Creamy Watergate Salad Recipe Easy Pistachio Fluff Pineapple Mix
A nostalgic and creamy Watergate salad featuring pistachio fluff, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows, perfect for potlucks and holiday dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (20 oz / 567 g) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (11 oz / 312 g) can mandarin oranges, drained (optional)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 cup (240 ml) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- ½ cup (60 g) shelled pistachios, chopped
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pistachio pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened.
- Add mayonnaise and whipped topping to the pudding mixture and fold gently until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows carefully to keep marshmallows whole and fluffy.
- Fold in chopped pistachios, reserving a few for garnish. Optionally, toast pistachios lightly in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before adding.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and fluff set.
- Before serving, gently stir the salad and sprinkle with reserved pistachios.
Notes
Drain fruit well to avoid watery salad. Fold gently to keep marshmallows fluffy. Chill at least 1 hour before serving. Toast pistachios lightly for enhanced flavor. May substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for lighter or dairy-free options. Use fresh pineapple if preferred, but drain thoroughly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 cup per se
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Watergate salad, pistachio fluff, pineapple salad, creamy salad, holiday side dish, potluck recipe, easy dessert salad