Watergate Salad

My Watergate salad is fresh, fruity, colorful, and really easy to make! I rely on simple ingredients like canned pineapple, instant pudding mix, and Cool Whip to create the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

My Classic Pistachio Salad

Growing up, I always had Watergate salad on the table for the holidays. I have no idea when that tradition stopped, but a few years back I started to miss the nostalgic side dish and decided to bring it back for my kids to enjoy.

My goal was to make the pudding salad as easy as possible while still getting all the flavors I love.

I remember the first time I tested it. My kids looked at the bowl next to their plates and just saw marshmallows and cherries in their minds. I don’t even think they realized it was green.

My daughter Leah started eating it, and halfway through, she asked me, “Why are we having dessert at dinner?”

I told her she was right and I should probably take it away from her. She grabbed that bowl so fast saying “no” as she continued to shove spoonfuls in her mouth. I couldn’t help but laugh.

I now make it every single Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and even St. Patrick’s Day per her request. She calls it the “green marshmallows,” and my son Connor has joined in calling it that, too.

And, if you love a good sweet side dish, try my recipes for grape salad, Cool Whip fruit salad, orange dreamsicle salad, Jello salad, fruit salad with Cool Whip, and frog eye salad.

Watergate Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Canned Crushed Pineapple – I like how the crushed version blends in well with the other ingredients
• Pistachio Pudding Mix – I use the instant kind to make this recipe no-bake
• Miniature Marshmallows – I use normal mini marshmallows, but colored marshmallows work well too
• Pecans – I’ve also used chopped pistachios and almonds with success
• Cool Whip – or other whipped topping
• Maraschino Cherries – optional, but I love the extra flavor they add

What is Watergate Salad? 

Watergate salad is a traditional American dessert salad that became popular in the 1970s. It’s made with pistachio pudding mix, pineapple, marshmallows, nuts, and whipped topping. There are a ton of stories behind the name, but my favorite is that it was created by an employee at the Watergate Hotel. It also came out around the time of the political scandal of the same name, so that could be why too.

How to Make Watergate Salad

STEP ONE: Mix the crushed pineapple with its juice, pistachio pudding mix, mini marshmallows, pecans, and maraschino cherries (if using) in a large bowl until well combined.

STEP TWO: Gently fold in the Cool Whip until it’s well blended with the other ingredients.

STEP THREE: Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Pistachio Fruit Salad 

• Use the juice from the crushed pineapple. It adds such a nice taste and texture. I usually dump the entire can directly into my mixing bowl before adding the other ingredients.
• If using the maraschino cherries, drain them well first. If not, the red dye from the cherry juice will change the color of the salad from green to brown. I remember the first (and only!) time I made this mistake. Never again!
• The cherries make for an excellent garnish. Feel free to save some of the cherries to use as a garnish! I usually do this when making this for guests — not everyone loves maraschinos, so I like to give them the option to take them off.
• The time in the fridge thickens and sets the salad. Don’t skip it! I like to leave mine in the fridge for at least an hour before serving, but several hours or overnight is even better.

Pistachio Pudding Salad Variations and Substitutions

• Pecans are a classic choice, but other nuts are an option. Sometimes I use almonds or even fresh pistachios — so tasty with the pistachio pudding.
• Incorporate fresh berries. Raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are all great options. My daughter loves berries, so this is her favorite variation.
• Add an extra layer of Cool Whip to the top of the salad before serving. We could eat Cool Whip straight out of the tub in my house, so I do this often!
• Skip the pistachio pudding and pecans and use vanilla pudding, canned mandarin oranges, and coconut instead. It’s a totally different flavor profile, but I love it! It’s also a really pretty orange color instead of green.

Watergate Salad FAQs 

How should I store pistachio salad? 

Cover any leftovers or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 3-4 days. That said, I always find the texture changes a bit after more time in the fridge. I usually try to eat it within the first few days.

What to serve with pistachio fruit salad 

I love serving this on the holiday table as a sweet side dish. I find it goes so well with my turkey and spiral ham recipe.

I also love making it with dishes like smothered pork chops, baked chicken tenders, roasted whole chicken in the oven, or lemon chicken! It just helps bring that true comfort food to life.

Can I make this Watergate salad recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I love making my Watergate salad ahead of time! I actually find that it tastes even better when I make it the day before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften, which always gives me a much better-tasting dessert.

What is the difference between ambrosia and Watergate salad?

Both Watergate and Ambrosia salads are American desserts, but the traditional recipe for Watergate salad is bright green because of the pistachio pudding mix, like in my recipe. Ambrosia salad is more of a pink or orange color and typically includes mandarin oranges and sour cream or yogurt.

More Easy Holiday Recipes

• Canned sweet potato casserole
• Cinnamon roll apple pie with apple pie filling
• Fall fruit salad
• Easy apple cobbler
• Cornbread stuffing
• Hershey kisses cookies
• Green bean casserole with canned green beans
• Thumbprint cookie recipe
• Pecan pie without corn syrup