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Watergate salad

Easy Watergate Salad Recipe with Pistachio Pudding

Watergate salad is a sweet, creamy dessert made with pistachio pudding, pineapple, whipped topping, and marshmallows, a light and nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 173 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3.4 oz package instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 1 8 oz can crushed pineapple (with juice)
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 4 oz frozen whipped topping thawed
  • Optional garnish: crushed pistachios and maraschino cherries

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Mix base ingredients
  • In a large bowl, mix the crushed pineapple (with juice), pistachio pudding mix, mini marshmallows, and chopped walnuts. Stir well until everything is blended.
  • Step 2: Add whipped topping
  • Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined. This makes the watergate salad light and creamy.
  • Step 3: Chill to set
  • Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. This helps the flavors mix and the texture firm up.
  • Step 4: Garnish
  • Before serving, sprinkle crushed pistachios on top and add a few maraschino cherries for color.
  • Step 5: Serve and enjoy
  • Scoop into bowls or cups and enjoy your cold and fluffy watergate pistachio salad.

Notes

You can swap walnuts with pecans if you prefer a different nut flavor. Don’t skip the chill time—recipe for watergate salad with pistachio pudding works best when served cold.