Watergate Salad

Nothing says dessert in the 1970’s quite like Jell-O pudding and Cool Whip. No, this is not a green salad. It’s a treat that’s fluffy, sweet, and yummy! This type of pudding dessert has been around since the early 1900’s. The Watergate name has nothing to do with President Nixon, except the timing.

In 1975 Jell-O introduced pistachio pudding mix which coincided with the Watergate scandal. There are several stories as to the origin of the name. No one can say for sure why it’s called Watergate Salad. Originally this was called Pistachio Pineapple Delight. Some call this Pistachio Fluff, Green Goop, or Green Fluff. I prefer Watergate Salad, it’s attention getting. Whatever you want to call it, a delectable dessert is what this is. 

There is no cooking involved. You are just dumping ingredients in a bowl, and stirring it all together. How easy is that! Dump, mix, refrigerate, and eat. Enjoy this enticing, nostalgic recipe.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Watergate Salad

Ingredients 

3.4 oz instant pistachio pudding mix 

20 oz can crushed pineapple with juice

1 cup mini marshmallows

½ cup chopped walnuts

8 oz whipped topping thawed

Instructions 

1. In a large mixing bowl add dry pudding mix, and the entire can of crushed pineapple, including the juice, marshmallows, and nuts. Stir until well combined.
2. Gently fold in the whipped topping. Chill in the refrigerator for one hour.
3. Garnish with additional whipped topping, nuts, and maraschino cherries. Enjoy!

Notes 

• Do not drain the pineapple. 
• Pineapple is very sweet on its own. Use pineapple in juice instead of syrup to cut some of the sweetness. 
• Use whatever nuts you prefer like pecans, or pistachios.