This classic salad has been around forever. It’s easy and a perfect cold side dish for a potluck or BBQ! Filled with sweet marshmallows, pineapple and pistachio pudding mix!
Pistachio “Watergate” Salad
It’s green and it’s called a salad but it’s not what you would think! Haha. This salad is an old school recipe that has been around since the 70’s! It’s super simple to make and always a crowd pleaser. It is really similar to a family favorite of ours, Lime Jello Salad!
What is Watergate salad?
It’s a simple line up of 5 ingredients (6 if you add the nuts)
- crushed pineapple
- pistachio pudding mix
- mini marshmallows
- cool whip (or whipped cream)
- cottage cheese (optional)
- pecans (or your favorite kind of nut & optional :))
Notes about this Pistachio Salad
The nice thing about this recipe is it is very adaptable. If you don’t like cottage cheese, leave it out. If you don’t want to add nuts, no problem! I like to sprinkle chopped pecans on individual bowls, so the kids don’t freak out about the nuts ;). And if your marshmallows are a little
What can I use in place of the cool whip?
This recipe calls for cool whip. But if you prefer you can use heavy whipping cream in its place. Just whip up 1 1/2 cups of cream till stiff peaks form and stir in 1/2 cup sugar or powdered sugar. Add that in place of the cool whip!
- 1 (3.4 ounce box) instant pistachio pudding
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple (drain but save juice)
- 16 ounces cottage cheese (optional)
- 8 ounces cool whip (thawed)
- 1 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
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Drain the pineapple, saving the juice. Put it into a large bowl and add the dry pudding mix. Stir together.
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Mix the cottage cheese (if using) into the mixture then fold in the cool whip.
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Add the mini marshmallows and a couple tablespoons of the pineapple juice (add more juice to desired consistency) Stir untill combined.
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Chill for 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle chopped pecans onto each serving or you can add them into the salad.
If you don't want to use cool whip. You can whip up 1 1/2 cups of heaving whipping cream & 1/2 cup powdered sugar in place of the cool whip.
Sweet shredded coconut is also yummy in this salad and the cottage cheese is optional. I like the added texture and tang but it is very good without too!
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