‘Pistachio Fluff’ is a classic dish to bring to your next potluck

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to making desserts, I always go for the easy ones. That means baking pre-made cookies or making anything that just involves throwing stuff in a bowl and letting the flavors mix together.

One of my favorites has always been the many versions of what I call Pistachio Fluff. Also known as Watergate Salad, I always bring it to my family’s Christmas Eve gathering because, aside from being so easy, it’s also green! If you’re like me and not so skilled in the kitchen, this salad is pretty much mistake-proof.

While there are actually multiple versions — like ones that include nuts or maraschino cherries — this recipe from Yellow Bliss Road is basically the only one you need. While it calls for walnuts, you could easily substitute actual pistachios, pecans or almonds, or swap the nuts for cherries. Or, hey, go crazy and add nuts and cherries!

The only other ingredients you need are Cool Whip, marshmallows, pineapple and pistachio pudding mix. You can read the full recipe on Yellow Bliss Road, but pretty much all you do is combine the ingredients in a bowl. Seriously. I told you it was easy!

If you’re not into pistachios, you can make a similar salad that doesn’t use nuts at all and instead includes cranberries. This recipe from That Skinny Chick Can Bake will leave you with a red salad instead of green, and it requires heavy cream and sugar instead of Cool Whip. Other than that, the rest of the ingredients are the same.

Oh, and about that name? According to Chicago Now, there are different three stories that purport to explain why it’s called “Watergate Salad.” Was it renamed by a Chicago food editor? Did a Watergate Hotel chef make it for brunches? Was pistachio one of former president Richard Nixon’s favorite flavors? No one’s sure which story is the true one. But what we do know is that it’s delicious!

Will you be making this classic and easy dessert for your next party or potluck?