If you’ve ever craved a dessert salad that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Watergate Salad is the answer. This sweet, fluffy concoction is a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy, making it the ultimate side dish for potlucks, family dinners, or just because. Imagine a velvety mix of whipped cream, pistachio pudding, and a pop of pineapple, all brought together with a satisfying crunch from pecans and marshmallows. It’s like dessert and salad had a delicious love child, and trust me, it’s going to be a hit.
This retro classic might look fancy, but it’s incredibly easy to whip up. All you need is a few ingredients, a little stirring, and you’ve got a bowl full of nostalgic goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Easy Watergate Salad
This isn’t just any salad—this is dessert disguised as a salad, and it’s guaranteed to leave you and your guests in awe. Here’s why it’s so irresistible:
Simple Ingredients: Only a handful of pantry staples come together to create this masterpiece. No complicated steps, just easy, fuss-free deliciousness.
Sweet and Savory: The tang from the pineapple and the sweetness of the marshmallows, combined with the creamy pistachio pudding, create a unique flavor that’s perfectly balanced.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, a holiday dinner, or just bringing a little joy to your family meal, this salad is always a crowd favorite.
No-Bake, No-Fuss: Forget about turning on the oven. This easy recipe comes together quickly in one bowl and requires no baking.
Kid-Friendly: The colorful, sweet nature of this salad makes it a hit with kids and adults alike!
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Ingredients in Easy Watergate Salad
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Pistachio Pudding Mix
This is the star of the show! The instant pudding mix adds both flavor and a beautiful green hue to the salad.
Whipped Topping
A generous amount of whipped topping gives the salad its fluffy, creamy texture.
Pineapple
Crushed pineapple brings a burst of juiciness and just the right amount of tang to balance out the sweetness.
Mini Marshmallows
These soft, pillowy marshmallows are the perfect texture contrast and add extra sweetness.
Chopped Pecans
A handful of pecans adds the perfect crunch and nutty flavor that makes this salad truly special.
Instructions
Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the instant pistachio pudding mix, whipped topping, crushed pineapple (with its juice), marshmallows, and chopped pecans.
Mix and Chill
Gently stir everything together until well-combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to set.
Serve and Enjoy
After chilling, give the salad a quick stir, and it’s ready to serve! Spoon it into individual bowls or a big serving dish and enjoy the creamy, dreamy goodness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 65mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 27g
Protein: 2g
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
How to Serve Easy Watergate Salad
As a Dessert: Perfect as a sweet treat after dinner or for a casual dessert buffet.
On the Side: Pair it with savory dishes at your next BBQ or holiday gathering. Its sweetness complements everything from grilled meats to roasted veggies.
For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, picnic, or family reunion, Watergate Salad is always a showstopper.
Additional Tips
Make-Ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days, so feel free to make it in advance.
Nuts Optional: Not a fan of pecans? You can swap them for walnuts or even omit them if you prefer a nut-free version.
Tweak the Texture: For a bit of extra crunch, you can add a handful of shredded coconut or extra marshmallows.
Top it Off: Add a cherry or some extra crushed pistachios for a fun garnish.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use sugar-free pistachio pudding mix?
A1: Yes, you can! It will still taste delicious and the texture will be just as creamy.
Q2: Can I use regular whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer real whipped cream, feel free to use it for a richer, more natural flavor.
Q3: Can I make this a day ahead?
A3: Yes! This salad actually tastes even better when it sits for a day, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Q4: Can I use other fruits instead of pineapple?
A4: While pineapple gives a unique tanginess, you can experiment with other fruits like mandarin oranges or maraschino cherries for a different twist.
Q5: Can I freeze Watergate Salad?
A5: Freezing isn’t recommended due to the texture of the whipped topping, which can become watery when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Q6: Can I add more marshmallows?
A6: Absolutely! If you love marshmallows, feel free to add extra. They’ll only make it more delicious.
Q7: Can I use other types of pudding mixes?
A7: You could, but the pistachio flavor is what makes Watergate Salad so special. That said, vanilla or even coconut could be interesting alternatives.
Q8: Is this a good dish to bring to potlucks?
A8: Yes! It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that requires minimal effort and will be a hit at any gathering.
Q9: How long does Watergate Salad last?
A9: It lasts 2–3 days in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly so it stays fresh.
Q10: Can I make this without marshmallows?
A10: If you don’t have marshmallows on hand, you could try adding some graham cracker crumbs or a handful of extra pecans for crunch.
Conclusion
Easy Watergate Salad is a retro favorite that brings smiles to every table. It’s simple, nostalgic, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at your next family gathering or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, this dessert salad is guaranteed to be a hit. Go ahead, make it—because everyone deserves a little sweet, creamy joy in their life!
Print
Watergate Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and refreshing cabbage salad made with whipped cream dressing, giving it a light, airy texture and a tangy, creamy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup of heavy cream, whipped until fluffy
- 2 tbsp of mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp of white vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by washing and drying the cabbage. Slice it very thinly or use a mandolin to achieve fine shreds. This texture is essential for creating a light, airy appearance that blends seamlessly with the whipped dressing.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, you can fold in two tablespoons of mayonnaise at this stage. This adds a creamy touch without overpowering the lightness of the whipped cream.
- Gently fold in the white vinegar or lemon juice to add a tangy note, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to retain the airy texture of the whipped cream.
- Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl and pour the whipped cream dressing over it. Gently toss until all the cabbage is evenly coated. The light, whipped dressing should cling delicately to the cabbage without weighing it down.
- Transfer the cabbage salad to a decorative bowl for presentation. Sprinkle fresh chives or parsley on top if desired. The green garnish adds a lovely color contrast and enhances the fresh flavor of the salad.
- For an extra refreshing taste, refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soak up the dressing, making each bite even more delightful.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or garlic powder to the dressing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg