Are you ready to get creative in the kitchen and give your classic Watergate salad a twist? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 delicious and unique variations that are sure to impress your friends and family. From adding fresh fruits like pineapple and strawberries to incorporating nuts like pecans and walnuts, we’ve got you covered.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these recipes in detail, sharing tips and tricks for making them truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, our creamy Watergate salad recipes are sure to become new favorites. So go ahead, get creative, and discover your new go-to dessert recipe!
Classic Watergate Salad with Pistachio Pudding
This retro-inspired salad is a refreshing blend of flavors and textures, perfect for potlucks or casual gatherings. With its sweet and tangy combination of pistachio pudding, canned fruit, and whipped cream, it’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pistachio pudding
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (canned)
– 1/2 cup mandarin oranges (canned), drained
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the pistachio pudding and heavy whipping cream. Beat until smooth and creamy.
2. Fold in the pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and chopped nuts.
3. Sprinkle the granulated sugar and vanilla extract over the top of the salad.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve cold.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (prep time included)
Pineapple Watergate Salad with Marshmallows
This classic salad combines sweet and tangy flavors with a refreshing twist. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a quick dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained and segmented
– 1/2 cup marshmallows
– 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and marshmallows.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Pour the milk mixture over the fruit mixture and stir until well combined.
4. If using pecans, sprinkle them on top of the salad.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None required! This salad is best served chilled.
Coconut Watergate Salad with Toasted Almonds
A refreshing twist on the classic Waldorf salad, this Coconut Watergate Salad combines sweet and tangy flavors with crunchy toasted almonds.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup diced seedless cucumber
– 1 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds (see note)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, bell pepper, and pineapple.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together shredded coconut and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Sprinkle the coconut-feta mixture over the salad.
4. Top with toasted almonds and drizzle with lime juice.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cherry Watergate Salad with Mini Marshmallows
This classic salad recipe gets a fun twist with the addition of mini marshmallows, adding a playful touch to its sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cherry Jell-O
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1/2 cup cold water
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
– 1 cup canned pineapple, drained and crushed
– 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained and sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, dissolve Jell-O in boiling water. Add cold water and stir until dissolved.
2. Refrigerate until chilled, about 3 hours.
3. Fold in heavy cream until well combined.
4. Stir in crushed pineapple, sliced oranges, and mini marshmallows.
5. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top (if using).
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: None
Lemon-Lime Watergate Salad with Cool Whip
This classic salad gets a citrusy boost from lemon-lime juice, making it the perfect side dish for your next gathering. With its creamy texture and zesty flavor, this recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup Cool Whip
– 2 tablespoons lemon-lime juice (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks.
2. In a separate bowl, mix cottage cheese and lemon-lime juice until smooth.
3. Fold the cottage cheese mixture into the fruit mixture until well combined.
4. Top with Cool Whip and sprinkle with chopped nuts (if using).
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Orange Watergate Salad with Mandarin Oranges
Brighten up your salad game with this refreshing Orange Watergate Salad featuring sweet and tangy mandarin oranges.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup mandarin orange segments
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, mandarin orange segments, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the salad.
3. Drizzle olive oil and orange juice over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Peach Watergate Salad with Vanilla Pudding
A refreshing twist on the classic Watergate salad, this sweet and tangy dish combines juicy peaches with a creamy vanilla pudding.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained and sliced
– 1 cup diced fresh peaches
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, and salt until well combined.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. In a large bowl, combine mandarin oranges, peaches, and nuts.
6. Pour warm pudding over fruit and gently fold to combine.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
8. Serve chilled, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (pudding), plus refrigeration time
Strawberry Watergate Salad with Fresh Berries
This refreshing salad combines sweet strawberries, tangy pineapple, and creamy vanilla pudding to create a delightful dessert perfect for warm weather. With the added freshness of mixed berries, this salad is sure to become a summer staple.
Ingredients:
– 1 (11 oz) can of mandarin oranges, drained
– 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup of pineapple chunks
– 1 cup of vanilla pudding
– 1/2 cup of whipped cream
– 1 cup of mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mandarin oranges, strawberries, and pineapple.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the vanilla pudding and whipped cream until smooth.
3. Fold the pudding mixture into the fruit mixture until well combined.
4. Stir in the mixed berries, honey, and salt.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assemble and refrigerate)
Blueberry Watergate Salad with Greek Yogurt
A refreshing twist on the classic Watergate salad, this recipe combines sweet blueberries with creamy Greek yogurt and crunchy pecans for a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained and chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the blueberries and chopped mandarin oranges.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
3. Fold the yogurt mixture into the blueberry mixture until well combined.
4. Stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Raspberry Watergate Salad with White Chocolate Chips
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of raspberries with the creaminess of pistachio pudding, all wrapped up in a crunchy pecan crust. Add some white chocolate chips for an extra layer of indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy whipped topping
– 1 cup frozen raspberries, thawed
– 1/2 cup crushed pecans
– 1/4 cup pistachio pudding mix
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine whipped topping and raspberry jam. Mix until smooth.
