Watergate Salad Original Recipe

Name: Watergate Salad Original Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 7
Ingredients: 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained; 1 box (4-serving size) pistachio instant pudding & pie filling mix (dry); 3/4 cup miniature marshmallows; 2 cups frozen (thawed) whipped topping; 1/3 cup chopped pecans

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Prep 10 min
Total 1 hr 10 min
Servings 7

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Watergate salad, also known as pistachio salad, isn't quite a salad in the conventional sense. This delectable delight is more of a whipped dessert containing pistachio pudding, canned pineapple, whipped cream, and marshmallows.

The name itself sparks intrigue. You may wonder, why is it called Watergate salad? It did originate around the time of the Watergate scandal in the early 70’s, but the actual origins of the name are unclear.

In many households, Watergate salad is fondly referred to as Pistachio Delight, thanks to the pistachio pudding in the recipe. So, whenever you come across the term pistachio salad, know that it's synonymous with the Watergate salad.

While popular on many Thanksgiving tables, the Watergate salad recipe is versatile enough to be relished as a wonderful side dish or dessert for various occasions. It's the delectable delight that knows no season.

For more Thanksgiving recipes for our favorite salads, sides, desserts, and more look no further!

By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Updated Jul 10, 2024

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How to Make Watergate Salad

Are you wondering how to make Watergate salad, or even what is Watergate salad? Good questions! We have a comprehensive guide to the Watergate Salad Original Recipe. It's straightforward and can even be prepared ahead of time. Find the entire recipe below, but here are the highlights:

Mix the Pineapple, Pudding, and Marshmallows

Juicy canned pineapple, simple instant pudding, and cute mini marshmallows create a flavorful base for this bright, sweet salad.

Stir in the Whipped Topping, then Chill

Gently stirring in, or “folding” in the topping keeps the mixture light and fluffy. Chilling allows flavors to come together and makes this a perfect make-ahead dish for big holiday meals and celebrations.

Add the Nuts

Stirring the nuts in just before serving keeps them crispy, adding extra crunch and texture to this classic Watergate salad recipe.

What to Serve with Watergate Salad

This fluffy, crunchy, bright pineapple and pistachio salad adds decadence and fun to the standard lineup of Thanksgiving sides. Serve with a brined and roasted turkey. Or pair it with a balsamic brown sugar glazed ham. It would even nicely complement a slow cooker prime rib. Find all of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes to go with our Watergate salad – plus when and how to make them – in our 48-hour countdown to Thanksgiving.

Do the Watergate salad main ingredients feel more like dessert to you? That’s fair! Feel free to serve this dish as a sweet treat instead. If you’re looking for more holiday desserts, check out our favorite Thanksgiving dessert recipes.

Pre-Make Your Watergate Salad

Now that you know how to make Watergate salad, you might ask can you make Watergate salad ahead of time? Of course! The flavors will meld, and it will become even more delicious after chilling overnight.

This recipe can be made a couple of days ahead but hold off on adding the pecans or they will get soggy. Place the Watergate salad in an airtight container or leave it in the bowl, covered with plastic wrap. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and add the nuts.

Preparing this pistachio pudding ahead of time just makes it easier on yourself on an already-busy Thanksgiving Day. Plus, by whipping up this tasty Watergate salad a day or two in advance the flavors will be all the better for it!

How To Store Watergate Salad Leftovers

So how long is Watergate salad good for?

How Long does Watergate Salad Last in the Fridge? Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The nuts will absorb moisture over time and will become soggy, so it’s best to consume right away!

Can You Freeze Watergate Salad? Watergate salad is better unfrozen, since the texture of the marshmallows and pecans will change after being in the freezer. However, the mixture can be frozen for up to three months. See our instructions for freezing in Can You Freeze Watergate salad? below.

Ingredients

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 box (4-serving size) pistachio instant pudding & pie filling mix (dry)
3/4 cup miniature marshmallows
2 cups frozen (thawed) whipped topping
1/3 cup chopped pecans

Steps

1

In medium bowl, mix pineapple, pudding mix and marshmallows.
2

Gently stir in whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
3

Remove from refrigerator, and uncover. Gently stir in pecans.
4

Place salad in serving bowl to serve. Cover and refrigerate any remaining salad.

Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens

tip 1
Swap in chopped, shelled pistachio nuts or walnuts instead of pecans in this side dish salad.
tip 2
For a pretty presentation, top salad with extra whipped topping, chopped nuts and maraschino cherries before serving.
tip 3
This salad can be made up to 2 days ahead. We like to stir the chopped nuts into the salad just before serving for a nice crunch. Chopped nuts can also be stirred in with the pineapple, pudding mix and marshmallows if serving that day.
tip 4
Be sure not to drain the can of crushed pineapple in juice before using. This helps to hydrate the pudding mix when stirring with the other ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between Ambrosia and Watergate Salad?

Watergate salad and ambrosia share many similar ingredients, but while Watergate salad contains nuts, ambrosia does not. Ambrosia usually contains more types of fruit than Watergate salad, including grapes, oranges, strawberries, and sometimes even cherries and bananas. Ambrosia also often contains coconut. Our ambrosia recipe has, pudding, whipped topping, grapes, marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple bits, and strawberries.

For similar recipes, peruse our collections of salad recipes. With salads ranging from pasta and potato salads to roasted veggies and brightly dressed broccoli, we’ve got your holiday salads handled.

Once you’ve settled on your perfect salads, take a stroll through our other Thanksgiving sides to round out your menu.

Where Did Watergate Salad Get its Name?

Why is it called Watergate salad? Well, what’s in a name? In this case, it’s likely just a play on a buzzword from the time, since the salad became popular right after the shocking presidential scandal that shares its name.

Some sources claim the recipe was created at the Watergate hotel in the early 70’s and went by several other names, like “pistachio salad” and “green fluff” before finally settling on “Watergate salad.” Ultimately, the source of the name remains a mystery. Even after all of our research, we’re still curious too. So if you find out, let us know in the comments!

Can You Freeze Watergate Salad?

We know it’s a great make-ahead dish for the fridge, but can you freeze Watergate salad? Watergate salad is better fresh, since the texture of the marshmallows and pecans will change after being frozen.

If you haven’t already added the pecans to the mixture, leave them out before freezing, then stir them in after the salad has thawed.

To Freeze: Add the salad to freezer-safe food storage containers, leaving 1/2 to 1 inch at the top of the container for expansion. Resealable freezer plastic bags can work too, if freezer space is tight.

The salad can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Stir and add nuts before serving.

Nutrition

220 Calories, 7g Total Fat, 1g Protein, 38g Total Carbohydrate, 29g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: About 2/3 Cup

Calories: 220

Calories from Fat: 70

Total Fat: 7g; 11%

Saturated Fat: 3g; 16%

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg; 0%

Sodium: 210mg; 9%

Potassium: 130mg; 4%

Total Carbohydrate: 38g; 13%

Dietary Fiber: 1g; 6%

Sugars: 29g

Protein: 1g

% Daily Value*:

Vitamin A: 0%; 0%

Vitamin C: 15%; 15%

Calcium: 2%; 2%

Iron: 2%; 2%

Exchanges:

1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1 1/2 Fat;