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–+ servings
Chilled watergate salad recipe served in a glass bowl with creamy pale green fluff and chopped pecans.

Watergate Salad Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
This vintage Watergate salad combines crushed pineapple, pistachio pudding, marshmallows, and whipped topping into a light fluff, finished with crunchy pecans after chilling.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 7 servings
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Serving bowl

Ingredients
 

  • 1 can crushed pineapple in juice (20 oz), undrained
  • 1 box pistachio instant pudding & pie filling mix (4-serving size), dry
  • 3/4 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 2 cups frozen whipped topping thawed
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Combine the undrained crushed pineapple, dry pistachio pudding mix, and miniature marshmallows in a medium bowl. Stir until the powder disappears and the mixture turns evenly pale green with no dry streaks.
  • Fold in the thawed whipped topping with a spatula using broad, gentle strokes. Stop when the mixture looks fluffy and evenly blended rather than beaten down or loose.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days. After chilling, the marshmallows should feel softer and the fluff should hold a soft mound on the spoon.
  • Uncover the salad and gently stir in the chopped pecans just before serving. The nuts should retain a distinct crunch against the velvety green mixture.
  • Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and cover any remaining salad before returning it to the refrigerator. Keep the surface covered so the whipped topping stays soft and fresh-tasting.

Notes

Ingredient tip: Do not drain the crushed pineapple. Its natural juice is essential to fully dissolve the dry instant pudding mix and prevent a powdery texture.
Texture tip: Use a flexible spatula to gently fold in the whipped topping with broad strokes so the dessert keeps its light, airy structure.
Serving tip: Add the chopped pecans right before serving rather than during the chilling phase to preserve their crisp crunch.
Storage: Keep leftover salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Freezing is not recommended because thawed whipped topping and marshmallows tend to weep liquid.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 210mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword holiday side dish, pistachio fluff, retro dessert salad, watergate salad recipe
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