Description
Sweet nostalgia meets creamy delight in this classic Watergate salad, a retro dessert that whispers comfort and charm. Marshmallows, pistachio pudding, and cool whip blend into a dreamy mix you’ll savor with pure midcentury joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 box (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 tub (8 ounces / 227 grams) whipped topping, thawed
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Garnish (Optional):
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, whisk the pistachio pudding powder into the drained pineapple chunks, ensuring complete integration of the powder with the fruit’s natural liquid. The mixture will gradually transform into a pale green, slightly thickened consistency.
- Gently incorporate the whipped topping, using delicate folding motions to maintain the airy texture. Blend until a uniform, creamy appearance emerges, with no distinct streaks of white remaining.
- Introduce mini marshmallows throughout the mixture, distributing them evenly to create pockets of soft sweetness in each spoonful. Fold carefully to prevent deflating the delicate base.
- For additional complexity, delicately fold in chopped walnuts and shredded coconut. These optional ingredients contribute a nutty crunch and tropical nuance to the dessert’s overall profile.
- Transfer the completed mixture to a sealed container, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, or ideally overnight, allowing flavors to harmonize and texture to set.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute any settled ingredients. Present chilled as a whimsical, nostalgic dessert that offers a delightful blend of textures and sweet, creamy notes.
Notes
- Swap instant pudding mix with homemade or sugar-free versions for a healthier twist on this classic dessert.
- Experiment with alternative whipped toppings like coconut cream or Greek yogurt to accommodate dairy-free dietary needs.
- Toast chopped nuts before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch to the salad.
- For a more vibrant presentation, sprinkle extra coconut or crushed nuts on top just before serving to add visual appeal and texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg