If you love a sweet salad filled with pineapple, marshmallows, pecans, Cool Whip, and pistachio pudding, then this Easy Watergate Salad is just perfect! A deliciously cool and creamy addition to any dinner plate, this salad is impressive yet very quick and easy with only 5 ingredients.
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Easy Watergate Salad
This incredibly easy Watergate Salad is perfect for your holiday dinner table, but you might also want to make it any weeknight just because it’s delicious. Simply toss the ingredients into a bowl, stir, and chill for a short time–so simple!
While you’re here, check out these other sweet salad recipes: Easy Orange Creamsicle Salad | Ambrosia Salad | Twix Caramel Apple Salad | Strawberry Pretzel Salad
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the watergate salad (the exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the printable recipe card):
- Instant pistachio Jell-O pudding mix
- Canned crushed pineapple
- Miniature marshmallows
- Chopped pecans
- Cool Whip
How to Make Easy Watergate Salad
Start by mixing together the dry pudding mix, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and chopped pecans.
Next, fold in the thawed Cool Whip until well combined.
Chill the watergate salad until you’re ready to serve.
You may want to serve the salad in one large bowl, or you can scoop it into individual ramekins, cups, small bowls, or mugs. Individual servings are a really lovely presentation!
Substitutions and Toppings
Nuts – Instead of pecans, you could use chopped walnuts or pistachios.
Whipped cream – If you prefer real whipped cream to Cool Whip, you can definitely use your homemade whipped cream instead.
Toppings – For an extra pretty touch, top the watergate salad with a big dollop of Cool Whip and a maraschino cherry (or a few!).
How to Store Leftovers
Keep the leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
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Easy Watergate Salad
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple not drained
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup pecans chopped
- 8 ounce container Cool Whip thawed
Instructions
- Start by mixing together the dry pudding mix, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and chopped pecans.
- Next, fold in the thawed Cool Whip until well combined.
- Chill the watergate salad until you're ready to serve.
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24 comments on “Easy Watergate Salad (5-ingredients)”
I love this recipe! It takes me back to my childhood. I don’t wait for special occasions because we enjoy it so much!
This recipe has become a family favorite. I use crushed pistachio nuts ( bit more than the recipe calls for) in place of the chopped pecans, and use extra creamy whipped topping. At holiday time I stir in a 1/2 jar of coarsely chopped maraschino cherries. This is a quick-n-easy dessert for last minute company and one that everyone will enjoy.
THANK YOU‼️ This Watergate Salad Recipe is an absolute FAVORITE❣️ Not only for the light delicious taste, but the ease of making it‼️ Best kept refrigerated; store leftovers (if there are any) in frig for up to 3 days!!
Have fun decorating‼️
I made this for Christmas. It was very good. I will be making this again. It was easy to make.
I add maraschino cherries and call it Christmas Salad
Love this salad. The only thing I do different is, I drain the pineapple. It gets to watery if I don’t. Sometimes I use coconut cream pudding.
Love watergate salad but can I sub. The pichto.for a pineapple or vanilla
Can I substitute whipped cream if I don’t have cool whip
Yes, we have a homemade whipped cream recipe on our site.
You have a beautiful family thanks for the recipe
Me too. Also grapes and coconut.
Can I use pistachio pudding and banana cream pudding??
You Can Actually Use Any Flavor Instant Pudding In Place of the Pistachio Pudding, Add or Omit Nuts, Add Coconut or Whatever you Like
How about adding bite size Snickers and grapes to it at as well more flavor
I loved this in the 70’s!! I haven’t had it in years but will be making it for sure!
I am differently going to try this. It looks and sound delicious
I have also made this for many years. Since the younger ones didn’t care for the pecans, I stopped putting them in. Also, I use extra creamy cool whip. It adds to the flavor. And, I add more marshmallows than the recipe calls for. The younger ones like that. I always double the recipe, so there is extra. If there is any still left the next day, I add some more cool whip to it, to fluff it up some more. It tastes as good as the first day!
Can this be made the day before serving?
Hi Michelle…YES! I always make this the day before serving.
I have been looking for this recipe for years! I remember that my grandmother made this and I loved it!
sounds great!!!think I will try it for Christmas….
I’ve been making this for years every special holiday meal. I always use the coloured marshmallows and a can of very cherry fruit cocktail in too with the crushed pineapple. Sometimes a handful of sweetened coconut. Very versatile.
Love this watergate salad! hit so many of my loves!
Wonderful salad