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Watergate Salad is a classic Jell-O salad that is super popular in the Mid-West. People have been serving this at potlucks and parties for years. Filled with pineapple, walnuts, marshmallows, Cool Whip and flavored with pistachio Jell-O.
This Watergate Salad is the perfect Spring and Summer side dish!
Sometimes called Pistachio Fluff or Pistachio Delight this recipe was created by Kraft in the 1970s. It is light and fluffy and super easy to make.
How to make Watergate Salad:
Prep: This Jell-O Salad is super easy to make. Pour all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Mix: Mix them all together well. Do not overmix so the Cool Whip does not become too runny.
This recipe does not require the cooking of the Jell-O ahead of time either!
Ingredient Notes:
- Pineapple: I used canned crushed pineapples with the juice. You want to make sure to use the juice.
- Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix
- Mini Marshmallows: I find the mini the easiest to use in this recipe since they are bite sized.
- Walnuts: that have been chopped.
- Whipped Topping: that is thawed.
Directions:
Step One – Mix crushed pineapples with juice, instant pistachio pudding mix, mini marshmallows, and walnuts in a large mixing bowl.
Step Two – Once mixed together well then fold in whipped topping.
Cover and place in the fridge to chill for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
Why is it called Watergate Salad?
Well, unfortunately, your guess is as good as mine. There is no history or story that has proven why this is called what it is called.
Kraft originally called it Pistachio Pineapple Delight.
Searching the internet there are some stories but none of them have proof they are the reason we call this Watergate Salad.
Can I make Watergate Salad in advance?
Yes, this side dish can be made ahead of time.
You can make it hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator or even a couple days in advance.
How do you store Watergate Salad?
Keep it stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Whether you make it in advance or have leftovers it will last about 5 days in the refrigerator before pineapple juice really starts to break down the cool whip.
Once it starts getting runny, you will need to finish it quickly!
Try some of my other Jell-O Salads:
Orange Fluff – This Orange Fluff is the perfect light dessert. Made with mandarin oranges, marshmallows, orange Jell-o and an ingredient you would not expect this dessert tastes like an orange creamsicle!
Cherry Fluff – This Cherry Fluff is a great no bake dessert. Just mix all your ingredients together and chill. It’s a perfect side dish or dessert for a summer cookout!
Strawberry Fluff – This Strawberry Fluff is a can be a side dish or a dessert. It’s loaded with fresh strawberries, marshmallows and pecans. It’s easy to make and tastes great!
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Watergate Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz crushed pineapples, (with juice)
- 3.4 oz instant pistachio pudding mix, (1 box)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup walnuts, (chopped)
- 8 oz whipped topping, (thawed)
Instructions
- Mix crushed pineapples with juice, instant pistachio pudding mix, mini marshmallows, and walnuts in a large mixing bowl.
- Once mixed together well then fold in whipped topping. Cover and place in the fridge to chill for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
