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Watergate Fluff Salad with a spoon in a bowl.

Watergate Fluff Salad

Chef Jenn
Sweet, creamy, and irresistibly fluffy, Watergate Fluff Salad is a no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with pistachio flavor, crushed pineapple, and fluffy marshmallows, this nostalgic dish is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 213 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3.4 ounces instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 20 ounces canned crushed pineapple in juice undrained
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip thawed
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cups pecans or walnut divided
  • 1 maraschino cherry with stem for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Combine the instant pistachio pudding mix in a large bowl with the undrained crushed pineapple. Stir until the pudding mix is fully dissolved, and the mixture thickens slightly.
  • Add the Cool Whip to the bowl. Gently fold it into the pudding mixture until everything is smooth and well combined.
  • Stir in the mini marshmallows and half of the chopped pecans or walnuts. Mix gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors blend and gives the salad its signature fluffiness.
  • Sprinkle the top with the reserved toasted pecans and place a maraschino cherry in the center for decoration. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

  • Use instant pistachio pudding mix—no substitutions! Cook-and-serve pudding won’t work in this recipe.
  • Toast the nuts for an extra boost of flavor. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir until fragrant.
  • Don’t skip chilling the salad. This step is key for the perfect texture and flavor.
  • For a fun twist, add a handful of shredded coconut or diced maraschino cherries to the mix.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 205mgPotassium: 146mgFiber: 2gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 89IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 0.4mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword Watergate Fluff Salad, Watergate Salad
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