Description
Easy Watergate Salad is a delightful and nostalgic dessert salad combining pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and nuts folded into whipped topping. This no-cook recipe is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or summer picnics, offering a sweet, creamy, and slightly crunchy treat that is simple to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Optional: maraschino cherries and additional nuts for garnish
Instructions
- Combine pudding and pineapple: In a large mixing bowl, add the instant pistachio pudding mix and the can of crushed pineapple along with its juice. Stir thoroughly until the pudding mix is completely dissolved and the ingredients are well blended.
- Fold in remaining ingredients: Gently fold the whipped topping, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts into the pudding-pineapple mixture until all components are evenly combined to create a fluffy and textured salad.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to set, enhancing its taste and texture.
- Serve and garnish: Once chilled, serve the Watergate Salad cold. Garnish with maraschino cherries and extra nuts if desired to add a decorative and flavorful touch.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared up to one day in advance for convenience.
- For a lighter version, substitute with sugar-free pudding mix and light whipped topping.
- Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a refreshing summer picnic dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
