Watergate Salad

I realize we play fast and loose with the term “salad” here in the Midwest sometimes, but this IS a classic and I stand by it! Watergate salad is a cold, dessert-type salad made with marshmallows and Cool Whip. To me, it’s a staple of any backyard BBQ or holiday dinner. I have very vivid…

DIY Aug 13, 2025 0 0 Add to Reading List

I realize we play fast and loose with the term “salad” here in the Midwest sometimes, but this IS a classic and I stand by it! Watergate salad is a cold, dessert-type salad made with marshmallows and Cool Whip. To me, it’s a staple of any backyard BBQ or holiday dinner. I have very vivid memories of this green, creamy salad on plates beside things like Thanksgiving turkey or BBQ chicken. Don’t knock it until you try it!

Some call this Watergate salad recipe by other names like Pistachio Dessert Salad or even Pistachio fluff. The name Watergate salad comes from the fact that this side dish has similar ingredients and flavor to Watergate cake. And both recipes were created around the time of, you guessed it, the Watergate scandal.

Related: Next up, try the classic Ambrosia salad or Strawberry Pretzel salad for another sweet side dish.

Ingredients

Pistachio pudding mix
Crushed pineapple with juice
Mini marshmallows
Walnuts – or you can use other nuts
Cool Whip – or you can use fresh whipped cream

I like to serve this with a few maraschino cherries on top but it’s optional.

How to Make Watergate Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients.

Gently fold everything together, the goal being to mix well but not necessarily completely deflate the Cool Whip. The mixture will become green from the pudding mix.

Serve chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two.

Tips for Making

Watergate salad is best the day it’s made. And leftovers can become soggy even if stored well after a day or two.
I usually use regular (vanilla?) mini marshmallows for this recipe, but if you want to add more fruity flavors you can use fruity mini marshmallows, similar to Ambrosia salad.
I will sometimes reserve 1/4 cup or so of the Cool Whip to add to the top of this salad for a pretty presentation, but it’s not necessary.

More Cold Salad Recipes

Watergate Salad

A creamy dessert salad made with pistachio pudding mix, Cool Whip and a few other ingredients.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 198kcal

Author Emma Chapman

Ingredients

3.4 ounces pistachio pudding mix
20 ounces crushed pineapple in juice
1 cup mini marshmallows
½ cup walnuts
8 ounces Cool Whip

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients.
Gently fold everything together, the goal being to mix well but not necessarily completely deflate the Cool Whip. The mixture will become green from the pudding mix.
Serve chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two.

Notes

Watergate salad is best the day it’s made. And leftovers can become soggy even if stored well after a day or two.

I usually use regular (vanilla?) mini marshmallows for this recipe, but if you want to add more fruity flavors you can use fruity mini marshmallows, similar to Ambrosia salad.

I will sometimes reserve 1/4 cup or so of the Cool Whip to add to the top of this salad for a pretty presentation, but it’s not necessary.