Traditional Watergate Fruit Salad with Pistachios

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With its creamy texture, vibrant green hue, and delightfully retro charm, Watergate Salad is a nostalgic treat that deserves a spot at every potluck, picnic, or holiday table. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this no-bake dessert is the perfect mix of sweet, fluffy, and nutty. Think of it as a pistachio-flavored fluff salad packed with crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, whipped topping, and crunchy chopped pistachios.

This classic dish first made waves in the 1970s and has stuck around thanks to its unique flavor, minimal prep, and crowd-pleasing nature. Whether you’re making it for a family get-together or as a quick last-minute dessert, it’s always a hit. It comes together in minutes and chills into a refreshing dish everyone loves.

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Why You’ll Love This Traditional Watergate Fruit Salad

• Quick & easy: Only five ingredients and one bowl needed.
• No cooking required: Perfect for hot days or busy holiday kitchens.
• Retro delight: Brings a fun throwback vibe to any meal.
• Great for gatherings: Easy to double and serve for a crowd.
• Kid-approved: Sweet, colorful, and full of fun textures.

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What Kind of Pistachios Should I Use?

Shelled, roasted, and unsalted pistachios work best in this salad. Roasted pistachios add more depth of flavor and crunch without overpowering the sweetness. Avoid salted ones as they can throw off the dessert’s flavor balance. You can chop them roughly or finely, depending on how much crunch you want in each bite.

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Ingredients for the Traditional Watergate Fruit Salad with Pistachios

The beauty of this salad is its simplicity—just a few pantry staples come together to create something magical.

• Crushed Pineapple: Use a can of crushed pineapple in juice (not syrup). It adds moisture and a tangy-sweet flavor.
• Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix: This is the signature ingredient that gives the salad its green color and nutty flavor.
• Mini Marshmallows: These add fluffy texture and sweetness that balances the tartness from the pineapple.
• Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): This creates the fluffy, mousse-like base. Make sure it’s thawed for easy mixing.
• Chopped Pistachios: Adds crunch, flavor, and visual appeal on top.

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How To Make the Traditional Watergate Fruit Salad with Pistachios

Step 1: Combine Pineapple and Pudding Mix

In a large mixing bowl, stir the entire can of crushed pineapple (juice included) with the pistachio pudding mix. Mix until fully combined and the mixture starts to thicken.

Step 2: Fold in Marshmallows

Gently stir in the mini marshmallows until they are evenly distributed throughout the pudding mixture.

Step 3: Add Whipped Topping

Fold in the whipped topping carefully to maintain the fluffiness. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour (preferably 2-3 hours) to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top. Serve chilled in a large bowl or individual cups.

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Serving and Storing This Classic Salad

Watergate Salad is best served cold and freshly topped with pistachios. It makes a great make-ahead dessert or side dish for any occasion. This recipe feeds about 8 people generously.

Storing: Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the texture may begin to break down. Avoid freezing, as the whipped topping may separate when thawed.

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What to Serve With Traditional Watergate Fruit Salad?

Grilled or Baked Ham

The sweet and savory pairing of ham and Watergate Salad is a holiday favorite.

Barbecue Chicken

Balance out smoky flavors with this cool and creamy side.

Brunch Casseroles

Egg casseroles or strata are elevated with a sweet scoop of this salad on the side.

Turkey Sandwiches

Add a bright contrast to lunch with a dollop of fluff salad.

Fresh Fruit Platters

Serve alongside strawberries, grapes, and melon for a colorful spread.

Lemonade or Iced Tea

Pair with refreshing drinks for a summer picnic vibe.

Buttery Croissants

Let the sweet and nutty flavors cut through rich, flaky pastries.

Retro Potluck Favorites

Pair with other nostalgic dishes like deviled eggs, ambrosia salad, or Jell-O molds.

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Want More Dessert Salad Ideas?

If you love the creamy charm of this Traditional Watergate Fruit Salad, here are a few other no-bake and fruity options you might enjoy:

• Orange Dreamsicle Salad for a creamsicle-inspired twist.
• Healthier Waldorf Salad with a crisp apple crunch.
• Avocado Egg and Chickpea Salad for a more savory but equally satisfying option.
• Classic Chicken Salad if you like creamy textures with protein.
• Easy Veggie Patties to balance out the sweet with some crispy savory bites.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or give it a twist? Maybe swapped pistachios for pecans?

I love seeing your creations and spins on these vintage recipes. Questions welcome—let’s help each other whip up something delicious.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and sweet favorites on Nora Nosh Recipes Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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