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Light green fluffy salad in textured glass bowl with dark cherry on stem and white spoon

Watergate Salad

Donnie
Watergate Salad is pure American nostalgia. Sweet pistachio flavor, bright pineapple, fluffy whipped topping, and the soft chew of marshmallows all come together in a dish that’s designed to disappear quickly at gatherings. It’s not elegant, and it’s not trying to be. It’s a reminder of an era when convenience ruled the kitchen and potluck food was about comfort, not presentation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill TIme 1 hour
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

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IngredientsMethodVideoNotes
Donnie Dodson

Don’t lose this one.

I’ll email it to you so it’s waiting when you’re ready to cook.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3.4 oz box instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 to 2 cups mini marshmallows depending on preference
  • 1 8 oz tub whipped topping, thawed
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the dry pistachio pudding mix with the crushed pineapple and its juice. Stir until evenly mixed.
  2. Fold in the mini marshmallows.
  3. Gently fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy.
  4. Stir in the chopped nuts, or reserve them to sprinkle on top before serving.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Don’t drain the pineapple!!! The juice is essential for activating and thickening the pudding mix.
 
  • Fold gently once the whipped topping is added to keep the texture light.
 
  • If making this ahead, consider adding the nuts just before serving so they stay crunchy.