Do you love Watergate salad? Well, get ready to love it even more! I'm going to share with you the original Watergate salad recipe. This salad is perfect for any occasion, and it's always a hit with guests. So, what are you waiting for? Give this salad a try today!
If you've ever wondered how to make a watergate salad, I'm here to teach you how to make it. Once you see how easy it is to make, you'll be making Watergate salad for your next party or potluck!
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
- The rich and creamy easy Watergate salad is always a favorite by all!
- This recipe makes the perfect amount to serve a crowd.
- Super easy dump and stir salad that is perfect for BBQs and potlucks.
- A versatile salad that can be served as a dinner side salad or a dessert salad.
Ingredients
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- instant pistachio pudding
- crushed pineapple with juice
- miniature marshmallows
- chopped pecans
- frozen whipped topping, thawed
Equipment
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- In a large bowl, stir together, pudding mix, and crushed pineapple.
- Add the marshmallows and crushed pecans, stir until combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping until completely blended.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Storage
You can make this ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container until ready to serve. We prefer to make it one day in advance to blend flavors.
Leftover Watergate salad recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
We do not recommend freezing this salad due to the whipped topping. The ingredients will not defrost with an appetizing consistency
Expert Tips
Expert Tip: Be gentle when folding in the whipped topping and try to not overmix. You don't want the whipped topping to melt.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a popular question and the answer is not really known. Rumor has it that this popular salad was named after The Watergate hotel where they served this salad at their restaurant.
The traditional ingredients in a Watergate salad are: crushed pineapples, mini marshmallows, pistachio pudding mix, and whipped topping.
This recipe does not work well for freezing. The dressing tends to separate when frozen and thawed.
Variations
- Use lemon pudding instead of pistachio for a fresh citrus taste on this watergate salad recipe.
- Switch out the chopped pecans for chopped walnuts.
- Instead of using raw pecans, add more flavor by using roasted salted pecans.
- Use a mix of green, red, and yellow marshmallows instead of just one color.
- Make this original watergate salad recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pudding.
- Add some color to this salad by adding in some mandarin oranges.
- Cottage cheese is another favorite that we add for a variety.
Serving Suggestions
- These Grilled BBQ Pork Chops are juicy, tender, and slathered in a sweet homemade Peach BBQ Sauce.
- Cheesy Foil Packet Potatoes with Onions are tender and flavorful potatoes that make clean up a snap.
- Grilled Asparagus is fresh and so easy to make on a bbq night.
- Maple Glazed Ham is a fantastic holiday dinner and this Watergate Salad would be a perfect pairing.
Similar recipes
- Fruit Dip is sweet tangy and made with marshmallow fluff and whipped topping.
- No need to heat up the oven on a warm day with this No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake recipe.
- No Bake Grasshopper Cheesecake is the perfect blend of mint and chocolate flavors.
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Recipe
Watergate Salad Recipe
Equipment Needed:
- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Ingredients
- 2 (3.4) ounce boxes, instant pistachio pudding
- 2 (8) ounce cans, crushed pineapple with juice
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 (8) ounce container, frozen whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together, pudding mix, and crushed pineapple.
- Add the marshmallows and crushed pecans, stir until combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping until completely blended.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.