A retro favorite! Creamy Watergate Salad with pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping—perfect for holidays and potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required – perfect for summer or busy holiday kitchens
Quick to prepare – just mix and chill

Loved by kids and adults alike
Great for make-ahead entertaining
Classic flavors that bring a taste of nostalgia

Ingredients

1 (3.4-ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows, divided

¾ cup chopped walnuts, divided
1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pistachio pudding mix and the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Stir until well blended.
Add the thawed Cool Whip and mix until smooth and evenly combined.
Fold in 2 cups of mini marshmallows and ½ cup of chopped walnuts.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the mixture firm up.
Before serving, garnish with the remaining marshmallows, remaining chopped walnuts, and maraschino cherries if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal per serving

Variations

Add fruit: Mix in drained mandarin oranges, halved grapes, or chopped bananas.
Nut-free version: Omit the walnuts or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch.

Make it pink: Use cherry-flavored pudding or add a few drops of red food coloring for a rosy hue.
Homemade whipped cream: Replace Cool Whip with 2 cups of whipped cream for a fresher, less sweet alternative.
Coconut twist: Add ½ cup of shredded sweetened coconut for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze, as the texture will become watery when thawed.

Reheating:
Not applicable—this is a cold dessert.

FAQs

Can I make Watergate Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best made at least an hour ahead and can be refrigerated overnight.

Do I need to drain the pineapple?

No, use the pineapple with its juice—it helps dissolve the pudding mix and adds flavor.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, use about 2 cups of homemade whipped cream. Just note it may deflate slightly over time.

Is Watergate Salad gluten-free?

It can be! Check that your pudding mix and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I substitute other nuts for the walnuts?

Absolutely—try pecans, almonds, or even pistachios to match the pudding flavor.

Why is it called Watergate Salad?

The origin is a bit murky, but many say it’s named after the Watergate Hotel or scandal-era dishes. It was first published by Kraft in the 1970s.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free whipped topping and check for dairy-free pudding and marshmallows.

How can I serve this?

Serve in individual cups, a trifle dish, or scoop onto plates alongside other dessert salads or cakes.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Just double all the ingredients. It’s a great dish for potlucks or family reunions.

Can kids help make this?

Definitely! It’s a fun and easy recipe for children to mix together with minimal supervision.

Conclusion

Classic Watergate Salad is a creamy, green, marshmallow-studded bowl of pure comfort and retro charm. It’s easy, affordable, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for your next picnic, potluck, or family gathering. This is one of those simple recipes that proves why some traditions are worth keeping.

Classic Watergate Salad

Author: Chef Clara

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A retro favorite! Creamy Watergate Salad with pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, nuts, and whipped topping—perfect for gatherings!

Ingredients

Scale

1 (3.4-ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix

1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows, divided
¾ cup chopped walnuts, divided

1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed

Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mix crushed pineapple (with juice) and pistachio pudding in a large bowl.

Add Cool Whip and mix until fluffy.
Fold in 2 cups mini marshmallows and ½ cup walnuts.
Chill for at least 1 hour.

Garnish with remaining marshmallows, walnuts, and cherries before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the walnuts before adding.
Best served cold and made a few hours ahead for flavors to meld.
Can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated.

Prep Time: 5 minutes + Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert

Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American