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!
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…
Why Do They Call It A Watergate Salad?
How To Make Watergate Salad
It’s as simple as this:
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.
More Dessert Salads
- Snickers Salad with diced snickers bars
- Ambrosia Salad colorful and delicious
- Orange Fluff Salad 5-ingredients
- Candy Salad completely customizable
- Creamy Fruit Salad creamy cheesecake dressing
Watergate Salad (Pistachio Fluff)
Equipment
- Large bowl
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 mini 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.
Video
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!