Watergate Salad

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This famous Watergate Salad is a retro side dish or dessert that features canned fruits, pistachio pudding mix, whipped cream, and crushed pistachios.

Watergate Salad is a holiday classic that pairs perfectly with other side dishes like Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Vegetables, Brussels Sprouts, and Sweet Potato Casserole!

Finished Watergate Salad topped with pistachios, ready to enjoy.

Watergate Salad

Growing up, this salad was a cornerstone of our family gatherings. My aunt would prepare either this or Frog Eye Salad for every potluck or holiday dinner. In fact, it was unthinkable to have a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner without her renowned Watergate Salad on the table.

In times when fresh fruit was scarce during winter, this salad, also known as Pistachio Salad, brilliantly used canned fruits to bring a touch of sweetness to our festive feasts. Our version, I must say, is the best out there. And as a child, I was always curious to know…

Whole and chopped pistachios ready for adding to the recipe.

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.

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Watergate Salad (Pistachio Fluff)

4.86 from 7 votes
This famous Watergate Salad is a retro side dish or dessert that features canned fruits, pistachio pudding mix, whipped cream, and crushed pistachios.
Finished Watergate Salad topped with pistachios, ready to enjoy.
Print Recipe

Watergate Salad (Pistachio Fluff)

Finished Watergate Salad topped with pistachios, ready to enjoy.
4.86 from 7 votes
This famous Watergate Salad is a retro side dish or dessert that features canned fruits, pistachio pudding mix, whipped cream, and crushed pistachios.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword watergate salad, watergate salad recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 45 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 -10 servings, as a side
Chelsea Lords
Calories 213kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (8 ounces EACH) crushed pineapple, undrained (pineapple in juice, not syrup)
  • 1 package (3.4 ounce) pistachio-flavored instant pudding 4-serving size
  • 1 can (14 ounces) mandarin oranges, well drained
  • 3/4 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1/3 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped (optional), separated
  • 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, completely thawed
  • Optional: shredded coconut (1/4 cup), 1 can (15 ounces) fruit cocktail

Instructions

  • Add the undrained pineapple and pudding mix to a large bowl. Stir until smooth. Add in the well-drained mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and coarsely chopped pistachios. (if desired, add in fruit cocktail here.) Gently fold together until combined.
  • Using a spatula, gently fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping until all the ingredients are well covered. Cover and refrigerate for 45 minutes to an hour. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or additional crushed pistachios if desired.

Video

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 199mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 409IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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Creamy Watergate Salad filled with canned fruits, pistachio pudding mix, whipped cream, and crushed pistachios. This recipe is the BEST and so simple! #watergate #salad #fluff #pistachio #dessert #side #salad #thanksgiving #christmas #holiday #potluck #pistachios
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Recipe Rating




10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Love this fluffy stuff! Jello and pudding salads are such an awesome staple at our family gatherings. This recipe is so good and easy!

  2. 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.

    1. Hey Jill, this salad will keep well for about 2 days before serving if kept in an airtight container! 🙂

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