Watergate Salad (Pistachio Fluff) Seafoam Salad

This retro Watergate Salad has so many names, but it is always creamy and delicious. I love old-school salad recipes and I think my Mom called this Seafoam Salad, Pistachio Fluff or Pistachio Fluff Salad.

This Pistachio Fluff recipe is similar to an Ambrosia Salad but makes this special is the Pistachio flavor and the fact that the salad is green. This makes it a perfect treat for a picnic, potluck or as a St. Patrick’s Day dessert. 

Hello Friends! 

Today I went shopping and the weather was absolutely beautiful. It is days like these that remind me that spring is around the corner. Today’s recipe is an easy one when you are looking for a great potluck recipe or a fun dessert for St. Patrick’s Day.

This recipe is from my childhood and the most unique thing about it is that it has so many names! Watergate salad, Seafoam Salad, Pistachio Fluff, and Green Ambrosia Salad all refer to this type of salad.

A long time ago, you would see salads made with gelatin at just about every social gathering. It was typically served in a big bowl, but I like serving it in individual dessert cups. 

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Ingredients to Make Watergate Salad/Pistachio Salad

Pistachio Pudding – This old-time favorite pudding is perfect to make this a true Watergate salad or a Pistachio Ambrosia salad. I love to use this brand. 

Frozen Whipped Topping – I always use the Cool Whip – you can use the light version and it comes out fine.

Pineapple – Canned crushed pineapple works best, but you can use fresh, chopped pineapple too. Fresh pineapple can be run through a food processor so that it is the ideal size. 

Nuts –  I like to use Pecans in this recipe, but walnuts work well too. 

Today’s recipe is a wonderful dessert idea that is very tasty. Chances are that it will be a new favorite if you have not tried it before. It is so festive and light for a delicious dessert idea. 

For more great picnic recipe ideas try our:

Easy Ambrosia Salad – This easy throwback gelatin salad recipe is always fun and delicious!

Rainbow Fruit Parfaits – A wonderfully colorful and festive dessert or snack made with fresh, seasonal fruit.

Pistachio Pie – A delicious frozen pie made with ice cream in a cookie crust. 

Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe.

Watergate Salad AKA Seafoam Salad

• For Best Results, make this salad the morning of or the day before you are planning to serve it. It needs to be chilled, preferably for a few hours so that it sets.
• Pre-chop the pecans ahead of time. You can store nuts in an airtight container in the freezer or cupboard. I find it very helpful to have chopped nuts on hand.
• This recipe can be doubled.

For more delicious old-fashioned dessert salads, try my Orange Fluff Salad or my Grape Salad with Cream Cheese. Both are super easy and delicious!

More Dessert Salads

What to make next

From the bright citrus goodness of Orange Fluff to the sweet and creamy Cherry Fluff, each one is a simple, no-bake treat that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a weekend sweet tooth fix. We’ve also got a tropical twist with Piña Colada Fluff, and the festive Strawberry fluff. These light and airy desserts come together in minutes and always get rave reviews. Check them out and find your new favorite!