Watergate Salad
Watergate salad is a fluffy salad with pineapple, pistachio pudding, marshmallows, nuts, cool whip, and maraschino cherries. It is one of those go-to quick and easy side dishes that are great for all occasions. A classic recipe that just gets better with time. It is a holiday favorite in our house.
Watergate Salad
Growing up I loved going to Grandma’s house pretty much for one reason and one reason only, Watergate Salad. It was a staple on Sunday night dinners and the highlight of the trip. It was always loaded with crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and Maraschino cherries. Watergate Salad is very similar to Ambrosia which is another one of my favorites. How about you?
When Grandma passed away I kind of stopped eating Watergate Salad, but recently I decided to make it again, and I was instantly hooked for all the same reasons.
If you grew up eating Watergate salad at Grandma’s house, but could never find a recipe quite like Grandma’s then this is the recipe you will want to make, it tastes just like Grandma used to make it.
If you are feeling nostalgia, try our Shirley Temple Poke Cake that also reminds me of Grandma’s house!
How to Make Watergate Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple and juice with the pistachio pudding mix.
- Stir in the marshmallows, pecans, and maraschino cherries.
- Fold in the cool whip till totally combined, then refrigerate for an hour before serving.
- Top with a few halved maraschino cherries and pecan pieces.
Tips Tricks and FAQs
- Be sure to thaw your Cool Whip prior to adding it to the salad. To thaw your Cool whip, place it in the fridge for 4 hours. Do not set it on the counter to cool or thaw in the microwave.
- Keep these ingredients on hand during the holidays in case you need a quick side dish.
- I like to use different nuts and I like them to be toasted and salty. Try walnuts or pistachios.
- You can add mandarin oranges to this salad if you prefer.
- You can swap out Cool whip for real whip cream if you prefer.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can you make Watergate Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Watergate Salad ahead of time, in fact, you should let the flavors really come together. This can be made up to 2 days in advance.
Watergate Salad
Watergate salad is a fluffy salad with pineapple, pistachio jello, marshmallows, nuts, cool whip, and maraschino cherries. It is one of those go-to quick and easy side dishes that are great for all occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounces) can crushed pineapple WITH juice
- 2 (3.4 ounces) boxes Pistachio flavored pudding
- 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 2/3 cup lightly chopped pecans
- 1 cup halved maraschino cherries, plus a few whole for decoration
- 16-ounce container thawed cool whip
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple and juice with the pistachio pudding mix.
- Stir in the marshmallows, pecans, and maraschino cherries.
- Fold in the cool whip till totally combined, then refrigerate for an hour before serving.
- Top with a few halved maraschino cherries and pecan pieces.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 343Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 42mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 2gSugar: 33gProtein: 2g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
Confused is it jello or pudding ? Receipt. Says pudding in one part and pudding in the other can we use either one ?
I am so sorry, it is pudding 🙂