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    Home » Desserts » Watergate Salad - So Good, it's Scandalous!

    Published: Feb 15, 2021 · Modified: Mar 12, 2022 by Nancy · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Watergate Salad - So Good, it's Scandalous!

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Watergate salad's retro combination of pudding, pistachios, and pineapple blended with whipped topping will transport your taste buds to the 1970's!

    Two servings of Watergate salad in decorative glass cups on a silver tray
    Watergate salad for two

    Is it a Salad or Dessert?

    In the mid century years it was common to have a sweet fruit dish served as a salad, either before or with the main course. Items like Waldorf salad, Ambrosia salad, and gelatin fruit molds were mainstays of mid century meals. My Midwestern mom and grandma almost always served a fruit salad with dinner. Kevin's Southern family served fruits exclusively as desserts, so when I make a fruit dish we argue about when to eat it!

    These days, it's rare to be served a fruit salad before or alongside the main course. And I have to admit, this sweet salad with pudding and whipped topping tastes much more like a treat than it does an appetizer or side dish! If I were serving it as a dessert, I would add a dollop of topping and a cherry on top. I would leave those off and just sprinkle the top with a few pistachios if serving as a salad.

    Where Did The Name Come From?

    While the exact origin isn't known, it is thought to have been inspired by Watergate cake. The first known published recipe for the frosted pistachio Watergate cake ran in the Washington, D.C. area in September of 1974, one month after Richard Nixon resigned as President of the United States. Various articles have said it was so named because of all the nuts that are in it, and it has a huge cover-up (a heavy layer of frosting on top.) In 1976 Jell-O Brand introduced instant pistachio pudding, and shortly thereafter Watergate salad recipes starting appearing. Its similar to Watergate cake with nuts in it and ingredients that are all covered up with whipped topping.

    Original hand written recipe for Watergate salad
    Original handwritten recipe for Watergate Salad

    This handwritten gem is part of my mid century recipe collection. I often have to make a few updates to the older recipes to make them easier to prepare and more appealing to the modern palate, but not this one. I made it exactly as written and it was fast, easy, and absolutely delicious!

    Watergate Salad: Five Ingredients + a Cherry

    Ingredients for Watergate salad

    Here's what you'll need to have on hand:

    • Instant pistachio pudding
    • Crushed pineapple
    • Chopped pistachios
    • Miniature marshmallows
    • Whipped topping
    • Cherry for garnish (optional)

    It only takes a couple of minutes to mix everything together. Though our handwritten recipe says it needs to chill for a few hours or overnight, after an hour in the refrigerator ours was firm, chilled, and ready to eat!

    Both Kevin and I were a little apprehensive when I began preparing this pale green concoction. We weren't at all sure about the pineapple, marshmallow and pistachio combination. But we quickly changed our minds after the first bite! I will definitely add it to my potluck rotation, as the cute retro appearance and sweet, creamy taste are absolutely irresistible! If you're throwing a vintage party, this dish is an absolute must-have!

     

    A dessert dish filled with Watergate salad, topped with whipped topping, with pistachios and a cherry on top.

    Watergate Salad - A 1970's Dessert That's So Good, It's Scandalous!

    Nancy Blackstone
    Watergate salad's retro combination of pudding, pistachios, and pineapple blended with whipped topping will instantly transport your taste buds to the 1970's!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 -12 Servings
    Calories 164 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 3.4 oz. box instant pistachio pudding
    • 20 oz. can crushed pineapple undrained
    • ½ cup miniature marshmallows
    • ½ cup chopped pistachios
    • 8 oz. carton whipped topping
    • dollop of whipped topping and cherry as garnish optional

    Instructions
     

    • Put the powdered pistachio pudding mix in a bowl and pour in the can of crushed pineapple. Mix with a spatula until thoroughly combined.
    • Stir in the marshmallows and pistachios.
    • Fold in the whipped topping.
    • Chill in refrigerator at least one hour.
    • Serve in dessert cups. Top with a dollop of whipped topping, a few crushed pistachios, and a cherry if desired. 

    Notes

    Light whipped topping can be used if you prefer
    If you don't have pistachios, you can substitute with your favorite nuts 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 164kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 158mgPotassium: 158mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 71IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword 1970's dessert, 1970's Salad, mid century dessert, Nixon dessert, Nixon salad, Washington DC dessert, Washington DC salad
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Nancy and Bentley

    Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

    More about me →

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