Watergate Salad Recipe
This Watergate salad recipe is proof you can't go wrong with a classic. Full of nostalgic flavor, there's a reason this simple treat has stood the test of time.
What Is Watergate Salad?
Watergate salad, also known as Pistachio Delight, is a dessert salad made with pistachio pudding, canned fruit, whipped topping, and other ingredients. Originally published by General Foods as "Pistachio Pineapple Delight," a Chicago food editor renamed it "Watergate Salad" in 1975, in an effort to tie it to the presidential scandal of the same name.
Watergate Salad Ingredients
You will need just five ingredients to make this delicious Watergate salad:
- Pudding mix: A package of instant pistachio pudding mix.
- Canned pineapple: A can of crushed pineapple (with juice) adds sweet, fruity flavor.
- Marshmallows: One cup of miniature marshmallows for flavor and fluffiness.
- Nuts: Walnuts are used in this recipe, though pecans are a good substitute.
- Whipped topping: Frozen whipped topping like Cool Whip brings the dessert together.
How to Make Watergate Salad
Follow these simple steps to create this top-rated Watergate salad:
- Step 1: Gather all the ingredients: pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple with juice, miniature marshmallows, chopped walnuts, and frozen whipped topping.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple with juice, instant pistachio pudding mix, mini marshmallows, and chopped walnuts. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Step 3: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow the salad to set.
- Step 5: Once chilled, garnish with crushed pistachios and maraschino cherries for extra flavor and decoration.
- Step 6: Serve and enjoy this delightful, refreshing salad!
How to Store Watergate Salad
Transfer any leftover Watergate salad into a shallow, airtight and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This salad is best enjoyed within that time frame.
Can You Freeze Watergate Salad?
Yes, you can freeze Watergate salad for up to three months in a freezer-safe . However, keep in mind that the marshmallows may change texture once thawed.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
Heres what others are saying:
- "I freeze mine and it makes a wonderful summer treat," says Sissy. "Just spread it in a lightly greased pan, freeze it, and cut into squares. Everyone loves it!"
- "I could eat Watergate salad three times a day every day," says Lee. "I love adding coconut. Everyone loves it!"
- "I used to make this years ago and forgot all about it until I came across it on this website," says Golf buddy. "Great taste, very refreshing and so easy to make. My family loves it."
Nutrition Information
Each serving of Watergate salad contains approximately:
- Calories: 173
- Total Fat: 7g (9% of daily value)
- Saturated Fat: 3g (14% of daily value)
- Sodium: 180mg (8% of daily value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g (9% of daily value)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% of daily value)
- Total Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 1g (2% of daily value)
- Vitamin C: 3mg (3% of daily value)
- Calcium: 11mg (1% of daily value)
- Iron: 0mg (2% of daily value)
- Potassium: 66mg (1% of daily value)

Comments
Gary Roberts
01/06/2025 08:23:04 AM
I added 20 oz of crushed pineapple and the entire 8 oz container of whipped topping as many had recommended. I brought this dish to a baby shower, and upon setting it on the table, I noticed someone else had also brought a similar dish. I was initially disappointed by this, but as more and more guests kept coming back for seconds and complimenting the dish, saying "whatever this is, it's delicious," I knew it was a hit. By the end of the shower, my bowl was completely empty while the other dish still had plenty left. I felt a bit guilty about it, but ultimately, if it's better, what can you do? I especially loved the addition of nuts in the dish!
Nancy Carter
10/28/2024 11:56:07 AM
This recipe has great potential with a few tweaks. I found that using a 20-ounce can of pineapple with two boxes of pudding mix and doubling the whipped cream creates a better balance of flavors. For an extra delicious twist, adding some coconut works really well too.
Alexander Brown
10/11/2022 02:30:35 AM
My mom always prepared this dish for every holiday, which she called Pistachio Pudding. She didn't include nuts in her version, but I personally recommend adding finely chopped nuts for extra texture. We never used marshmallows in ours, so those looking for a less sweet option won't miss them. Draining the crushed pineapple can help prevent the dish from becoming too watery. One significant variation in my mom's recipe is the addition of minced maraschino cherries, which, to me, is a crucial element. In conclusion, no holiday meal is truly complete without this delightful pistachio pudding/salad.
Richard Brown
12/15/2023 10:34:18 AM
Reviewing the dish, not the recipe. I tried a pistachio and pineapple dessert recently, and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of creamy pistachio pudding with sweet crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and chopped nuts was a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The whipped topping added a light and fluffy element to the dish, and chilling it in the fridge for a couple of hours enhanced the overall taste. The finishing touch of maraschino cherries on top added a pop of color and extra sweetness. Overall, a fantastic dessert that I would definitely make again!
Janet Thomas
05/28/2023 03:16:43 AM
I will definitely try making this recipe, but I would never opt for Cool Whip artificial whipped cream. I always prefer using freshly whipped cream made from extra heavy cream that I whip up myself with a mixer. Instead of mini marshmallows, I will include pineapple, coconut, and walnuts in the salad. I plan to serve it with banana slices placed around the bowl, but I will avoid putting the bananas in the salad unless it will all be eaten on the same day to prevent them from turning dark brown and becoming mushy.
Barbara Green
05/12/2024 08:47:13 PM
I completely concur with fellow cooks and users: Incorporating coconut into this blend elevates it to a whole new level. Furthermore, for a delightful touch of red to complement the green mixture, sprinkle a small amount onto your Watergate Salad... just remember to properly drain and pat dry the cherries before mixing in. Save a few cherries to garnish the top of this delicious dessert.
Samantha Rivera
11/25/2022 07:01:42 AM
I am taking notes from other reviewers and will provide the official update once I complete it. To make this tasty dessert, use a 20 oz. can of drained crushed pineapple, the whole 8 oz. container of Cool Whip, and one can of drained fruit cocktail (you can stretch it out a bit). Be sure to allow enough time for the dessert to chill in the fridge before serving – I recommend at least 6 hours, but overnight would be even better.
Amanda Gomez
10/11/2024 10:50:03 PM
I usually don't enjoy pistachios and I had never tried making this dish before. However, a friend who had recently lost his father requested it, so I wanted to make it special. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the end result! The salad turned out delicious! I made a few changes to the recipe - I used pecans instead of walnuts, about 3/4 cups. I toasted the pecans with coconut oil before adding them. I also folded in 6-7 ounces of Cool Whip. To finish it off, I topped the salad with a dollop of whipped cream and a few more toasted pecans.
Joshua Sanchez
03/27/2025 08:08:06 PM
I tried this product and it was awful. It was overly sweet and had a very artificial flavor. I definitely won't be purchasing it again.
Donald Hernandez
09/20/2024 03:50:11 PM
Very simple to prepare! This recipe is a definite winner. Much appreciated.
Carolyn Jones
05/30/2023 11:50:20 PM
Will add more pineapple next time. Don't forget the cherry on top. Absolutely delicious!
Barbara Flores
12/18/2024 01:58:44 PM
This recipe has been around since long before Watergate! It was a staple at every church potluck during my 1950s childhood. However, the tough chunks of walnuts spoiled the experience for me.