The short answer: Watergate salad is a no-bake pistachio fluff made by stirring one 3.4-ounce box of instant pistachio pudding mix into a 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple with its juice, then folding in mini marshmallows, chopped pecans and an 8-ounce tub of thawed whipped topping. Chill it at least 1 hour and serve it cold. It takes about 10 minutes to make and feeds 10 to 12 people.
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Prep time: 10 minCook time: 0 minTotal time: 1 hr 12 minServings: 10 to 12 servingsTotal includes 1 hr 2 min of resting, chilling or rising.
Save the recipe in the Family Recipe Binder ($6.99), and plan your holiday sides with the Meal Planner & Grocery List: Thanksgiving Edition ($4.99).
I love cooking, but I also love a side dish that needs no oven at all, and this one frees up space for everything else on a holiday.
Watergate salad ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Instant pistachio pudding mix | 1 box (3.4 ounces) |
| Crushed pineapple in juice, not drained | 1 can (20 ounces) |
| Mini marshmallows | 1 to 1½ cups |
| Pecans, chopped | ½ cup |
| Whipped topping, thawed | 1 tub (8 ounces) |
| Maraschino cherries (optional) | ¼ cup, halved, for the top |
How to make Watergate salad
- Mix the pudding and pineapple. In a large bowl, stir the dry pudding mix into the pineapple and its juice until no dry streaks remain.
- Let it thicken for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the mix-ins. Stir in the marshmallows and most of the pecans.
- Fold in the whipped topping gently, so the salad stays light.
- Chill covered for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Top and serve. Sprinkle with the remaining pecans and cherries right before serving.
Use instant pudding, not cook-and-serve. Cook-and-serve mix won't set in cold pineapple juice.
Watergate salad variations
| Version | What to change |
|---|---|
| Classic with cherries | Add halved maraschino cherries on top |
| Coconut Watergate salad | Stir in ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut |
| Nut-free | Skip the pecans; use toasted coconut |
| Fruit-loaded | Add 1 cup drained mandarin oranges or grapes |
| Homemade whipped cream | Use 2 cups whipped heavy cream plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar |
| Watergate pie | Spread into a graham cracker crust and chill 4 hours |
| Lighter version | Use sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping |
Watergate salad vs. other dessert salads
| Salad | Base | Signature flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Watergate salad | Pistachio pudding and whipped topping | Pistachio and pineapple |
| Ambrosia salad | Sour cream or whipped topping | Coconut, mandarin oranges, marshmallows |
| Cookie salad | Vanilla pudding and buttermilk | Fudge-striped cookies and mandarin oranges |
| Candy bar salad | Vanilla pudding and whipped topping | Chopped candy bars and apples |
| Cranberry fluff | Whipped topping | Chopped cranberries and marshmallows |
How much Watergate salad to make
| Guests | Batches | Dish |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 12 | 1 batch (about 6 cups) | Medium bowl |
| 18 to 24 | 2 batches | 13x9-inch dish or large bowl |
| 30 or more | 3 batches | Two large bowls, refill from the fridge |
On a big holiday table, people take smaller scoops of each side, so these amounts stretch further.
Make-ahead, serving and storage
Make Watergate salad up to 1 day ahead. It sets up overnight and gets creamier. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and add the cherries and last pecans just before serving.
Watergate salad is a cold dish with dairy-based whipped topping, so don't leave it out longer than 2 hours, or 1 hour on a hot day, per the USDA FSIS danger zone guidance. On a buffet, nest the bowl in a larger bowl of ice. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for about 3 days, and check the FoodSafety.gov cold food storage charts for other dishes on your table.
Where Watergate salad fits on the menu
Watergate salad is a natural potluck dish because it travels well in a covered bowl and needs no reheating. At Thanksgiving it sits with the Thanksgiving side dishes, and at Christmas it pairs with ham and other Christmas side dishes. Bringing it to a gathering? Our Thanksgiving potluck sign-up sheet and Christmas potluck ideas help you avoid three bowls of the same thing. For the full shopping list, see our Thanksgiving food list. If your family likes fluffy dessert salads, our ambrosia salad is a fruit-and-coconut cousin that also chills ahead.
The Family Recipe Binder includes recipe cards, a recipe index, kitchen conversions and a substitutions chart, so your potluck favorites stay together. Add the ingredients to the [Meal Planner & Grocery List](More salads across greens, grains and meal prep: salad recipes.
/products/meal-planner-grocery-list/) ($3.99), and set a holiday food budget with our free Holiday Budget Starter Kit: 3 US Letter pages emailed after you join the list. See all our printables.
Frequently asked questions
What is Watergate salad? Watergate salad is a sweet, no-bake side dish made from instant pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, chopped pecans and whipped topping. It is pale green, fluffy and served cold, often at holidays and potlucks.
Why is it called Watergate salad? Nobody knows for sure why it is called Watergate salad. The pistachio pudding dessert salad became popular in the 1970s, and the name stuck around the same time, but there is no confirmed origin story.
Is Watergate salad a salad or a dessert? Watergate salad is a dessert salad, so it can be served either way. Many families put it on the table with the side dishes at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and others serve it after the meal.
What does Watergate salad taste like? Watergate salad tastes sweet and creamy with a light pistachio-vanilla flavor. The pineapple adds tang, the marshmallows add chew and the pecans add crunch.
Do you drain the pineapple for Watergate salad? No, don't drain the pineapple for Watergate salad. The juice dissolves the pudding mix and gives the salad its creamy texture.
Can I use regular whipped cream instead of whipped topping? Yes, you can use 2 cups of stiffly whipped heavy cream sweetened with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. It tastes richer but holds its shape for less time, so serve it within a day.
How far ahead can I make Watergate salad? Watergate salad can be made 1 day ahead and actually tastes better after chilling overnight. The Thanksgiving Edition of the Meal Planner & Grocery List ($4.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. helps you schedule make-ahead sides like this one.
How long does Watergate salad last in the refrigerator? Watergate salad lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator in a covered container. The marshmallows soften and the salad gets looser after that.
Can you freeze Watergate salad? Freezing Watergate salad is not recommended because the pineapple turns watery when it thaws. Some people freeze it as a frozen dessert in a loaf pan and slice it, which works if you plan to eat it frozen.
How long can Watergate salad sit out? Watergate salad should not sit out longer than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F. Set the bowl in a larger bowl of ice on a buffet to keep it cold.
Can I make Watergate salad without nuts? Yes, Watergate salad works without nuts. Leave out the pecans or swap in toasted coconut for a little crunch.
How many people does a batch of Watergate salad serve? One batch of Watergate salad makes about 6 cups, or 10 to 12 half-cup servings. Double it in a 13x9-inch dish for a crowd of about 20.
Where should I save my Watergate salad recipe? The Family Recipe Binder ($6.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. keeps your Watergate salad recipe on a printable recipe card with a recipe index. It is a simple way to save the potluck recipes everyone asks for.
Sources
- USDA FSIS: Danger zone (40°F to 140°F) fsis.usda.gov
- FoodSafety.gov: Cold food storage charts foodsafety.gov