Watergate Salad

Name: Watergate Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature; 1/4 c. powdered sugar; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 2 c. heavy cream; 1 (8-oz.) can crushed pineapple; 1 (3.4-oz.) box instant pistachio pudding mix; 1 1/2 c. mini marshmallows; 1 c. toasted pecans, chopped; 8 maraschino cherries

Rediscover your love for this retro dish!

By Sarah HoldenPublished: Nov 17, 2024

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the pioneer woman's watergate salad recipe

Antonis Achilleos

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 20 mins

Is it a salad or is it dessert? It's both! Watergate salad is a throwback dish straight from the 1970s and now it's making a come back. Similar to ambrosia salad, this vibrant green fluff is classically made with marshmallows, pecans, pineapple, boxed pistachio pudding mix, and lots of whipped topping. But go ahead and kick that whipped topping to the curb for this version. Dreamy homemade whipped cream makes all the difference in this grandma-approved recipe. Add toasted nuts and a cherry on top and get ready to rediscover your love for the church potluck favorite!

Why is it called Watergate Salad?

There are quite a few origin stories for Watergate salad. Some claim the dish was created by a chef at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. Some believe the salad simply became popular around the time of the Watergate political scandal. Others say the Jell-O brand invented the salad in the 1970s to promote their new product: pistachio pudding. You'll also find a portion of the population who claims Watergate salad was born from Watergate cake—a green pistachio cake that predates the salad. We may never know the true origin of this salad, but it's delicious nonetheless.

Can I make Watergate Salad ahead of time?

Yes! It can be made up to 2 days ahead of time, but keep in mind that the salad will get stiffer the longer it sits (thanks to the instant pudding). Wait to top it with whipped cream, pecans, and cherries until just before serving.

What ingredient substitutions can I try?

Make this dish your own by swapping in a few different ingredients! Pistachios or walnuts work well in place of pecans. If you're short on time, frozen whipped topping can be used instead of homemade whipped cream. You can even change up the pudding flavor! Chocolate, vanilla, or coconut instant pudding would be delicious in this dish.

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Ingredients

Directions

1. Step 1In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla and mix on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the heavy cream and beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute 15 seconds. Remove 1/2 cup of the whipped cream mixture, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Step 2In a large bowl, whisk together the pineapple and pudding mix until dissolved. Gently fold in the marshmallows and remaining whipped cream mixture with a rubber spatula, taking care not to overmix and deflate. Cover and refrigerate until the pistachio mixture is chilled and set, about 1 hour.
3. Step 3To serve, gently fold 3/4 cup of the pecans into the pudding mixture and divide among 8 bowls. Top each with a dollop of the reserved whipped cream mixture, a sprinkle of the remaining pecans, and a cherry.

Tip: Watergate salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Top with the whipped cream mixture, nuts, and cherries just before serving.