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Watergate Salad is a quick and easy dessert to whip up in about 5 minutes with no cooking required. Cool Whip, nuts and pineapples come together for a light and tasty dessert.

Classic Watergate Salad is really somewhat of a misnomer for a name because this Fruit Fluff Salad is really a dessert! It’s super easy to make with only three ingredients.

Other Names for Watergate Salad

Watergate salad, also known as pistachio fluff or pistachio delight, and sometimes even that green stuff is a no-bake jello salad. Although there are variations, the original classic recipe uses only three simple ingredients.

The History of the Watergate Salad dates back to the mid-1980s. Originally the recipe was shared by Kraft and called Pistachio Pineapple Delight.  Soon, the name was changed to Watergate Salad, and marshmallows were added to the recipe.

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Ingredients

• 1 small pkg. (3.4 oz.) Pistachio pudding
• 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapples in juice, undrained
• 1 (12 oz) container of whipped topping, preferably Cool Whip
• ¼ cup chopped pecans for topping, optional
• 1 Cup miniature marshmallows, optional

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, pour the pudding and pineapples together, stirring until well blended.

Step 2

Add the whipped topping to the bowl and the miniature marshmallow if using those. Fold well.

Step 3

Chill in the refrigerator, covered for at least one hour prior to serving.

Serve and enjoy! Top with pecans prior to serving.

The fact that you can make this no bake dessert with only three ingredients is not lost on a busy cook either! If you are adding this side dish to your Thanksgiving menu, make it a day ahead.

I make mine without the marshmallows. That’s how Momma always made it. Plus it’s Low Carb when you leave the marshmallows out. 

Yield: 8

Classic Watergate Salad Recipe

Print

Also known as Fluff, this easy no bake Jello dessert can be made with only 3 ingredients. Skipping the marshmallows will make it low carb.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 small pkg. (3.4 oz.) Pistachio pudding
• 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapples in juice, undrained
• 1 (12 oz) container of whipped topping, preferably Cool Whip
• OPTIONAL
• ¼ cup chopped pecans for topping
• 1 Cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. In a bowl, pour the pudding and pineapples together, stirring until well blended.
2. Add the whipped topping to the bowl (and Marshmallows if using them) Fold well.
3. Chill in refrigerator, covered for at least one hour prior to serving.
4. Top with pecans prior to serving. (Optional)

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1/2 Cup
Amount Per Serving Calories 89Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 0mgSodium 43mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 1gSugar 11gProtein 1g

Nutrition calculations are estimated and not completely accurate depending on variables of ingredients used.

Did you make this recipe?

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Fruit Fluff Salad is a perfect make ahead dessert for entertaining. You can store it in the refrigerator and bring it out at the right moment. Serve your Watergate Salad in pretty dessert dishes for that extra touch to impress your guests. 

Watergate Salad Trivia

(Answers at the bottom of this page)

What month of the year is Watergate Salad most popular based on internet searches for the recipe?

1. March
2. July
3. November

How many people search the internet for the Watergate Salad recipe during it’s most popular month?

1. 25,000
2. 100,000
3. 50,000

Watergate Salad is great for

• Easter or
• Mother’s Day brunch,
• Summer soiree’s,
• Thanksgiving and
• Christmas
• If you are looking for green food for St. Patrick’s Day, don’t forget this easy 3 ingredient delight!

Trivia Answers. November. 50,000.

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Updated 12-5-2021