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Watergate salad is one of those nostalgic, retro recipes that always seems to show up at potlucks and family gatherings.
This lightened-up Watergate salad keeps all the creamy, fluffy goodness of the original but swaps in lighter ingredients for a healthier, WW-friendly version.
Made with pistachio pudding, pineapple, whipped topping, and a protein boost from cottage cheese, it’s sweet, creamy, and surprisingly satisfying—perfect as a simple dessert or side dish.
Why I Love This Watergate Salad
- Lightened-up version of a classic retro favorite
- Just a handful of simple ingredients
- Quick to mix together—no cooking required
- WW-friendly and lower in calories
- Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or easy desserts
Ingredients
- Crushed pineapple (in juice) – Adds sweetness and moisture; be sure to drain, reserving the juice
- Sugar-free instant pistachio pudding mix – Gives the signature flavor and color
- Almond extract (optional) – Adds a subtle depth of flavor
- Low-fat cottage cheese – Blended smooth for creaminess and a boost of protein (replaces marshmallows)
- Light whipped topping – Keeps the texture light and fluffy
- Sliced almonds – Add a bit of crunch on top (optional but nice)
Substitutions and Variations
- Add a small amount of mini marshmallows for a more traditional version
- Swap almonds for pecans or walnuts
- Stir in mandarin oranges or fruit cocktail for extra fruitiness
- Top with maraschino cherries for a classic retro look
WW Points and Calories
According to my calculations, each serving has 100 calories and 2 WW Points.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
3 PointsPlus (Old plan)
How to Make Lightened Up Watergate Salad
Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl (affiliate link), add the drained pineapple with 2 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice.
Step 3: Add the pudding mix and stir until dissolved. Stir in the almond extract (if using) and set aside.
Step 4: In a small food processor (affiliate link), blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Stir the cottage cheese into the pudding mixture and blend. Gently fold in the whipped topping.
Step 6: Cover bowl and chill in refrigerator for at least one hour.
Step 7: Before serving, top with sliced almonds.
Tips for the Best Results
- Blend the cottage cheese well for the smoothest texture
- Chill at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop
- Don’t skip draining the pineapple—too much liquid can thin the salad
- Fold in whipped topping gently to keep it light and fluffy
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a light dessert or sweet side dish
- Perfect for potlucks, holidays, and barbecues
- Enjoy on its own or with fresh fruit
If you’ve made this Guilt-Free Watergate Salad, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Watergate Salad Made Lighter
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, packed in unsweetened juice, drained with juice reserved
- 1 package (4 serving-size) sugar-free instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1-1/2 cups light whipped topping
- 3 tablespoons sliced almonds
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl (affiliate link), add the drained pineapple with 2 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice.
- Add the pudding mix and stir until dissolved. Stir in the almond extract (if using) and set aside.
- In a small food processor (affiliate link), blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Stir the cottage cheese into the pudding mixture until blended. Gently fold in the whipped topping.
- Cover bowl and chill in refrigerator for at least one hour.
- When ready to serve, top with almond slices.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 3 PointsPlus (Old plan) This simple salad gets a nice boost of protein from the cottage cheese. If you must add marshmallows, try using half the normal amount (about 1 cup) to keep this salad light.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe source: Eat What You Love Everyday (affiliate link) by Marlene Koch
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Watergate salad?
The exact origin is unclear, but it became popular around the time of the Watergate scandal and has kept the name ever since.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually best after chilling for a few hours.
Do I have to use cottage cheese?
No, but it helps lighten the recipe and adds protein. You can substitute marshmallows for a more traditional version.
How long does it last?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
This is especially delicious at a 4th of July picnic, along with watermelon and corn on the cob. So Americana!
I’ll try this lighter version. Sounds just as GREAT!
Pretty disgusted with all the Pro-Trump ads on this page.
Made this for guests at our BBQ and everyone loved it! They had forgotten how good this dessert was from their childhood. Nobody missed the “extra” ingredients of the original and many were surprised when I told them this was a “skinny” version of the recipe.
I love this salad. Have made it with cream cheese before and it was always well received. I made this 1/2 ,cottage cheese and 1/2 plain nonfat Greek yogurt and it is delicious