Pistachio pudding is the perfect dish to serve at your next family gathering. It’s easy to make, delicious, and everyone will love it! You can even prepare it ahead of time so that all you have left to do is enjoy yourself when guests arrive.
Much like classic ambrosia salad and strawberry pretzel salad, Pistachio Pudding Salad (or Watergate Salad, as it is also known), can be served as both a side dish and a dessert. I really like making this as a side dish to go with ham.
While I typically make pistachio pudding salad as a Christmas side dish, it is a simple and yummy treat to make any time of the year. When I was a child, my siblings and I called this green pudding.
This Pistachio Watergate Salad is a perfect summer salad that you can enjoy all year long. It is perfect for a light and refreshing dessert, or even as an appetizer. The ingredients are easy to find and the recipe is quick and simple. This dish is sure to be a hit at your next potluck, picnic, or birthday party!
Pistachio Dessert, which is still a common offering at potlucks and church socials, especially in the South, is loved at backyard summer barbecues.
Why Is It Called A Watergate Salad?
It depends on who you ask. It was created the Kraft Corporation in the 1970s and I suppose they looked to the headlines of the day for inspiration. The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., is green, much like the pistachios in the recipe. I also read that a sous chef at the hotel made it and would serve it at brunch.
What is Pistachio Pudding Salad or Watergate Salad?
Watergate salad is a classic dish that was created in the 1970s. It is made with pistachios, pineapple, marshmallows, and Cool Whip. The recipe has evolved over the years and there are now many variations of it. This particular Pistachio Pudding Salad is made with pistachio pudding mix, Cool Whip, pineapple, and marshmallows with a few other things.
See how simple it is to make this Pistachio Pudding Salad:
What’s in Pistachio Pudding Salad?
There are only a few ingredients in this Pistachio Fluff Salad. Most of these things are easy to find and you might already have them in your kitchen. This Watergate Salad has crushed pineapple, pistachio pudding, whipped topping, mini marshmallows and pistachios. It is then topped with cherries for a garnish.
Is it a dessert or salad?
It really depends on how you want to serve it. However, there is nothing in this salad that is salad worthy (except that it is green haha). It is truly a dessert. With the exception of having pineapple in it, there is nothing else that classifies as a salad. However, it sure is good.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cook Time: N/A
Serves: 8
Ingredients
- 20 oz crushed pineapple
- 3.4 oz instant pistachio pudding mix
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios or pecans
- maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine pudding mix, pineapple (with juice), marshmallows and nuts in a large bowl and mix well.
- Fold in whipped topping and chill until ready to serve.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries.
FAQs
How crazy do you want to get? You can use ingredients already found in the pudding — crushed pistachios, whipped cream, mini marshmallows — or you can go rogue and sprinkle coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or crushed cookies on top. OR you can go somewhat healthy and add a variety of fruit; bananas, blueberries, or strawberries work a treat.
Refrain from using the pineapple juice if the consistency of the pudding is not to your liking.
Only a couple of hours, though the longer you let it chill, the more of the juice the marshmallows will absorb, which can be delicious.
How to Store Pistachio Fluff
You can store the pudding in the refrigerator in an airtight container or simply put plastic wrap over it. It will last for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it. Put it in an airtight container beforehand. It will keep for about 3 months. When it comes time to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. You can also microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring it as you go.
If you like this recipe, be sure to try these others:
Decadent Bailey’s Irish Cream Cake
Pistachio Pudding
Ingredients
- 20 ounce crushed pineapple
- 3.4 ounce package instant pistachio pudding
- 8 ounce container whipped topping thawed
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios or pecans
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Combine pudding mix, pineapple (with juice), marshmallows and nuts in a large bowl and mix well.
- Fold in whipped topping and chill until ready to serve.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries.
You might also enjoy:
Sweet Potato Salad with Pecan Topping
In my family we call this Watergate Salad and it is a staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. I also like to put cottage cheese in it instead of marshmallows sometimes.