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pistachio fluff in a glass bowl with a larger bowl in the background
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5 from 1 vote

📋 Pistachio Watergate Salad Recipe

This Pistachio Watergate Salad recipe, also known as Pistachio Fluff and Pistachio Delight, is an easy dessert recipe made with pistachio pudding, canned crushed pineapple, marshmallows, nuts and real whipped cream. It's a delicious, easy, light and airy retro dessert that's quick to throw together, making it the perfect last minute dessert!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Canadian, North American
Keyword pistachio, pistachio delight, pistachio fluff, pistachio pudding, watergate salad
Special Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Refrigeration 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 140kcal
Author Terri Gilson

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 5 cups whipped cream * this is 2.5 cups of whipping cream (will double in volume when whipped)
  • ¼ cup pistachios, chopped can substitute pecans
  • 3.4 oz -pkg. of instant pistachio pudding mix (dry mix) 99g
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 14 oz can crushed pineapple (with pineapple juice) *do not drain

Garnish

  • additional whipped cream
  • maraschino cherries
  • pistachios, chopped
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Beat whipping cream to stiff peaks.
  • Fold in pistachio pudding (dry mix) into whipped cream (or Cool Whip or Nutri-whip), whichever you are using,
  • Add crushed pineapple with juice and marshmallows, then pistachios.
  • Pour into large bowl and chill for at least 2 hours in the fridge.

Garnish

  • Garnish with additional whipped cream, maraschino cherry and extra nuts (chopped pistachios) if desired.

Notes

*Note: The process photos have a different color than the final photos because they were taken at a different time under different lighting conditions.
🌡️Storage
Store this pistachio fluff in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It does not stand up well to freezing
Expert Tips
    • Use Real Whipped Cream for the Best Flavor. While many recipes call for Cool Whip, using real whipped cream (33-35% fat) gives the fluff a richer, creamier texture, and tones down the sweetness.
  •  
    • Do not Drain the Pineapple. You need the pineapple liquid to balance the dry ingredients and flavor of this recipe!
    • Add the Pudding Mix Directly. Do not prepare pudding separately—just mix the dry instant pistachio pudding mix straight into the whipped cream for the best consistency.
    • Choose Raw Unsalted Pistachios. Salted pistachios can overpower the sweetness of the dish. Look for raw, unsalted pistachios for the perfect balance.
    • Let It Chill for Maximum Flavor and texture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften and combine with the other ingredients.
    • Adjust the Sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet version, simply add more unsweetened whipped cream.
    • Garnish for a Retro Look. A classic maraschino cherry and extra chopped pistachios on top make it look as nostalgic as it tastes!
    • Make It Dairy-Free or Weight Watchers Friendly. Use dairy-free whipped topping and milk for a dairy-free version. For WW-friendly, use sugar-free pudding mix, sugar-free marshmallows, and light Cool Whip.
    • Serve It Cold, and Don’t Freeze It. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—freezing will ruin the texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 145mg | Potassium: 107mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 151IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
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