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Watergate Salad

Watergate Salad


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes chilling time)
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Watergate Salad is a light, fluffy, and sweet dessert salad combining juicy pineapple, crunchy pistachios, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy whipped cream. Quick and easy to make, this classic retro salad delivers a refreshing and delightful flavor and texture, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 1 cup cold water (for pudding)
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup whipped cream (freshly whipped recommended)

Optional Ingredients

  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Green food coloring, a few drops (to enhance green color)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pudding Base: Whisk the instant pistachio pudding mix with 1 cup of cold water, following the package instructions, until the mixture starts to thicken and becomes creamy.
  2. Combine Pineapple and Marshmallows: Drain the canned pineapple thoroughly to remove excess juice. Fold the pineapple chunks and mini marshmallows gently into the pudding base, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Add Whipped Cream: Carefully fold in the whipped cream to the mixture. Do this gently to keep the salad light and fluffy without overmixing.
  4. Stir in Nuts: If using, sprinkle in the chopped pecans or walnuts and fold them in gently to maintain their crunch.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the Watergate Salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to firm up slightly. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use freshly whipped cream rather than canned for better texture and fluffiness.
  • Drain pineapple well to avoid a watery salad.
  • Fold ingredients gently to preserve the airy consistency.
  • Chill thoroughly, preferably for a few hours, to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Add nuts last to keep them crunchy longer.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg