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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Whipped Cream: Carefully fold in the whipped cream to the mixture. Do this gently to keep the salad light and fluffy without overmixing.
- Stir in Nuts: If using, sprinkle in the chopped pecans or walnuts and fold them in gently to maintain their crunch.
- 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