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The Best Watergate Salad: A Classic Creamy Pistachio Dessert Everyone Loves


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
  • Optional: maraschino cherries or mini marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Mix base: In a large bowl, whisk pistachio pudding mix and undrained pineapple until thickened (~2 min).
  2. Fold in: Gently stir in whipped topping, pecans, and coconut until fully combined.
  3. Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours (best after 4+ hours for flavors to meld and texture to set).
  4. Serve cold, garnished with cherries or marshmallows if desired.
💡 Pro Tips:
Do not use sugar-free pudding—it won’t set properly.
– For extra crunch, toast the nuts before adding!
– Keep chilled until serving—this salad softens at room temperature.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 8):

Prep Time: 10 min | Chill Time: 2+ hr | Total Time: 2 hr 10 min
Servings: 8 | Calories: 220 | Net Carbs: 24g | Fats: 14g | Protein: 3g