Description
This Pistachio-packed Watergate Salad is a delightful, fluffy dessert salad combining sweet instant pistachio pudding, tangy crushed pineapple, soft mini marshmallows, crunchy chopped pistachios, creamy whipped topping, and smooth sour cream. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings or a refreshing treat, this easy-to-make recipe offers a nostalgic twist on a classic vintage salad with an added nutty crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pistachios (lightly toasted if preferred)
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Combine pudding and pineapple: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant pistachio pudding mix and the undrained crushed pineapple. Stir well until fully blended to create a smooth base.
- Fold in remaining ingredients: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chopped pistachios, whipped topping, and sour cream until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without deflating the fluffiness.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up for the best texture.
- Stir before serving: After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir to ensure even consistency before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual cups for a beautiful presentation and enjoy this refreshing, nutty classic dessert.
Notes
- For added texture, lightly toast the chopped pistachios before mixing.
- This salad is best served chilled for a refreshing taste.
- Feel free to substitute light whipped topping and reduced-fat sour cream for a lighter version.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- The salad can be prepared up to a day in advance for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Salad
- Method: No-cook, mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Watergate Salad, pistachio pudding salad, dessert salad, vintage recipes, easy no bake dessert, pistachio dessert, pineapple marshmallow salad
