Watergate Salad

If you’re craving something sweet and unique, a Watergate Salad is always a great idea. This dessert consists of delicious ingredients including pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows and chopped pecan. If you have a sweet tooth, prepare it for a tasty ride!

I can never deny a good dessert! Whenever I’m done a good meal, I definitely have sweet cravings, and my homemade Watergate Salad always hits the spot.

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If your family adores desserts as much as mine does, here are a few fruity salads in my recipe repertoire that I am very proud of:

Winter Fruit Salad

Triple Berry Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Creamy Fruit Salad Recipe

Honey Lime Fruit Salad

Watergate Salad Origin

So, why is this pistachio salad called “Watergate Salad,” anyway? The Watergate Salad origin is obscure, but the sweet dessert dates all the way back to the early 1900s. According to The Salt, the pistachio salad was not invented at the Watergate Hotel (much like how the Waldorf Astoria Hotel gave us the Waldorf Salad).

It is believed that The Watergate Salad came to life during the rise in popularity of gelatin. The gelatin boom brought on tons of new recipes, including this pistachio pudding salad.

What is a Watergate Salad, Anyway?

This recipe is far from your leafy, traditional salad. On the contrary! Also known as a Pistachio Pudding Salad or Pistachio Salad, this dessert is a mixture of pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, and Cool Whip, topped with a generous amount of chopped almonds and maraschino cherries.

Can I Substitute Any Ingredients?

To stay true to the classic recipe, I recommend using the ingredients that are recommended in my recipe (be sure to scroll down to my recipe card for the full step-by-step instructions!). However, feel free to choose a different brand of pistachio pudding if that’s what’s available to you. You may also use canned pineapple pieces/chunks.

How to Store Leftovers

This dessert is best stored in the refrigerator (it does not freeze very well) in an airtight container for up to five days.

How Long Does It Take to Whip-Up?

The best part about Watergate Salads is that they’re incredibly easy to put together. Prep time is only about 10 to 15 minutes. For the full step-by-step instructions, just take a look below for all of the details!