Watergate Salad

An all-time favorite dessert is the deliciously creamy green Watergate salad, often called Pistachio Pineapple Delight or Green Fluff dessert salad, made from about seven ingredients such instant pistachio pudding, juicy pineapple, whipped topping, chopped pecans, colored mini marshmallows, topped with coconut flakes, and Maraschino cherries.

There are several myths behind the history of the famous Green Watergate Salad, aka Pistachio Pineapple Delight making their way around the web these days. When the archivist at The Kraft headquarters was asked to tell the real story behind the history of the Watergate Salad, she spilled the beans on this widespread Urban Food Myth we call Watergate Salad, aka Pistachio Pineapple Delight and the story behind it isn’t what you think it is.

 

 

At some point during 1985 or maybe 1986, a recipe for Pistachio Pineapple Delight was featured on the back of the Pistachio Pudding package. The ingredients were the same minus the JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows.

In about 1993, the name of the recipe was changed to Watergate Salad, and the JET-PUFFED Miniature marshmallows were added to the dessert. When asked about the Watergate issue, it was stated that none of the Urban Legends could remotely be substantiated. Pretty cut and dry is what I would call that history. Maybe it’s a Watergate coverup? One will never know.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, Did you know?…

• In 1922 Helen Keller published a similar recipe, calling for canned diced pineapple, nuts, marshmallows, whipped cream, and other ingredients. Helen called the method “Golden Gate Salad”; the recipe had been published sometime in the 1910s, and “Golden Gate Salad” was served in some US hotels.

• The Denver Post, in the Empire Magazine of June 27, 1976, published a recipe for Watergate Salad. Rumor had it at the time that Watergate salad was a concoction thought up by a sous chef at the famous Watergate Hotel.

• Watergate Salad took off in popularity during and after the presidential scandal, which shares the same name. However, the Denver Post article does not verify this rumor, citing that like most sources that the origins of the name are obscure.

• Advice columnists Anne Adams and Nan Nash-Cummings, in their “Anne & Nan” column dated October 9, 1997, stated that the name came from the  “Watergate Cake” The recipe came out during the Watergate scandal. The cake has a ‘cover-up’ icing and is full of nuts.” Both the cake and salad were part of a Watergate trend for recipes such as Nixon’s Perfectly Clear Consomme and Liddy’s Clam-Up Chowder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was hoping for a tad more juicy history behind one of my favorite desserts; however, I’ll settle for mediocre, I guess, and enjoy eating my Watergate Salad, aka Pistachio Pineapple Delight and sharing the delicious recipe with you all today.

 

 

Items needed to make Watergate Salad

• One can of 20-ounce crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

• 1-(3.4)- ounce JELL-O Pistachio Flavor Instant Pudding

• Three cups JET-PUFFED colored Miniature Marshmallows

• 1/2 cup chopped Pecans

• One and 1/2 cups whipped cream

• Coconut flakes, optional

• Maraschino cherries, optional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you enjoyed this recipe for Watergate Salad, you may like these suggested recipes

• Ambrosia Salad is one of those iconic desserts that the Southern Population thrives on at Picnics, Potlucks, Holidays, and Family Functions. Ambrosia is lovingly Made from sweet, pillowy marshmallows, heavy cream, sour cream, coconut flakes, plump juicy grapes, maraschino cherries, delicious juicy tropical fruits, and toasted pecans.
• Homemade Banana Pudding is a rich, creamy, delicious Southern tradition that features delicious layers of rich, custard, homemade vanilla pudding, crisp vanilla wafers, and slices of ripe bananas.
• Dirt Pudding is a favorite among both kids and adults alike. It is layered with chocolate pudding, Oreo cookies, fresh strawberries, juicy blackberries, and gummy worms to make a delicious treat everyone will love at family gatherings, potlucks, or even picnics.

 

 

 

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