Description
Watergate Salad is a sweet and creamy dessert salad featuring instant pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and crunchy walnuts, all combined with Cool Whip and garnished with maraschino cherries. It’s a nostalgic, easy-to-make treat perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix (dry powder, not prepared)
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple (with the juice)
Salad Base
- 1 (8 ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (10 ounce) bag mini marshmallows (divided; about 2 cups and the rest for topping)
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts, divided; ½ cup for folding in and remainder for topping
Garnish
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine pudding and pineapple mixture: In a large bowl, mix the entire can of crushed pineapple (including juice) with the dry pistachio pudding mix. Stir thoroughly until the pudding powder is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the pudding and pineapple mixture. Stir carefully to ensure an even, creamy consistency without deflating the whipped topping.
- Fold in marshmallows and walnuts: Add 2 cups of mini marshmallows and ½ cup of chopped walnuts to the mixture. Mix gently to distribute them evenly throughout the salad without breaking them down.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining mini marshmallows and chopped walnuts over the top. Garnish with maraschino cherries if desired. Serve the salad chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Allowing the salad to chill overnight enhances the flavor and texture even more.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat Cool Whip and walnuts can be omitted.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Ensure the Cool Whip is thawed to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps.
