Pistachio Fluff Salad (also called Watergate Salad) is an easy, 5 ingredient dessert made with cool whip, crushed pineapple, pudding mix, and mini marshmallows!
I love classic desserts like my grandma's pistachio fluff. Fluff salads were all the rage back in the 70s. These dessert salads usually combined whipped cream or cottage cheese, jello instant pudding mix, marshmallows, and fruit like our fan-favorite strawberry fluff recipe.
Pistachio fluff is also called Watergate salad, supposedly because it was invented by the sous chef at the infamous Watergate Hotel in Washington DC although according to Tasting Table, it dates back to the early 1900s.
I've also heard it called Green Goop, Green Goddess, Shut the Gate Salad, Green Fluff, or Green Stuff. Whatever you call it, it's a fun and delicious dessert!
Why I love this recipe
It is such an easy recipe, it is perfect for letting the kids help. It is the perfect sweet side dish to bring to a potluck. I also like to make it for St. Patrick's Day or Christmas as a fun green treat!
Ingredients
- whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- crushed pineapple - keep the juices
- mini marshmallows
- pistachio pudding mix
- chopped pecans (optional)
Step by step
There isn't much to pull this easy recipe together, simply fold the ingredients in a large bowl and chill for at least an hour to let the flavors combine.
Tips for best results
- Don't drain the crushed pineapple, the liquid is part of the recipe.
- Be sure to use INSTANT pistachio pudding mix
- This is a great dish to make ahead, it tastes better as it sits in the fridge
Variations
- some people like to mix in a block of cream cheese, but I prefer it without
- stir in 1 cup of shredded sweetened coconut
- substitute sugar-free pudding mix and sugar-free whipped topping
- you can substitute chopped walnuts for the chopped pecans or leave the nuts out altogether
- traditionally pistachio fluff is served topped with a maraschino cherry but that is totally optional
If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!
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Pistachio Fluff
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: none
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pistachio Fluff Salad (also called Watergate Salad) is an easy, 5 ingredient dessert made with cool whip, crushed pineapple, pudding mix, and mini marshmallows!
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounce box of instant pistachio pudding mix
- 8 oz. tub of Cool Whip
- 20-ounce can crushed pineapple (do not drain)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- maraschino cherry (optional)
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl
- Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.
- Add a cherry if desired for garnish.
Notes
Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Keywords: pistachio salad
Rose @ Walnut Acre says
Oh my goodness this looks awesome!
Alyssa @ Piece of Home says
Oh gosh, I can't even tell you how much I LOVE this stuff! It's basically the best thing ever! Yum!
Dianne says
How lucky can I be?! I have all these ingredients....YAY!!! I will have a happy family tonight!
Havalah says
My father in law loves pistachios, I'm definitely going to make this for him.
Robin says
I have been looking for this recipe for over two weeks now I ate this at Eaton Park and my husband and I both loved it without the pineapple which is how I usually make it with the pineapple thank you for posting this and it gives me the idea to try different things like the chocolate chips thank you again and happy new year
★★★★★
Melissa Riker says
So glad you liked it, happy new year!