Not sure why but summer is not complete unless you have had at least one serving of a watergate salad! Well, we have come up with a slight twist on that original recipe of a summer favorite. It is a cheesecake watergate salad recipe with cream cheese.

The best thing about this simple recipe is there is no cooking! So that makes it a great sweet treat to make and serve on a hot summer day.

This classic salad has also been called lots of different names such as pistachio fluff, pistachio pineapple delight or green fluff. So you could also call this twist version cheesecake with any of those names if you wanted.

I call it cheesecake as we are adding in cream cheese and vanilla, so it gives it that hint of cheesecake flavor mixed in. In my opinion, it is the best watergate salad recipe out there!

If you like this twist on a easy classic recipe here are a few others to try.

Simple Ingredients Needed:

1 Box Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix (unmade)
8 oz Can Crushed Pineapple or Chunk Pineapple
1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts
1/2 Cup Mini Marshmallows (white or mixed color)
8 oz Whipped Topping (aka Cool Whip)
4 oz Cream Cheese (softened or room temperature)
2 Tbsp Vanilla

How To Make Cheesecake Watergate Salad Recipe With Cream Cheese:

In a large mixing bowl mix the un made pudding mix with the cream cheese, pineapple and vanilla. Mix until well blended. Allow the pineapple juice to help disolve the pudding mix. Note, it will be extra chunky if you are using pineapple chunks.

Fold in the whipped topping.

Stir in the marshmallows and chopped walnuts.

Place in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pistachio Fluff Salad:

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes! It actually better if made sever hours to a night before you want to serve it. It allows the flavors to fully mix into each other.

Can this tasty treat be frozen?

No. It does not freeze well. While it is safe to freeze it, the texture totally changes after it is frozen and thawed.

How do you store this watergate salad?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

How long will this salad keep?

It will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Are there other toppings or items you can add to this pistachio delight salad?

If you wanted this to be more of a pistachio fruit salad you could add berries and cherries to it. You could also serve with maraschino cherries on the top.

Some also like to mix coconut flakes with their green goop.

Can this be made as reduced sugar?

While the fruit has natural sugar you can reduce the sugar in this recipe. Simply use sugar-free pudding mix and sugar-free marshmallows and whipped topping.

Is this different from ambrosia salad?

While they are a similar salad ambrosia salad does not normally use Pistachio in it. It also normally includes mandarin oranges.

Is this a dessert or a side dish?

This green stuff can be served as either!

What if I don’t have whipped topping, what can I use?

You could use a cup of heavy cream and 1/4 powdered sugar. Simply add the two together into a large bowl and beat until it forms whipped cream!

Do I have to use walnuts?

No. If you are not a fan of walnuts, you could use something like crunchy pecans to get that nutty flavor.

Can you use fresh pineapple in this pistachio salad recipe?

While you could, you really need that juice to help mix the pudding mixture. So if using fresh, just mix in about 1/2 cup of pineapple juice with it.