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A retro American classic, this fluffy green salad is a delightful mix of pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, and pecans. It's a potluck favorite that comes together in minutes!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry instant pistachio pudding mix with the entire can of undrained crushed pineapple. Stir with a spatula for about 2 minutes until the pudding mix is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and evenly green.
Add the thawed whipped topping to the bowl. Gently fold it into the pineapple mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping; stop when no white streaks remain.
Gently stir in the miniature marshmallows and chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the salad to set and the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for 4 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with maraschino cherries and serve chilled.
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A retro American classic, this fluffy green salad is a delightful mix of pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, and pecans. It's a potluck favorite that comes together in minutes!
This midwest recipe takes 70 minutes to prepare and yields 8 servings. At 237.7 calories per serving with 1.25g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for dessert or side.
Substitute the pecans with chopped walnuts or slivered almonds for a different nutty crunch.
Add a drained 11 oz can of mandarin oranges or a 15 oz can of fruit cocktail for extra fruitiness and color.
Fold in 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut along with the marshmallows for added texture and tropical flavor.
Use sugar-free pistachio pudding mix, a light or sugar-free whipped topping, and pineapple packed in its own juice to reduce the overall sugar content.
Pecans are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can help support heart health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Pineapple is an excellent source of the essential mineral manganese, which plays a role in metabolism, bone formation, and antioxidant defense.
The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it became popular around the time of the Watergate scandal in the 1970s. Some theories suggest it was named for the Watergate Hotel where it was supposedly served, while others think the 'cover-up' of ingredients (like the pistachio pudding) inspired the name.
A one-cup serving of this Watergate Salad contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. It's a dessert salad, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.
Watergate Salad is considered a dessert or a sweet side dish rather than a health food. It is high in sugar and fat from the pudding mix, whipped topping, and marshmallows. However, it does contain some nutrients from the pineapple and healthy fats from the pecans.
It is not recommended to use fresh pineapple. Canned pineapple is essential because the canning process deactivates an enzyme (bromelain) present in fresh pineapple that would prevent the pudding from setting properly.
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, the flavor improves after chilling for a few hours. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
While pistachio is the classic choice that gives the salad its signature green color and name, you could experiment with other instant pudding flavors like vanilla or lemon for a different twist.