This famous Watergate Salad Recipe is a retro side dish or dessert that features canned fruits, pistachio pudding mix, whipped cream, and crushed pistachios.
author’s note
One Bowl, Zero Leftovers!
Growing up, this salad was a staple at our family gatherings. Utah is famous for its “fluff salads” (hi, orange fluff, ambrosia, berry fluff, and Snickers salad!). My aunt always brought either this or Frog Eye Salad to every potluck or holiday dinner. Honestly, it was unthinkable to have a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal without her famous Watergate Salad on the table.
Now that I’ve grown up and started my own family traditions, this Watergate Salad has carried on. I make it every Thanksgiving, and it’s become my kids’ favorite too!
Watergate Salad Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swap or Tip |
|---|---|
| Crushed pineapple | Don’t drain. Use pineapple packed in juice (not syrup) so the pudding sets right. |
| Pistachio pudding mix | Sugar-free pudding works too, but the salad will be a bit softer. |
| Mandarin oranges | Drain very well to avoid a watery salad. |
| Mini marshmallows | Use colored marshmallows for fun color and a light fruity flavor. |
| Pistachios | Try chopped pecans or walnuts instead. Add just before serving for crunch. |
| Whipped topping | Fresh whipped cream works if stabilized with pudding mix or gelatin. |
How To Make Watergate Salad Recipe
- Mix base: Stir pineapple with pistachio pudding in a large bowl until smooth and thick.
- Fold in fruit and mallows: Add oranges, marshmallows, and chopped pistachios.
- Add fluff: Gently fold in whipped topping until everything is coated and pale green.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate 45 to 60 minutes until set and lightly fluffy.
- Finish: Top with extra pistachios or a sprinkle of coconut and serve cold.
Variations
Switch Things Up
- For a cherry twist, add 1/4 cup of chopped maraschino cherries.
- Using colored mini marshmallows instead of white ones adds both a fruity flavor and a splash of fun color.
- For more fruitiness, you can add an extra can of drained mandarin oranges, a can of drained fruit cocktail, or slice in a banana just before serving.
- For a lower-calorie version, opt for lite whipped topping.
Storage
How To Store Watergate Salad:
- Covered Container: Transfer the salad to an airtight container or cover the original bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigeration: Store the salad in the refrigerator.
- Duration: For best freshness and taste, consume the salad within 2-3 days.
More Holiday Classics:
Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Salads
Sweet Potato Farro Salad
Side Dishes
Roasted Vegetables
Appetizers
Life-Changing No-Knead Dinner Rolls
Watergate Salad (Pistachio Fluff)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) cans crushed pineapple undrained; pineapple in juice, not syrup
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package pistachio-flavored instant pudding 4-serving size
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges well drained
- 3/4 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1/3 cup pistachios coarsely chopped, optional, divided
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping completely thawed
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes optional
- 1 (15-ounce) can fruit cocktail optional
Instructions
- Add undrained pineapple and pudding mix to a large bowl. Stir until smooth. Add in well-drained mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and coarsely chopped pistachios. (if desired, add fruit cocktail here.) Gently fold together until combined.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until all ingredients are well covered. Cover and refrigerate 45 minutes to an hour. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of coconut flakes or additional crushed pistachios if desired.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can I make this a couple of days in advance?
My grandma used to make variations of this for every holiday dinner. The season determined what “flavor” (color) jello she used.
Hey Jill, this salad will keep well for about 2 days before serving if kept in an airtight container! 🙂
My favorite salad!!!! EVER!!!
Love this fluffy stuff! Jello and pudding salads are such an awesome staple at our family gatherings. This recipe is so good and easy!
Thanks Betsy!!
Made this for the family and it was a hit!
So happy to hear that! 🙂
I had never heard of this salad before but I decided to give it a try and it was delicious! Thanks!
so dang good! One of my favorites!
Thank you Rachael!