Watergate Salad: A Classic Pistachio Delight
Watergate Salad is loaded with pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, miniature marshmallows, and pecans. It’s perfect for a Spring get-together or mid-week dessert.
Growing up, salads that weren’t really salads were a staple at my Nana’s house. From Ambrosia Salad to Strawberry Pretzel Salad – these were the salads that I eagerly anticipated at family gatherings, and Watergate Salad was no exception.
Nana and her friends always had their go-to recipes that they were known for and could whip up in no time for a church function, a close friend in need, or a family get-together.
Nana was particularly famous for her cheesecake – usually cherry cheesecake, but she would switch it up with other pie fillings based on the season, like strawberries in spring and lemon in summer.
One of her friends, Anita, consistently made a delightful fluffy pistachio “salad” known as Watergate Salad. Being part of a family that adores anything with pistachio pudding, from pudding pie to Pistachio Pudding Parfaits, I was naturally enamored with this dish as a child.
WHAT IS WATERGATE SALAD?
If you’re from the Midwest, you may have fond memories of enjoying Watergate Salad. In some households, it might be referred to as Pistachio Delight, Green Fluff, or even Green Goop.
This salad, which can serve as either a side dish or a dessert, comprises a few simple ingredients:
- Pistachio pudding
- Canned pineapple
- Whipped topping
- Marshmallows
- Pecans
While there are variations that incorporate jello, mandarin oranges, or even cottage cheese, I have always favored the classic recipe made by Nana’s friend Anita.
WHY IS IT CALLED “WATERGATE SALAD”?
Curious about the name? Well, it seems many share the same curiosity.
Despite extensive research, the origin of “Watergate Salad” remains shrouded in mystery. Some speculate it was invented by a chef at the Watergate Hotel, while others believe it gained popularity around the same time as Watergate Cake, coinciding with the Watergate scandal.
This might explain why the salad is known by so many different names! Regardless of what you call it, I can assure you it’s delicious.
HOW TO MAKE THIS SWEET SALAD
I have a deep appreciation for recipes that come together in minutes and only get better with time.
To make this salad, start by mixing the undrained pineapple with the pistachio pudding mix in a large bowl. The juice from the pineapple is essential for the recipe, so be sure not to drain it!
Then, use a spatula to gently fold in the whipped topping until there are no streaks visible, followed by the marshmallows and pecans.
CAN THIS RECIPE BE MADE A DAY AHEAD OF TIME?
It’s best to let this salad chill for a few hours before serving. If you wish, you can even prepare your Watergate Salad a day in advance. It actually improves with some time and will last in the fridge for up to two days.
For an added crunch, I recommend garnishing the salad with extra chopped pecans just before serving. A dollop of fresh whipped topping is an excellent addition as well!
If you haven’t experienced the magic of Watergate Salad yet, you must try it now. And if you have enjoyed it in the past, it’s time to rekindle your fondness for this classic dish.
