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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.

Featured Comment
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‼️
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.

More Recipes You’ll Love
- Apple Blondies with Maple Glaze
- Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes
- Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
- Caramel Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
- Best Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This all looks so interesting. I am going to try them all. Thanks
My husband LOVED this!!!!
Thanks for sharing this easy, great recipe
Thanks Pam!
It’s fasr,delicious(a favorite among my family) and reasonably priced ingredients..
I have made this for years. The family loves it.
Thanks Donna!
Loved this salad and want to try and make it..
Absolutely delicious..tastes like my awesome childhood memories thank you..love your fantastic recipes thank you for sharing with us! God bless you always
Thank you Renee!
Awesome recipe. Made several times with great response. Everyone loved it. Light and delicious.
I had such a taste for this, it did whip up in less than 10mins. I’m waiting until it chills a bit!!
This is an old school recipe!! It brings me back to childhood!! Thank you for reminding me of how good the 80’s were! Follow the recipe as is!! Scrumptious!
The 80’s were so great Carlisia! Thanks!
To a commenters…if you’re using green grapes ma’am, where are you getting your liquid from? The reason behind using the crushed canned pineapple with juice is to be able to moisten the pudding a little.