Watergate Salad
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
Watergate Salad is a classic dessert that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. This delightful dish combines the sweetness of pistachio pudding with the refreshing taste of crushed pineapple, creating a creamy and colorful salad that is sure to impress. The addition of mini marshmallows adds a fun texture, while the optional sour cream gives it a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Making Watergate Salad is incredibly simple and quick. Just mix the pistachio pudding mix with crushed pineapple and its juice, then fold in the Cool Whip and mini marshmallows. If you want to elevate the flavor, toasting the pecans before adding them is a great tip. This not only enhances their nuttiness but also adds a delightful crunch to the dish.
This salad is perfect for potlucks, church gatherings, or any summer cookout. It’s a nostalgic recipe that many people remember from their childhood, making it a great conversation starter at any event. Plus, it’s a no-bake dessert, which means you can whip it up in no time and enjoy it chilled. Whether you’re serving it at Easter or just for a family gathering, Watergate Salad is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Gather a 3.4 oz package of pistachio instant pudding mix, a dash of salt, sliced and drained maraschino cherries, a large can of crushed pineapple, an 8 oz container of Cool Whip, and a half cup of sour cream.
Mix the pudding mix with a dash of salt and the crushed pineapple in a large bowl.
Add half of the 8 oz container of sour cream to the mixture and mix well.
Add the sliced cherries and half cup of chopped pecans to the mixture.
Tip: Toast pecans for added flavor, but avoid using small pieces to prevent burning.
Fold in mini marshmallows into the mixture.
Use a big spatula to mix everything together gently.
Tip: If using whipping cream instead of Cool Whip, stabilize it to prevent it from collapsing.
Transfer the mixture into a serving dish.
Garnish the top with a few cherries.
Tip: Look for cherries with stems in the ice cream section for better presentation.
Taste the salad to ensure it is delicious.
Tip: Sprinkle pecans and cherries on top for a decorative finish.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Nuts
→ Substitution: Sunflower Seeds
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Watergate Salad is a popular dessert salad that combines sweet and creamy flavors.
- •The salad is often served at holiday gatherings, especially during Easter and summer cookouts.
- •Pistachio pudding mix is the key ingredient that gives this salad its unique flavor and color.
- •Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy texture to the salad.
