Q1: What is Watergate Salad, and where did it get its famous name?

Watergate Salad is a classic American dessert salad made with pistachio pudding, pineapple, nuts, and marshmallows. Its exact origin and name are a fun mystery! The most popular theory is that the recipe was first published by a major food company around the time of the Watergate political scandal in the early 1970s, and the name just stuck. It is also often called "Pistachio Fluff" or "Green Stuff."

Q2: Can I use a tub of Cool Whip® or another frozen whipped topping instead of making my own whipped cream?

Yes, this is a very common and easy shortcut for this recipe. You can substitute the homemade stabilized whipped cream with one 8-ounce tub of thawed frozen whipped topping . Simply fold the entire tub into the pistachio and pineapple mixture at the end.

Q3: How do I make sure my Watergate Salad is thick and fluffy, not runny?

The two most important secrets are to use instant pudding mix and to give it the proper chilling time . You must use instant pudding, as the cook-and-serve variety will not set up properly without being heated. The minimum 4-hour chilling time is also non-negotiable, as this is what allows the instant pudding to fully absorb all the liquid from the pineapple juice and set into a thick, fluffy consistency.

Q4: Can I use a different kind of pudding mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment! While pistachio is the classic flavor for a Watergate Salad, this "fluff" style salad is also delicious when made with an instant vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix .

Q5: Can I make this salad a day or two in advance for a party?

Yes, absolutely! This is the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the entire salad and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days . The flavors will actually be even better on the second day! Just wait to add the final garnishes of the reserved whipped cream, walnuts, and cherries until right before you serve it.

The Easiest Ever Watergate Salad (Pistachio Fluff!)

Name: The Easiest Ever Watergate Salad (Pistachio Fluff!)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream, chilled; 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar; One 20-ounce can crushed pineapple in juice; One 3.4-ounce box instant pistachio pudding mix; 1 cup chopped walnuts; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 8 maraschino cherries, drained

The Easiest Ever Watergate Salad (Pistachio Fluff!)

A classic no-bake dessert salad, this Watergate Salad features a creamy and fruity pistachio fluff. The recipe starts by creating a stabilized whipped cream with heavy cream, cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar. A portion of this cream is then folded into a mixture of crushed pineapple with its juice, instant pistachio pudding mix, chopped walnuts, and mini marshmallows. The salad is chilled for several hours to set and allow the flavors to meld, then served with a topping of the remaining cream, more walnuts, and maraschino cherries.

Author: Grace
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Yield: 8-12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake, Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups heavy cream, chilled
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
One 20-ounce can crushed pineapple in juice
One 3.4-ounce box instant pistachio pudding mix
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup mini marshmallows
8 maraschino cherries, drained

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, slowly whisk the chilled heavy cream into the room-temperature cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth.
Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until medium-stiff peaks form.
In a separate large bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice), the pistachio pudding mix, and 3/4 cup of the chopped walnuts. Stir until the pudding mix is dissolved.
Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and 2 cups of the prepared whipped cream-cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Refrigerate the salad until it is well chilled, for at least 4 hours.
To serve, spoon the chilled salad into small bowls. Top with the remaining whipped cream-cream cheese mixture, the remaining 1/4 cup of walnuts, and the maraschino cherries.

Notes

Using room temperature cream cheese is a key step to ensure it blends smoothly with the cream and avoids lumps.
The long chilling time of at least 4 hours is crucial for the instant pudding to set completely and for the flavors to meld together.
This is a classic potluck and holiday dessert salad, known for its distinctive green color and fluffy texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Calories: 450-550
Sugar: 35-45 g
Sodium: 250-350 mg
Fat: 30-40 g
Saturated Fat: 14-18 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Fiber: 2-4 g
Protein: 6-9 g
Cholesterol: 70-90 mg

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/watergate-salad/