Print

Watergate Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Pistachio Pudding Pineapple Dessert

Watergate Salad Recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A nostalgic, creamy, and fluffy salad combining pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, and nuts for a sweet and crunchy dessert or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3.4 oz / 96 g) package instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 1 (8 oz / 227 g) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
  • 1 (20 oz / 567 g) can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese (blended smooth)

Instructions

  1. Place 1 cup of small-curd cottage cheese in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant pistachio pudding mix with 1 cup of the reserved pineapple juice. Whisk for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
  3. Gently fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture using a spatula, stirring slowly to keep the fluffiness intact.
  4. Fold in the drained crushed pineapple and miniature marshmallows gently to combine evenly.
  5. Add the smooth blended cottage cheese to the bowl and fold it in thoroughly.
  6. Reserve about 1/4 cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for garnish. Fold the rest into the salad.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and salad to set.
  8. Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved nuts on top. Optionally, add extra marshmallows or a sprig of mint for garnish.

Notes

Use pineapple juice instead of water to mix pudding for extra flavor. Blend cottage cheese for smooth texture. Toast nuts for enhanced flavor. Fold ingredients gently to maintain fluffiness. Chill at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. Add marshmallows just before serving to keep texture. For gluten-free, check pudding mix ingredients. Dairy-free substitutions possible with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Watergate Salad, pistachio pudding, pineapple dessert, easy salad recipe, potluck dessert, creamy salad, nostalgic recipe

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/watergate-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-pistachio-pudding-pineapple-dessert/