Watergate Salad

If you’ve tasted Ambrosia Fruit Salad, then you’ll realize how similar this Watergate Salad is to Ambrosia Salad. Also, if you’ve ever made Pistachio Fluff or Pistachio Dessert Salad, this is the same concept and recipe. Irresistible Watergate Salad makes such a wonderful side dish at a potluck, on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. If you’ve never heard of a Watergate Salad, you’re not alone! If you lived through the 1970s in the United States, it may sound vaguely familiar though as it was first created back in the 70s.

My favorite part about this SUPER easy and simple salad is that it only calls for FIVE INGREDIENTS! Even better is that it’s ready in less than five minutes! If you’re in a hurry and need to make a quick vegetarian side dish, then this recipe is definitely for you. It’s also very cheap to make and there will not a single bite left – yes, it’s THAT DELICIOUS!

What is a Watergate Salad?

You’ve probably heard of the Watergate scandal that occurred back in the 70s, involving President Nixon and his administration spying on the opposing party. Well, if you’re rusty on your American history, then you may be in the dark on this one. Suffice it to say, Watergate Salad, also known as Pistachio Delight, Shut the Gate Salad, Pistachio Fluff, or Pistachio Dessert Salad, was a popular dish in the Midwest, and according to Wikipedia, other regions of the United States where potlucks are most common.

Wikipedia’s article points out that Watergate Salad was invented by a sous chef at the Watergate Hotel and it was served with brunch on weekends. It took off in popularity during and after the Watergate scandal. In fact, there’s another recipe called “Watergate Cake,” that was created in the same era and shares most of the same ingredients.

Ingredients in Watergate Salad

Jello Pistachio Pudding mix. Buy instant JELLO pistachio pudding mix for this side dish.

Crushed pineapple. Make sure not to drain the juice as it’s needed to absorb the pistachio pudding mix.

Mini marshmallows. Mini marshmallows are such a fluffy, tasty and sweet addition.

Walnuts. Use chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios for the best nutty flavor.

Frozen whipped topping. Take your whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) out of the freezer for at least 30 minutes before making this or it will be too hard to mix with the other ingredients.

How to Make the Best Watergate Salad

1). In a large bowl, add the pudding mix, pineapple (not drained), mini marshmallows, and walnuts. Use a rubber spatula to mix the ingredients until well combined.

2). Pour in the thawed frozen whipped topping and mix to combine.

3). Store in the fridge in a lidded container for up to three days.

4). Pour mixture into individual serving cups and, if desired, garnish with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and or a cherry.

If you like this, you’ll love these recipes!

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Creamy Grape Salad

Watermelon Feta Salad

Mini Cheeseballs

Candied Bacon Crackers

Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites (my most popular Tiktok recipe!)

Pigs in a Blanket

Cheesy Pizza Taco Sticks

Final Thoughts

Finally, if you make this Watergate Salad, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.

If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!

Watergate Salad

Elise McCollister

Irresistible Watergate Salad makes such a wonderful side dish at a potluck, on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Servings 16

Calories 114 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x4x

• 1 3.4oz box Jello instant pistachio pudding mix
• 20 oz can of crushed pineapple don't drain the juice
• 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
• 8 oz frozen whipped topping such as Cool Whip

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, add the pudding mix, pineapple (not drained), mini marshmallows, and walnuts. Use a rubber spatula to mix all the ingredients until well combined.
• Pour in the thawed frozen whipped topping and mix to combine. If desired, garnish with whipped cream, chopped pistachios or walnuts, mini marshmallows, and or Maraschino cherries.
• Store in the fridge in a lidded container for up to three days.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 114kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 104mgPotassium: 76mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 43IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 0.2mg

Did you try this recipe?Mention @elisemccollister or tag #elisemccollister!