This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This easy Watergate salad recipe is a sweet treat with whipped topping, pistachios, marshmallows, pineapple, and maraschino cherries! It’s a fun, classic potluck dessert.
You may also like my Ambrosia Salad or Snickers Salad next.
Why you’ll love it
Watergate salad has possibly one of the funniest histories associated with the origins of its name. It involves a lot of obscurity, satire, urban legends, and a mysterious Chicago food editor. Either way, there’s no debate that this retro dessert salad is a real delight.
Other names it goes by are green fluff, green goop, shamrock salad, shut the gate salad, mean greens, pistachio delight, and green stuff, all of which are charming as well. Whatever you call this dessert, it’s perfect for your next potluck or family gathering!
What you’ll need
- Crushed pineapple – for a little tart sweetness. The juices help activate the pudding mix.
- Pistachio instant pudding mix – to get your greens in (joking)
- Marshmallows – I like using the mini ones
- Pistachios – to add a little crunch
- Maraschino cherries – grab a jar of these pretty, sweet cherries. I use more than other recipes for this dessert call for because I love ’em.
- Whipped topping – to make it ultra creamy! I like Cool Whip.
Helpful tips
- The Cool Whip should be thawed for best results.
- When folding it in, you’ll want to be fairly delicate and use a spatula to incorporate it. It’s more of a sweeping motion to keep the volume/airiness vs. stirring and overworking the salad.
How to make Watergate salad
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
In a big prep bowl, mix together the pineapple (plus juices) and instant pudding powder well. Stir in the marshmallows, pistachios, and cherries.
Fold in the whipped topping (using the tips above) and then chill for minimum an hour. Top with the remaining pistachios and maraschino cherries.
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- Serve this dessert in coupe glasses for a fancy vintage touch. The ones I photographed are actually margarita glasses, but I love these art deco glasses too.
- Open up the crushed pineapple with this quality can opener. It’s never failed me.
- Here’s a nice spatula set and trusty glass prep bowls I recommend.
Substitutions and variations
- Some versions of this salad use pecans or walnuts instead of the pistachios.
- You could definitely add some sweetened shredded coconut into the salad or as a topping to give it more texture and a tropical vibe!
What to serve with Watergate salad
- Serve it alongside other potluck favorites like my Grape Jelly Meatballs, Funeral Potatoes, Best Coleslaw, Deviled Eggs, and Easy Macaroni Salad.
- It’s a great dessert after any Midwest classic mains like my Mostaccioli pasta bake, Ultimate Beer Cheese Soup, or Easy Cincinnati Chili.
- You can also eat this as a meal on its own, Buddy the Elf style. (Just kidding. Please don’t)
Leftovers and storage
- This will keep in the fridge for a few days in an airtight container.
- Freezing it will change the texture, so I don’t recommend it.
If you made this nostalgic Watergate salad (or whatever you grew up calling it), please leave a star rating and comment below. Or tag me on Instagram in your stories!
Watergate Salad
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juices
- 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes pistachio instant pudding mix
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, pecans, or walnuts + more for garnish
- 1/2 cup halved maraschino cherries + whole ones for garnish
- 8 ounces whipped topping (I use Cool Whip) thawed until it's easily spreadable
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the crushed pineapple and instant pudding mixes until thoroughly combined.
- Stir in the marshmallows, nuts, and maraschino cherries.
- Fold in the whipped topping then chill for at least an hour.
- Top with maraschino cherries and more nuts, then enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to play with the ingredient quantities!
© Salt & Lavender Inc. Content and photographs are copyrighted. Sharing this blog post is much appreciated, but copying and pasting full recipes without authorization to social media is strictly prohibited.
Leave a comment