Definition & Meaning of "Watergate salad"

What is "watergate salad"?

Watergate salad is a sweet and creamy dessert salad that is typically made with instant pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping. Chopped pecans are often added for additional texture and flavor. The salad is believed to have originated in the 1970s and was popularized by Kraft Foods, which included a recipe for it on the back of their pistachio pudding mix boxes. Watergate salad was named after the Watergate complex in Washington D.C., which was in the news at the time the dish became popular. Watergate salad is a popular dish for potlucks, picnics, and other social gatherings and is regarded as a classic American dessert.