . You don’t want to see green or white streaks.

Fold in mini marshmallows.

Cover and chill for at least 3-4 hours.

Depending on the occasion this can be placed into a serving bowl and garnished with a few pecans and a cherry.

If you like this recipe check out these:

• Pina Colada Fluff
• Grape Salad
• Strawberry Ice Box Cake

Watergate Salad

4.85 from 13 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Chill 4 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Calories

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 3.4 oz box Pistachio Pudding Instant
• 1 20oz can Crushed Pineapple with juice
• 1 8oz Whipped Topping thawed
• 3/4 cup Pecans chopped
• 2 cups Mini Marshmallows
• Cherries and chopped pecans to garnish optional

Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl combine the pudding mix and crushed pineapple with it's juice. Mix until the pudding is dissolved.
  
• Add the whipped topping and pecans
  
• Mix until well combined
  
• Fold in marshmallows
  
• Cover chill for 3-4 hours -even better if overnight
  
• This is optional but you can garnish with chopped pecans and cherries
  

Video

Keyword Watergate Salad

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