Watergate salad is made with pistachio pudding, cool whip, mini marshmallows, pineapple, and pecans.
The combination creates a creamy, sweet salad that is quick and easy to make.
This tasty classic dish can be served as a side or dessert.
Make it for parties, pot lucks, and cookouts.
Watch how to make watergate salad
Watergate salad brings me back to happy childhood memories.
My grandma made this or her ambrosia fruit salad for our family cookouts.
The watergate salad was the first thing I would dart for on my dinner plate skipping over all the other dishes.
I loved the flavors of the pistachio pudding salad and could not get enough of it.
It continues to be favorite in our home. I hope it will be a favorite in yours!
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make the classic Watergate salad.
- chopped pecans- You can substitute with chopped pistachios or walnuts. If you do not like nuts, you can omit them. However, the nuts add a nice crunch and flavor.
- mini marshmallows
- cool whip
- pistachio pudding mix
- crushed pineapple with its liquid
Notes
Some people like to add in shredded coconut.
Steps
Follow these steps to make watergate salad recipe.
- In a mixing bowl, mix pistachio pudding mix with canned crushed pineapple and its liquid.
- Mix in cool whip.
- Add mini marshmallows and chopped pecans. Mix. Refrigerate 4 or more hours before serving.
**Note** Exact ingredient measurements are in the recipe card at the end of the post.
How to store leftovers
Watergate salad (aka pistachio pudding salad) is best made 4 hours to 24 hours in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Try these other retro recipes too!
Please leave me a comment below if you make this Watergate salad recipe and tell me what you think about it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.
Also post your picture of your pistachio pudding salad on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!
Watergate Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounce instant pistachio pudding mix
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple do not drain
- 8 ounce cool whip
- 1½ cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup pecans chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, mix pistachio pudding mix with canned crushed pineapple and its liquid.3.4 ounce instant pistachio pudding mix, 20 ounce can crushed pineapple
- Mix in cool whip.8 ounce cool whip
- Add mini marshmallows and chopped pecans. Mix.1½ cup mini marshmallows, ½ cup pecans
- Refrigerate 4 or more hours before serving.
Video
Notes
- Some people like to add in shredded coconut.
- You can substitute with chopped pistachios or walnuts. If you do not like nuts, you can omit them. However, the nuts add a nice crunch and flavor.
