Description
Watergate salad brings nostalgic comfort to potluck gatherings with its creamy pistachio pudding base and marshmallow mix. Sweet, retro charm defines this classic dessert salad that connects generations through simple, delightful ingredients you’ll savor with each delicious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package pistachio instant pudding mix
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Creamy Base:
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the pistachio instant pudding mix with milk, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps.
- Fold in the crushed pineapple, ensuring the fruit and its juice are thoroughly integrated into the pudding base.
- Gently incorporate the whipped cream and sour cream, creating a luscious, velvety texture that blends seamlessly with the pudding.
- Sprinkle in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, stirring carefully to distribute the sweetness and aromatic flavors evenly.
- Add miniature marshmallows, allowing them to nestle throughout the creamy mixture, providing delightful pockets of softness.
- Introduce chopped pecans, folding them gently to distribute the nutty crunch without disrupting the delicate consistency.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to set to a chilled, refreshing state.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients and ensure a uniform texture.
- Garnish with additional chopped pecans or marshmallows if desired, and serve cold as a delectable dessert or side dish.
Notes
- Customize the sweetness by adjusting powdered sugar to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Swap regular dairy with non-dairy alternatives like coconut whipped cream and almond milk for a vegan-friendly version.
- Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a deeper, more complex taste profile to the salad.
- Make ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify while maintaining a creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg