Watergate Salad

A bowl of pistachio salad with a bowl of cherries behind it and garnished with cherries.

Watergate Salad is a creamy, light, and fluffy salad full of marshmallows, crushed pineapple, pistachio instant pudding, and whipped topping. We like to call it Pistachio Fluff at my house! Simple to make with only 4 ingredients and it's the perfect side dish for any meal or gathering.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword pineapple pistachio salad, pistachio fluff, pistachio fluff fruit salad, pistachio salad, watergate salad

Prep Time 10

Fridge Time 4

Total Time 4 10

Servings

Calories 190kcal

Author Jessica - Together as Family

Ingredients

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple ^{(do not drain)}
1 box (3.4 oz) pistachio instant pudding mix
1 carton (8 oz) Cool Whip ^(thawed)
3 cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions

Pour the crushed pineapple into a mixing bowl (juice and all). Sprinkle the pistachio pudding mix over top.
Stir together until well combined.
^{* You can use either a whisk or a wooden spoon to mix.}
Add the thawed Cool Whip in and very gently fold it in. Do not stir, but rather fold everything together just until combined.
^{* It's important to not vigorously stir the Cool Whip. You want the salad fluffy, which is why the folding technique is important.}
Add in the mini marshmallows and gently fold everything together until fluffy and combined.
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight is even better.
Garnish with chopped pistachios and maraschino cherries (if wanted). Enjoy!

Notes

Recipe Tips -

Add Nuts : As long as there are no nut allergies, add some chopped pistachios or pecans into the salad. I love the salty crunchy texture it adds to this light and fluffy salad. Start with about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts and then add more if necessary.
Gently Fold In Cool Whip & Marshmallows : Instead of stirring vigorously to mix, use a rubber spatula to gently fold the Cool Whip and marshmallows into the fluff. This will result in a light and fluffy 'fluff' salad.
Fridge Time : This salad needs at least 4 hours of fridge time before serving it. I prefer it after about 8-12 hours of fridge time so I always make it the night before. As it sits in the fridge, the marshmallows soften which makes it 'fluffy' and the flavors just meld together perfectly.
Homemade Whipped Topping : Instead of Cool Whip you can make your own whipped topping. Add 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream + 1/4 cup powdered sugar into a mixing bowl. Beat on low speed, increasing speed as needed, until stiff peaks form. This takes about 5-6 minutes. Use this in place of the 8 ounce container of Cool Whip.

Watergate Salad FAQ's -

My Salad Doesn't Seem Fluffy. What Happened?
- This is probably because you stirred in the Cool Whip rather than lightly fold the Cool Whip into the salad. Use a gentle hand to fold the Cool Whip into the salad with a rubber spatula.
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
- I prefer this salad after it has been in the fridge for at least 8 hours. It allows time for the salad to get 'fluffy' which happens as the marshmallows soften in the fridge, and the flavors blend together perfectly.
- I suggest making this Watergate salad ahead of time so it has plenty of refrigeration time before serving. It needs a minimum of 4 hours in the fridge or overnight is even better.
How To Store Leftovers
- Store any leftover pistachio fluff inside an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to a week. There may be liquid that pools up in the bottom (which is normal and fine) so just give it a good gently mix before eating leftovers.
Variation & Substitution Ideas
- Add Nuts : A very common addition to Watergate Salad is the addition of chopped pistachios, walnuts, or pecans. Any of them are delicious in this fluff salad. I usually always add some chopped pistachios because my family loves them so much.
- Garnish : Make this dish pretty for serving by garnishing it with chopped pistachios and some maraschino cherries on top.
- Double The Recipe : This easily doubles if serving a larger crowd. Simply double every ingredient!
Can Watergate Salad be Frozen?
- I don't recommend freezing Watergate Salad for serving at another time because it will separate and loose its fluffy texture once frozen and thawed. However, some people like to eat this as a frozen treat. It tastes kind of like a frozen ice cream/slushie type thing and it's great to cool off in the summer.
- If you're wanting to freeze it, to enjoy a frozen treat, place it inside a freezer-safe container or bag and you can eat it right from the freezer.

Nutrition