Recipes Desserts Specialty Dessert Recipes Dessert Salad Recipes Watergate Salad 4.7 (468) 364 Reviews 38 Photos Watergate salad is an American classic. This delightful side dish salad or dessert is made with pistachio-flavored instant pudding mix, canned pineapple, mini marshmallows, nuts, and whipped topping. It comes together in minutes and after one to two hours in the refrigerator, this chilly treat will impress your dinner guests with it's light and fluffy texture and colorful appeal. Garnish with crushed pistachios and maraschino cherries. Submitted by Jennifer Updated on January 18, 2024 Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen. Staff credentials vary but include training at the Culinary Institute of America; kitchen stints in fine dining restaurants; and countless hours in the test kitchen itself. Meet the Allrecipes Test Kitchen Save Rate Print Share Add Photo 38 38 38 38 Prep Time: 5 mins Additional Time: 1 hr Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Servings: 8 Jump to Nutrition Facts Jump to 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, or Pistachio Delight, is a dessert salad or side dish made with pistachio pudding, canned fruit, whipped topping, and other ingredients. The original recipe was originally published by General Foods under the title "Pistachio Pineapple Delight." A Chicago food editor renamed it "Watergate Salad" when she printed it in her column in 1975, presumably to pique readers' interests after the presidential scandal that shared the same name. The Most Popular Recipes of the 1970s Watergate Salad Ingredients You'll need just five ingredients to make this tried-and-true Watergate salad: · Pudding mix: This sweet salad starts with a package of instant pistachio pudding mix.· Canned pineapple: A can of crushed pineapple (with the juice) adds sweet, fruity flavor.· Marshmallows: You'll need a cup of miniature marshmallows for flavor and fluff.· Nuts: This recipe calls for walnuts, but you can use pecans if you'd like.· Whipped topping: Frozen whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, brings the dessert salad together. How to Make Watergate Salad You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this top-rated Watergate salad: Simply combine the first four ingredients in a bowl, then fold in the whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate until set. How to Store Watergate Salad Transfer the Watergate salad to a shallow, airtight container and store in the refrigerator for three to four days. Can You Freeze Watergate Salad? You can freeze Watergate salad for up to three months in a freezer-safe container. However, it's important to note that the texture of the marshmallows will change during the thawing process. Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise "I freeze mine and it makes a wonderful summer treat," according to Sissy. "Just spread in a lightly greased pan, freeze, and cut into squares. Everyone loves it!" "I could eat Watergate salad three times a day everyday," 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." Editorial contributions by Corey Williams Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 1x 2x 4x Oops! Something went wrong. Our team is working on it. Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, with juice 1 cup miniature marshmallows ½ cup chopped walnuts 4 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed Directions Gather all ingredients. ALLRECIPES /QI AI Combine crushed pineapple with juice, instant pudding mix, mini marshmallows, and walnuts in a large bowl. Mix until well combined. ALLRECIPES /QI AI Fold in whipped topping, then chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving. ALLRECIPES /QI AI When ready to serve, garnish with crushed pistachios and maraschino cherries. Enjoy! ALLRECIPES /QI AI Serve and enjoy! Allrecipes/Qi Ai I Made It Print 738 home cooks made it! Nutrition Facts (per serving) 173 Calories 7g Fat 25g Carbs 1g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 8 Calories 173 % Daily Value * Total Fat 7g 9% Saturated Fat 3g 14% Sodium 180mg 8% Total Carbohydrate 25g 9% Dietary Fiber 1g 3% Total Sugars 18g Protein 1g 2% Vitamin C 3mg 3% Calcium 11mg 1% Iron 0mg 2% Potassium 66mg 1% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.