Description
Watergate salad brings nostalgic charm to classic American desserts with its creamy pistachio pudding mix and marshmallow blend. Midwestern potlucks and family gatherings welcome this sweet, retro treat that you can easily prepare and enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 (20 ounces / 567 grams) can crushed pineapple, not drained
Texture Ingredients:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Creamy Topping:
- 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) container Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly amalgamate pistachio pudding mix with crushed pineapple, ensuring all juice is incorporated, creating a vibrant green base.
- Incorporate mini marshmallows and chopped pecans into the mixture, stirring until evenly distributed and ingredients are well intermingled.
- Delicately fold thawed Cool Whip into the green concoction, using gentle sweeping motions to maintain the light, airy texture without deflating the whipped topping.
- Transfer the creamy mixture into a serving dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an elegant presentation.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the salad to set to a chilled, pudding-like consistency.
- Before serving, optionally garnish with additional chopped pecans or a light dusting of crushed graham crackers for added crunch and visual appeal.
Notes
- Customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of pudding mix or adding a touch of honey for a more nuanced flavor profile.
- Swap Cool Whip with whipped cream for a fresher, less processed option that adds a homemade touch to the salad.
- Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the creamy texture.
- Make it gluten-free by ensuring the pudding mix and all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 239
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 116 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg