Name: Watergate Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3.4 ounces instant pistachio pudding mix; 20 ounces canned pineapple chunks with juice; 4 ounces Cool Whip, thawed; 1/4 cup Maraschino cherries, drained; 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; Maraschino cherries; Chopped pistachios

Introduction

Watergate Salad is a nostalgic, fluffy dessert salad that combines sweet pineapple, marshmallows, and pistachio pudding for a unique and refreshing treat. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for potlucks or a simple family dessert.

A white bowl filled with a creamy, light green dish that has a fluffy and slightly chunky texture, topped with chopped pistachios and a bright red cherry with a long stem placed on the top center. The bowl is set on a surface with a white marbled texture, surrounded by small white marshmallows and blurred bowls containing marshmallows, pistachios, and walnuts in the background. The overall look is fresh and inviting with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3.4 ounces instant Pistachio pudding mix
20 ounces canned pineapple chunks with juice
1/4 cup Maraschino cherries, drained
2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
4 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
Additional Maraschino cherries for topping
Chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the instant pistachio pudding mix with the pineapple chunks and their juice. Stir well until the pudding is fully dissolved.
Step 2: Fold in the drained Maraschino cherries, chopped walnuts, mini marshmallows, and thawed Cool Whip until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to set.
Step 4: Just before serving, garnish the top with additional Maraschino cherries and chopped pistachios for a colorful and crunchy finish.

Tips & Variations

Use crushed pineapple instead of chunks for a smoother texture.
Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
For a lighter option, substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
Add shredded coconut for extra tropical flavor and texture.

Storage

Store the Watergate Salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad tastes best when chilled but avoid storing it too long, as the marshmallows may soften excessively. Stir gently before serving if separated.

How to Serve

Three small clear glass jars hold a light green creamy dessert mixed with small pieces of nuts and marshmallows. Each jar is topped with a thick layer of fluffy green cream scattered with crushed pistachios and tiny nut bits, crowned with a glossy bright red cherry with a long stem. The jars sit on a white marbled surface with whole pistachios, walnuts, and white marshmallows scattered around. A blurry wooden board stands in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Watergate Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it actually improves after chilling for a couple of hours. Prepare it in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple can be used, but be sure to add some pineapple juice or a splash of water to help dissolve the pudding mix properly.

Watergate Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 69 reviews

Watergate Salad is a classic, sweet and creamy dessert salad that combines pistachio pudding, pineapple chunks, marshmallows, walnuts, and whipped topping. This easy-to-make no-cook recipe is refreshing and perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors with a nutty crunch and fruity sweetness.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3.4 ounces instant pistachio pudding mix

Wet Ingredients

20 ounces canned pineapple chunks with juice
4 ounces Cool Whip, thawed

Add-ins

1/4 cup Maraschino cherries, drained
2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

For Garnish

Maraschino cherries
Chopped pistachios

Instructions

Mix pudding and pineapple: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant pistachio pudding mix with the canned pineapple chunks and their juice. Stir well until the pudding mix is fully dissolved and evenly mixed with the pineapple.
Add cherries, nuts, marshmallows, and Cool Whip: Gently fold in the drained Maraschino cherries, chopped walnuts, mini marshmallows, and thawed Cool Whip. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated without crushing the marshmallows or cherries.
Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to set to a creamy consistency.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, top the salad with additional Maraschino cherries and chopped pistachios for an attractive presentation and added crunch.