Pistachio Salad recipe, or Watergate Salad, made with pudding mix, Cool Whip, pineapple and marshmallows is fluffy, light and delicious! Serve as an easy side dish or dessert salad for potlucks, parties, picnics or holidays. It's a classic retro recipe that's worth revisiting!
Easy pistachio salad is super simple to make, and it only consists of 4 ingredients, or 5, if you decide to add nuts. The original recipe for Watergate Salad called for chopped almonds or walnuts. But my kids hate nuts in their food, so I leave them out.
You may know this vintage Jello salad as Pistachio Pineapple Delight, Pistachio Fluff or Green Stuff. Bonus points if you know why it's called Watergate salad!
Like Strawberry Jello Salad and Orange Jello Salad, I got this retro recipe from my grandma's collection -- It was super popular in the 70's. As I recall, this dish was usually reserved for holidays, church potluck dinners or parties. I don't think we ever had it as part of an ordinary dinner.
The first time I made Watergate Salad for my family, my kids almost didn't try it. But, they loved it, and my youngest daughter insists on making it herself for holidays and sometimes, just because!
How to Make Pistachio Salad (Watergate Salad)
First, you combine crushed pineapple and a small box of instant pistachio pudding. This looks pretty wild, and you can see that the ingredients gave off kind of a weird glow.
But remember, this is from the 70's. So, I suppose that's normal, right?!
Then, you mix in a small container of whipped topping. And, the weird yellowish-green glow disappears!
If you want more of a crunch, go ahead and add some nuts. But, I think I'm going to agree with the kiddos on this recipe and say that it's fine without the nuts.
Finally, you fold in some mini marshmallows. And that's all, folks -- you're done! Traditionally, you use regular marshmallows. But, we think the fun-colored fruity marshmallows make this fluffy dessert salad extra fun.
Pistachio salad is one of those recipes that instantly takes you back. After one bite, you'll be thinking, Yes -- I remember this!
Recipe Variations
Like most mid-century recipes, every family has their own version of pistachio salad. Top it off with maraschino cherries, use sour cream or cottage cheese instead of Cool Whip. Stir in shredded coconut or add cream cheese instead of marshmallows. The possibilities are endless here!
Make Ahead of Time
You can make pistachio salad up to a day in advance or an hour before serving. It just needs time to set and cool down. It keeps for about 4 days when covered in the fridge.
Pistachio Salad
Ingredients
- 1 3.4-ounce box of instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple not drained
- 1 8-ounce container whipped topping thawed
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Mix the pineapple with the pudding mix in a medium bowl
- Fold in the whipped topping
- Stir in the mini marshmallows
- Refrigerate until ready to serve
Notes
Nutrition
Why Watergate?
Want to know where Watergate Salad comes from? Truth is, nobody really knows now. Grandma always said it came from a chef at the Watergate Hotel, which became famous after the Watergate scandal. Some say it came from Kraft and got the nickname from a reporter. Who knows? We just know it's good stuff!
This post was originally published in 2016.
Catalina says
My kid loves pistacchio flavor and he will love this salad for sure!
Robert says
I remember this one! Just as I loved it before. The kids found this and made it right away. Simply the best.
Dee says
So glad you liked the pistachio salad, Robert!
Tisha says
One of my favorite salads during holidays! Great for any occasion!
AErin says
This Pistachio Salad looks absolutely delicious! Yummy! Definitely a must try!
Beth says
Oh wow! I'm so excited to make this for the weekend! So excited to try this recipe! Everyone is going to love it! Looks great and so delicious!
Jo says
It turns out so great! Everyone in my family loved this dessert!
Krystle says
I haven't had this in forever. Perfectly light and sweet just like I remember.
Amanda says
I love anything pistachio flavored, I cannot wait to try this!
Jen says
This totally reminds me of every family reunion we had when I was growing up. It was a staple and I remember my Mom trying to stop me from eating just the marshmallows, haha! Going to make this for my kids this weekend to have the tradition live on.
Dee says
Yes! That's exactly why I made this again!
Cathy @ Lemon Tree Dwelling says
Looove pistachio! This would be perfect for summer picnics!
Allyson Zea says
I've never even heard of this! It looks so good!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
This looks and sounds incredibly delicious!! Perfect for summer!!
I Heart Naptime says
This looks so light and refreshing!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
Looks so perfect! Definitely a must try!
Dee says
Thanks, Erin. It's so easy, too!
Dorothy at Shockinglydelish says
This recipe takes me back! I remember eating this all the time as a child. I have to introduce my kids!
Dee says
I have a soft spot for vintage recipes, so I felt the same way! 🙂
Laurie says
This was always on the table during the summer. We're from upstate NY, my mom added a tub of sour cream and no marshmallows.
Dee says
That sounds good, and I love that there are so many different variations.
Miz Helen says
We just love this salad, it is awesome! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a fantastic day!
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Traci says
This salad sounds yum!
Dee says
The kids absolutely loved it! 🙂
JANET VINYARD says
Hi Dee, This is so good - being from the South, we always added chopped pecans. I believe it was called Watergate Salad because President Richard Nixon supposedly liked this! Thanks for sharing! Blessings, Janet
Dee says
I wondered why it was called that. Thanks, Janet! 🙂
Ginger Wroot says
Watergate salad? Never heard it called that before, but I like the retro name and look of this dessert! Pinned this one for a pudding to try soon, maybe this summer...the pale green looks so cool and refreshing!
Dee says
Thanks! This is perfect for warm weather. 🙂