Description
This classic Watergate Salad is a delightful, creamy dessert salad featuring instant pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, Cool Whip, mini marshmallows, and crunchy walnuts, garnished with maraschino cherries. Perfectly chilled and easy to prepare, it serves as a refreshing side or dessert that combines fruity sweetness with a light, fluffy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix (dry powder, not prepared)
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple (with the juice)
- 1 (8 ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
Add-ins
- 1 (10 ounce) bag mini marshmallows (divided, about 2 cups plus remaining for garnish)
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts, divided (½ cup for folding in, remaining for garnish)
Garnish
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix the pudding: In a large bowl, combine the entire can of crushed pineapple (including juice) with the dry instant pistachio pudding mix. Stir thoroughly until the pudding mix dissolves completely and the mixture is well blended.
- Make it fluffy: Add the thawed Cool Whip to the pineapple and pudding mixture. Stir gently but evenly to combine, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Add texture and crunch: Fold in 2 cups of mini marshmallows and ½ cup of chopped walnuts carefully to ensure they are evenly dispersed without deflating the mixture.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to firm up for serving.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining mini marshmallows and chopped walnuts over the top of the salad. Garnish with maraschino cherries as desired. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the Cool Whip is fully thawed before mixing to prevent clumps.
- The salad tastes best when refrigerated for at least an hour but can be made ahead and kept chilled overnight.
- For added color, use bright green pistachio pudding mix and fresh maraschino cherries.
- Walnuts can be toasted lightly for enhanced flavor before adding to the salad.
- Mini marshmallows contribute to the classic texture, but regular sized marshmallows can be chopped and used if mini are unavailable.
