Watergate Salad Recipe
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Recipe Overview
Overview
Watergate Salad is a delightful throwback dessert that many of us remember fondly from family gatherings. This recipe combines the unique flavor of pistachio pudding with crushed pineapple, creating a creamy and sweet treat that is both refreshing and satisfying. The addition of mini marshmallows adds a fun texture, while the pecans provide a lovely crunch, making each bite a delightful experience.
One of the best parts about this salad is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, including Cool Whip, it comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or potlucks. The vibrant green color not only makes it visually appealing but also adds a nostalgic touch that reminds many of us of childhood celebrations.
For those who want to elevate the dish, toasting the pecans before adding them can enhance their flavor significantly. Additionally, while the recipe traditionally calls for Cool Whip, using stabilized whipping cream can give it a homemade feel without sacrificing the creamy texture. This salad is perfect for Easter, summer cookouts, or any family reunion, and it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
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 large can of crushed pineapple.
Add half of the 8 oz container of sour cream to the mixture.
Mix the ingredients well, ensuring the pineapple juice is incorporated.
Add the chopped 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 to the mixture.
Use a big spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Tip: If using whipping cream instead of Cool Whip, stabilize it to prevent it from curdling.
Transfer the mixture to 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 add 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 became popular in the 1970s and is often associated with holiday gatherings.
- •The salad's vibrant green color comes from the pistachio pudding mix.
- •Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad.
- •Cool Whip can be substituted with stabilized whipping cream for a homemade touch.