2. Fold in the pistachio pudding mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the crushed pecans.
4. Spoon the mixture into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
5. Melt white chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
6. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill and serve.
Banana Watergate Salad with Walnuts
This classic salad gets a boost from the addition of crunchy walnuts and sweet bananas, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 (11 oz) can of mandarin oranges, drained
– 1 cup of pineapple chunks
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup of sugar
– 1 tablespoon of grated lime zest
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine oranges, pineapple, and bananas.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, lime zest, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the fruit mixture and toss until coated.
4. Stir in chopped walnuts.
5. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
6. Fold the cream cheese into the fruit mixture until well combined.
Cooking Time: None!
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Apple Watergate Salad with Cinnamon
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, perfect for a light and satisfying dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, diced
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples and water. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Stir in the honey and cinnamon until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
4. Serve the apple mixture chilled, topped with whipped cream or vanilla yogurt if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Pecan Watergate Salad with Caramel Drizzle
Pecan Watergate Salad with Caramel Drizzle Recipe
This classic salad gets a decadent twist with the addition of crunchy pecans and a rich caramel drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup diced watergate (or red cabbage)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Caramel drizzle (see below)
Caramel Drizzle:
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced watergate, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. To make caramel drizzle, combine heavy cream, butter, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until caramel is smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Drizzle caramel over the salad and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Chocolate Watergate Salad with Cocoa Powder
This decadent dessert salad combines the classic flavors of pistachio pudding, whipped cream, and chocolate to create a unique and indulgent treat. The addition of cocoa powder gives this Watergate salad a rich and intense chocolate flavor that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pistachio pudding
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips or shavings (such as semisweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Add the pistachio pudding and mix until well combined.
3. Sprinkle the cocoa powder and sugar over the top of the pudding mixture and fold until smooth.
4. Fold in the chopped pecans (if using).
5. Melt the chocolate chips or shavings in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Allow to cool slightly.
6. Fold the melted chocolate into the pudding mixture until well combined.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (whipping cream and melting chocolate)
Peanut Butter Watergate Salad with Crushed Pretzels
This creamy salad combines the classic flavors of a Watergate salad with the added crunch and nutty taste of peanut butter and crushed pretzels. A perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) container of Cool Whip
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
– 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
– 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained and sliced
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the Cool Whip, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. Mix until smooth.
2. Fold in the crushed pretzels.
3. Add the pineapple and orange chunks to the mixture. Gently fold until well combined.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep only)
Key Lime Watergate Salad with Graham Cracker Crumbs
A refreshing twist on the classic salad, this Key Lime Watergate Salad with Graham Cracker Crumbs combines tangy and sweet flavors for a perfect treat.
Ingredients:
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup of key lime juice
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup of chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup of graham cracker crumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, key lime juice, mayonnaise, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. Toss until the greens are well coated with the dressing.
3. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs on top of the salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pistachio Watergate Salad with Whipped Cream
A classic American dessert, this Pistachio Watergate Salad gets a creamy upgrade with whipped cream. Perfect for potlucks or picnics!
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) container of pistachio pudding
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 cups cold water
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup chilled pineapple chunks
– 1 cup Marshmallow creme
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine pistachio pudding and whipped cream. Mix until smooth.
2. Add cold water to the mixture and stir well.
3. Fold in chopped pecans and pineapple chunks.
4. Stir in Marshmallow creme and salt.
5. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes ( preparation) + chilling time
Ambrosia Watergate Salad with Maraschino Cherries
This classic salad combines sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for potlucks or special occasions. A retro favorite, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup Maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mandarin oranges, heavy cream, sugar, and orange zest. Mix until well combined.
2. Stir in the chopped pecans, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut.
3. Fold in the chopped Maraschino cherries.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (prep time), 30 minutes (refrigeration)
Summary
Get ready to take your taste buds on a thrilling ride with these 18 creamy Watergate Salad recipes! With a twist of flavors and textures, each unique recipe combines the classic Watergate salad with pistachio pudding, marshmallows, and whipped cream, to name a few. From fruity favorites like Strawberry and Raspberry to nutty treats like Pecan and Pistachio, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory, these recipes will surely satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, get creative, and indulge in the creamy goodness!