Watergate Salad Pistachio Pineapple (Printable)

Creamy mix of pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, pecans, and whipped topping chilled for a refreshing delight.

# What You Need:

→ Base

01 - 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
02 - 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
03 - 1 cup miniature marshmallows (4.2 oz)
04 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (2.1 oz)
05 - 1 1/2 cups thawed whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)

→ Garnish (optional)

06 - Additional chopped pecans
07 - Maraschino cherries

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, mix the instant pistachio pudding powder with the entire can of undrained crushed pineapple, stirring until fully blended and smooth.
02 - Fold in the miniature marshmallows and chopped pecans evenly into the mixture.
03 - Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the mixture until uniformly combined and light green throughout.
04 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and to chill thoroughly.
05 - Prior to serving, garnish with additional chopped pecans and maraschino cherries as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It requires zero baking and comes together in about ten minutes, which means more time enjoying people instead of standing over a hot oven.
  • The contrast of textures—creamy pudding, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy pecans—keeps every spoonful interesting.
  • It's nostalgic without being fussy, the kind of dish that makes people smile because it tastes like celebration.
02 -
  • The pineapple juice is crucial—it keeps the salad from becoming dry and starchy as it sits, so please don't drain it no matter how much your instinct tells you to.
  • The whipped topping needs to be thawed before you fold it in, and the whole salad needs to stay cold or it will start to separate and weep liquid at the edges.
  • Don't add the pecans until right before serving if you're making this more than a few hours ahead; otherwise they'll soften and lose that essential textural contrast.
03 -
  • If you forget to thaw the whipped topping, you can speed things up by letting it sit on the counter for ten minutes, but don't microwave it or it'll separate into a sad puddle.
  • For a flavor twist that nobody expects, add a quarter teaspoon of almond extract to the pudding mixture—it deepens the pistachio without being obvious about it.
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