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Watergate Salad Original Recipe

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4.2 from 15 reviews

Watergate Salad is a light, fluffy, and sweet dessert salad combining crushed pineapple, pistachio pudding, mini marshmallows, nuts, and whipped topping. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, this no-bake treat offers a delightful blend of fruity and nutty flavors with a creamy texture.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juices
  • 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes pistachio instant pudding mix
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, pecans, or walnuts, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 cup halved maraschino cherries, plus whole ones for garnish
  • 8 ounces whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed until easily spreadable

Instructions

  1. Combine Pineapple and Pudding Mix: In a large bowl, stir together the crushed pineapple (with its juices) and the pistachio instant pudding mixes until thoroughly combined, ensuring the pudding mix is fully dissolved.
  2. Add Marshmallows, Nuts, and Cherries: Stir in the mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, and halved maraschino cherries into the pineapple-pudding mixture, blending all ingredients evenly.
  3. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to the mixture until just combined, creating a light and fluffy texture while preserving the airiness.
  4. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the pudding to set slightly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top the salad with additional whole maraschino cherries and more chopped nuts for extra flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy chilled.

Notes

  • Use canned crushed pineapple with juices to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Make sure the whipped topping is thawed to fold in smoothly without deflating the salad.
  • Chilling the salad is crucial for texture and flavor development; overnight chilling is ideal.
  • For nut allergies, omit nuts and consider adding sunflower seeds or coconut flakes as alternatives.
  • This salad is best served cold and within 2 days of preparation for optimal freshness.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/watergate-salad-original-recipe/