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Watergate Salad

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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?

Watergate Salad

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.  

Watergate Salad

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.
Watergate Salad

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.
Watergate Salad
  • 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. 

Watergate Salad pin

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

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

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

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple and juice with the pistachio pudding mix.  
  2. Stir in the marshmallows, pecans, and maraschino cherries.
  3. Fold in the cool whip till totally combined, then refrigerate for an hour before serving.
  4. Top with a few halved maraschino cherries and pecan pieces.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 343Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 42mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 2gSugar: 33gProtein: 2g

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2 Comments

  1. Confused is it jello or pudding ? Receipt. Says pudding in one part and pudding in the other can we use either one ?

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