Tropical Watergate Salad is a fun twist on the original Watergate salad. It’s still made with pistachio pudding and pineapple but this version adds mandarin oranges and sweetened coconut flakes! EVEN FRUITIER THAN THE ORIGINAL If you love Watergate Salad or Pistachio Fluff, then you definitely need to try this Tropical Watergate Salad! It features everything you love about the traditional version, except now I added even more yummies- like coconut and pecans and mandarin oranges. All the additions work so well together, while still letting the pistachio flavor still shine through. Everyone I shared this with went absolutely crazy for it and wanted the recipe so you know that means you have a winner! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:  What if I don’t want all the extra fruit or coconut? No problem! If all the extra, yummy fruit isn’t for you, check out my Pistachio Fluff. It’s basically a traditional Watergate Salad. Or just leave out whatever fruit you don’t like except for the pineapple. You actually need the juices from the pineapple to make this work properly. I know coconut is a love or hate thing for most people so just leave it out if you don’t like it – no big deal! However I will say that I had a couple people sample this who swear they detest coconut and they ended up loving this so I’l leave it up to you! Could I used chopped pistachios instead of pecans? Of course – this is your salad, do what you want! If you don’t like nuts, leave them out. Or switch out with one you like. I think macadamia nuts would be fabulous in this! Can I use a different pudding mix? I know pistachios aren’t for everyone. If you need to trade out the pudding mix, try something like vanilla, French vanilla, white chocolate, or cheesecake instant pudding mix. What should I do with leftover Tropical Watergate Salad? Leftovers need to be refrigerated. Keep in mind that this won’t last long because of the whipped topping and the juices being released from the fruit as it sits in the pudding and whipped topping. So, the sooner you enjoy this, the better it will be. Some say you can store this up to 5 days but I don’t think the quality is there after 5 days. I think you should try to eat it within 3 days. I do not recommend freezing. INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE) crushed pineapple – this is an essential ingredient because we need the juices for this to all come together properly. mandarin oranges – the trick with mandarin oranges is to stir gently so they don’t break apart while stirring. I prefer mandarin oranges instead of fresh peeled oranges because they are softer and easier to eat and mix in. mini marshmallows instant pistachio pudding mix– other pudding options are discussed in the FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) section above. chopped maraschino cherries – if you don’t like these, leave them out. I do recommended draining and rinsing them well so they don’t turn everything else pink when you are stirring. chopped pecans– you need these nuts, or some kind of nuts to bring a nice crunchy, contrasting texture to the dish but if you don’t like nuts, just leave them out. sweetened coconut flakes – this is optional if you don’t like coconut. whipped topping – I have tried to make this with homemade whipped cream and it just did not hold up well to adding the other ingredients so I personally cannot recommend it. HOW TO MAKE TROPICAL WATERGATE SALAD In a large bowl, add the crushed pineapple, oranges, marshmallows, pudding mix, cherries, pecans, and coconut flakes and stir gently until combined. Gently stir in the whipped topping until everything is coated. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This will help the flavors to combine. Then serve! CRAVING MORE RECIPES?  Pistachio Fluff Ambrosia Salad Orange Fluff Pistachio Cake Orange Creamsicle Salad Frozen Fruit Salad Pineapple Fluff Cherry 7Up Fluff Cherry Pie Fluff The Best Fruit Salad Cranberry Fluff Oreo Fluff Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff Print Tropical Watergate Salad Tropical Watergate Salad is a fun twist on the original Watergate salad. It's still made with pistachio pudding and pineapple but this version adds mandarin oranges and sweetened coconut flakes! Course Appetizer, Side DishCuisine American Prep Time 10 minutes minutesChill Time 2 hours hoursTotal Time 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes Servings 12 servings Calories 235kcal Author Brandie @ The Country Cook Ingredients20 ounce can crushed pineapple, not drained15 ounces mandarin oranges, well drained2 cups mini marshmallows2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix½ cup chopped maraschino cherries (without stems, drained and rinsed well)½ cup chopped pecans⅓ cup sweetened coconut flakes8 ounce tub whipped topping (Cool Whip) InstructionsIn a large bowl, add 20 ounce can crushed pineapple, not drained, 15 ounces mandarin oranges, well drained, 2 cups mini marshmallows, 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix, ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, 1/2 cup chopped pecans and ⅓ cup sweetened coconut flakes and stir gently until combined. Gently stir in 8 ounce tub whipped topping until everything is coated. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This will help the flavors to meld together. Then serve. Notes Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions. NutritionCalories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 260mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 40g