There is nothing better than Watergate Salad! This simple dump-and-go salad is a classic that makes it’s way into every celebration because it’s both incredibly delicious and incredibly easy. Whip it together in less than 5 minutes and you’re good to go! Love pistachio? Make sure to try my Easy Pistachio Pie and Pistachio and White Chocolate Pudding Cookies too!
Watergate Salad
Pistachio Dessert Salad, Watergate Salad or Pistachio Fluff – whatever you choose to call it – it’s delicious! I mean, what’s better than dumping a handful of ingredients together in a bowl, giving it a quick stir, popping in the fridge to the chill and then having it ready to go when you are?
The answer? Nothing. Especially when you end up with a deliciously sweet and satisfying Watergate Salad for that teeny amount of effort.
As you guys know, I am a fluff lover. Like, I make a fluff salad for pretty much every function you can think of: holidays, potlucks, parties, etc. It’s my go-to. And there’s ample reasoning to support these decisions:
- There is never a single bit leftover. Never.
- Takes about 5 minutes to make.
- Cheap. Like, really, really cheap to make.
This is basically the criteria for all my life choices.
To top it all off, this is pistachio flavored! I looooove pistachio!
What Is In Watergate Salad
Not a whole heck of a lot you guys. We’re talking 5 ingredients. TOTAL.
- pistachio Jell-O instant pudding mix
- crushed pineapple – in juice! Do not drain!
- miniature marshmallows
- chopped nuts your favorite – I usually use pecans or pistachios
- Cool Whip – you can use lite if you prefer
Family recipes are the best. Seriously. I mean, if we’re talking food that brings back the memories, it’s got to be a family recipe. Last month my little sister was out visiting and we made the rounds to all the local relatives so they could visit with Ashley. We met up with my Aunt Lana and had a wonderful visit.
My Aunt Lana surprised all of us girls with a late Christmas present…a compilation of favorite family recipes!! Now, I had totally forgotten about this when she told us around Christmas that she was working on this little project. Seriously, it couldn’t have come at a better time. I had SO much fun going through all the recipes and you could hear all three of us going “Oh yeah! I love that recipe!” or “Oh my gosh! I’ve always wanted that recipe!”
I’ve already made several of the recipes already and if I hadn’t needed to feed my hungry family before I could get some pics – I would certainly have shared 🙂 This one I made in secret and snapped a few quick pics while the boys were away. As soon as they find out there are marshmallows in here…yeah, it’s not going to last long.
Watergate Salad Can Be Made In Advance
I’m sure this salad looks familiar to some of you and hopefully brings back good memories too! The best part of this recipe is that it uses ingredients that you probably already have on hand. It’s super quick to make and stays good for days so it’s the perfect recipe to make in advance. This is definitely one of those recipes that you’re going to want to double for a crowd. Maybe triple 🙂
Some people ask for watergate salad without pineapple. This is definitely not it! I use the pineapple and it’s juice to dissolve the pudding mix. You can also make watergate salad with cottage cheese. It’s a lot like my Tropical Orange Jello Salad. You can add a cup of cottage cheese to this recipe if you like.
Get Your Fluff On With These Great Dessert Salads
- Pina Colada Fluff
- Cherry Fluff
- Three Minute Easter Fluff
- The BEST Ambrosia Salad
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Fluff
How To Make Watergate Salad
Watergate Salad
Ingredients
- 3.4 oz pistachio Jell-O instant pudding mix
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts your favorite
- 8 oz container Cool Whip I used lite - thawed
Instructions
- Combine pudding mix, pineapple (with juice), marshmallows and nuts in a large bowl and mix well.
- Blend in Cool Whip and chill until ready to serve.
Video
Nutrition
Originally published August 11, 2013. Updated March 24, 2019.
What are some of your favorite recipes that show up time and again at family functions?
More recipes our family loves:
Fruit Basket Mini Sugar Cookie Pizzas
For all breakfast recipes, go HERE.
For all dessert recipes, go HERE.
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David says
Just like my mom used to make it. I suggest you add about 1/4 cup of sour cream.
Cecelia Campbell says
So no milk in the pudding? Just cool whip and the rest of the ingredients?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Correct! Thanks!
Erin says
We double it and add shredded coconut! So good! I lost my grandmas recipe and when I found this I was so happy! The coconut was her thing♥️
amelia says
It was yummmm…. I’ll make it again
Mary says
Love this stuff! Your recipe is classic!
Sheila Allen says
Just to add calories and color… my mom gave me this recipe in the 70s.. she added a small jar of cut up maraschino cherries(without juice)…. it adds a nice color and a little taste of cherry here and there….
Virginia says
I’m going to name it Dragon Salad my granddaughter is gonna love it.
Kathy says
This has been a staple at our Thanksgiving table for over 50 yrs!
However, we call it “Mold”. 😂
Linda says
I use sugar free jello mix and lite cool who but no marshmallows. It makes a wonderful treat for diabetics!
Jill says
I don’t eat pineapple, but I’m obsessed with pistachio pudding, so my best friend’s mom, who gave me the recipe said pick another fruit and try it.
Canned pears is my go to to replace the pineapple. Tastes great!
Maria G. says
We’ve been making this salad for years at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Over time we’ve changed it a little based on who will be over eating for the holiday. For example, keep out the nuts because auntie can’t chew them, or add maraschino cherries as it’s uncle’s favorite fruit. I started adding mandarin oranges because the two types of fruit seem to work well together. If I double the recipe I use 20 oz pineapple and 20 oz of mandaring oranges (or as close to the amount as I can get). If I keep the recipe at a single, I halve the pineapple and use a small can of mandarin oranges (11 oz) and a small can of crushed pineapple (8.5 oz). This works nicely. I did try using regular whipped cream, but the salad didn’t seem to hold up as well; it was not as fluffy as usual.
COLLEEN ZEMAN says
I make homemade whipped cream and it so good and lasts longer.
David Senn says
And so much healthier too! Coolwhip is totally toxic.
amyh1965 says
I had to find this recipe by Googling the ingredients! Only name we ever had for this was “Dragon Snot.” 😜
Jess says
Haha our family always called it grasshopper guts.
Michelle says
I make this but add a can of mandarin oranges and a can of fruit cocktail. Delicious!!
Dave says
Yea where I was raised up an such a we called this Pink Stuff, as it was usually pink or almost red, my gommie an I were HUGE maraschino cherry fans, still are if I’m totally honest!!
Jordyn R. says
I HATE Cool-Whip / dream Whip. The chemicals in these products are atrocious. Can you use regular whipped cream instead?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yes you can but you will need to enjoy the salad pretty soon after. You can refrigerate for a few hours if needed.
Cyndi F says
Jordan, try Tru Whip instead of Cool Whip, which is what I used – this was a fabulous desert!!
Candy Knutson says
Yes you can use fresh whipping cream. Just add a little powdered sugar and color free vanilla.This recipe is how my Mom used to make it.I have changed it up for different Holidays.Pastel colored marshmallows at Easter, Amarena cherries at Christmas, peaches and pecans during the Summer add mandarin oranges, a banana, coconut, make it your own or follow the recipe . It’s all good.I also prefer fresh fruit over canned.I chop it in a bowl to catch all the juice.
theresa becker says
so don’t add the milk to the pudding?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Correct!
Susan says
I was so glad to find this post! Went to make a double batch for Thanksgiving and found that the recipe is no longer printed on the Jello box! You saved the day.