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Easy Watergate Salad Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Watergate Salad is a nostalgic, easy-to-make dessert salad combining the flavors of pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and chopped pecans, all mixed into a light and fluffy Cool Whip base. This retro favorite is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a simple, sweet treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 3.4 ounces instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 20 ounces canned crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed


Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry pistachio pudding mix, canned crushed pineapple with its juice, mini marshmallows, and chopped pecans. Stir gently to incorporate the ingredients evenly.
  2. Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the salad mixture until everything is well combined and the texture is smooth and creamy, being careful not to deflate the fluffiness.
  3. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to set.
  4. Serve: After chilling, serve the salad cold for a refreshing and sweet treat that’s ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • For best texture, use thawed Cool Whip and fold gently to maintain fluffiness.
  • Chill the salad for longer than 1 hour if possible; it improves the flavor blending.
  • Optional: Garnish with additional chopped pecans or a few mini marshmallows before serving.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.