Description

This Vintage Watergate Salad with Pistachio Pudding is a no-fuss, no-bake classic dessert that’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for families looking for a sweet treat without the oven, bringing a taste of nostalgia to your table.

Ingredients

1 (3.4 oz) box pistachio instant pudding mix
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

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Instructions

Drain Pineapple Well: Open 1 (20 oz) can of crushed pineapple. Place it in a fine-mesh sieve and press out as much excess liquid as possible until quite dry.
Combine Pudding Mix and Pineapple: In a large mixing bowl, stir 1 (3.4 oz) box of dry pistachio instant pudding mix directly into the well-drained crushed pineapple. Stir vigorously until no dry spots remain and the mixture is uniformly green and thick. (If it looks too dry to combine, add 1-2 Tbsp of reserved pineapple juice.)
Fold in Whipped Topping and Marshmallows: Gently add 1 (8 oz) container of thawed whipped topping and 2 cups of mini marshmallows to the pineapple mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together carefully, aiming to preserve the airiness of the whipped topping. The mixture should feel light and fluffy.
Add Nuts (Optional): If using, gently stir in 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts. Fold them in just enough so they are evenly distributed, adding a pleasant textural contrast.
Chill Thoroughly: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld and for the salad to set to a perfect, scoopable consistency.

Notes

For quick prep, buy pre-chopped nuts. The longer it chills, the better the flavors develop, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. You can substitute unsweetened whipped topping or Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or omit nuts for allergy-friendly versions.

Prep Time: 11 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert, Salad
Method: No-Bake, Chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 0.5 cup
Calories: 230 calories
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 5 mg