Watergate salad is a classic dessert salad that’s still popular today! This easy, no-bake dessert recipe takes just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to make.
Watergate salad is a vintage dessert classic that goes by several names. It’s sometimes called Pistachio Delight, Green Goop, Green Goddess salad, Green Fluff, or even Green Stuff. The dessert is served as a side dish salad or a dessert salad.
It’s typically made from just 5 simple and inexpensive ingredients: pistachio pudding mix, canned pineapple, whipped topping, crushed pecans, and marshmallows. It also takes just 5 minutes to make.
I like to make this dessert salad to take to barbecues and potlucks because it’s so quick and easy to make, can be made ahead of time, and is always a hit.
“I have made this for years and my family loves it. Just not a holiday without it.” – Suzanne
Why you’ll love this recipe
There are a lot of recipes for Watergate salad, but this one is a little different than most. I like lots of marshmallows, so I put a whole package in. Also, I use chopped pistachios because they work well with the pistachio pudding.
I go with salted pistachios in place of chopped pecans because I like the little bit of salt, but unsalted pistachios would be good, too. Feel free to adjust the recipe to your tastes!
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Pudding mix: Be sure to use instant pistachio pudding, not cook and serve.
- Cool Whip: You can use another type of frozen whipped topping, like Truwhip, if you prefer.
- Pistachios: I like to use chopped pistachios with the chopped pudding. You can use chopped pecans or walnuts if you prefer.
How to make Watergate salad
Here you’ll find step-by-step photos showing how to make this recipe. The full recipe, including ingredients, is given below.
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the crushed pineapple with juice and dry pistachio pudding mix.
Step 2: Fold in thawed whipped topping, marshmallows, and nuts until well mixed.
Step 3: Refrigerate until chilled; serve.
Recipe Tips!
- Serving suggestions: I like to serve the salad topped with chopped pistachios, but you could also top it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a cherry.
- Make ahead: Since you can make this recipe up and chill it until you’re ready to serve it, it is an ideal make-ahead dessert. I don’t recommend making it more than 1-2 days in advance as it can start to separate as it sits. However, if you give it a good stir, it should come back together.
Storage
Watergate salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find that the salad starts to separate a bit as it sits, so give it a good stir after it has been in the fridge.
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Watergate Salad
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple undrained
- 3.4 ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 8 ounce container Cool Whip thawed
- 10 ounce package mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the pineapple with juice and dry pistachio pudding mix.20 ounce can crushed pineapple, 3.4 ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix
- Fold in thawed whipped topping, marshmallows, and nuts until well mixed.8 ounce container Cool Whip, 10 ounce package mini marshmallows, 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- Refrigerate until chilled; serve.
Video
Notes
- Pudding mix: Be sure to use instant pudding, not cook and serve.
- Cool Whip: You can use another type of frozen whipped topping, like Truwhip, if you prefer.
- Pistachios: I like to use chopped pistachios with the chopped pudding. You can use chopped pecans or walnuts if you prefer.
- Nutrition values are estimates.
Nutrition
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Originally published
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Comments & Reviews
Pokemon Fan says
This is the best Watergate salad ever!
Kate says
Thank you!
Steph says
I made this to take to a bbq, it was great. I liked how easy it was to make.
Kate says
Thanks! I like how easy it is, too! =)
Jen says
I’ve made this for years. The pistachios are a nice addition. Thanks!
Kate says
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it! =)
Betty says
I have been making this for over 30 years. It is a no fail for potluck gatherings and requests fly if I don’t bring one
Kate says
I bet! It’s hard to beat this! =)
Carrie says
I also add mandarin oranges. My family and friends love it.
Kate says
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Judy says
I have not had this Watergate Salad in so many years. Am glad you posted it to remind me to make it again. You are so right it is very delish!!
Kate says
I’m glad that you found an old favorite! I love it when that happens! =)
Suzanne says
I have made this for years and my family loves it. Just not a holiday without it.
Kate says
That’s great! We should add this to our holiday rotation, too. =)
Denise says
Oh goodness This brings back childhood memories from dinner on the grounds at church. This was one of my favorite deserts that would be there.
Kate says
That’s awesome! One of my favorite things about food is the way that it can bring back great memories. =)
Joanne says
I have made this dessert before, and it is very good.
kateheartseating says
Thanks!! I’m glad you like it! =)