Delicious Watergate Salad Recipe – Perfect for Any Occasion
If you’re looking for a dessert that is equal parts sweet, refreshing, and satisfying, look no further than this easy Watergate salad recipe. Originally known as Pistachio Pudding Supreme, this simple yet decadent dessert salad has been a favorite at picnics and potlucks since the 1970s.
The combination of instant pistachio pudding mix, canned pineapple, colorful miniature marshmallows, and whipped topping creates a delightfully fluffy and creamy mixture that hits all the right notes. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of variations on this classic recipe that allow you to put your own spin on things.
Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a summer barbecue or looking for an effortless holiday dessert, this Watergate salad is sure to satisfy. Read on for our ingredient list, recipe instructions, and tips for perfecting this iconic dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why you will love this Watergate Salad recipe, also known as Pistachio Pudding Supreme. For starters, it’s a dessert salad that’s perfect for those who want to indulge in something sweet but still keep it somewhat healthy. Yes, you heard that right! This recipe uses pineapple and walnuts which not only add flavor but also vital nutrients to the dish.
Moreover, this recipe only requires five ingredients – instant pistachio pudding mix, colored miniature marshmallows, whipped topping, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts – making it one of the easiest dessert salads you can make. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this recipe. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique and flavorful texture that is difficult to resist.
What’s more, this salad is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a side dish for a summer barbecue or a dessert salad at Thanksgiving dinner. It is also quick to put together which makes it an excellent option for those last-minute parties or potlucks.
Whether you’re looking for something refreshing for summertime get-togethers or a fun addition to your holiday menu, Watergate Salad fits right in. Trust me when I say that one bite of this dessert salad will transport you straight back to your childhood days of ambrosia and green stuff.
So what are you waiting for? Give this easy Watergate Salad recipe a try and savor the blend of tantalizing flavors!
Ingredient List
Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Pistachio Pudding Supreme Aka Watergate Salad recipe:
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup miniature colored marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 container (8 ounces) thawed Cool Whip whipped topping
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s start with the recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the pistachio pudding mix and 20-ounce crushed pineapple until well combined. Be sure to include the pineapple juice when mixing.
Step 2: Add the Mini Marshmallows and Walnuts
Once fully mixed, add 3 cups of colored miniature marshmallows and 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Mix everything very well.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
Take another bowl or mixer and mix together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth.
Step 4: Fold in Whipped Topping
Next up, fold in an 8-ounce container of Cool Whip, with the cream cheese mixture until well-combined. Be careful not to over-mix here.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Add the cream cheese mixture to the pistachio pudding mixture bowl while stirring gently.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This salad is best served chilled, straight from the fridge. If desired, you can garnish with some mini marshmallows, crushed walnuts or pistachios before serving.
That’s it! Now you’re ready to make your own delicious EASY WATERGATE SALAD. Enjoy your dessert salad or side dish as it melts in your mouth with every spoonful!
Substitutions and Variations
For this recipe, there are several substitutions and variations that you can try to make it your own. Here are some ideas:
– Instead of colored miniature marshmallows, you can use plain mini marshmallows or even large marshmallows cut into smaller pieces.
– If you don’t have walnuts on hand, try substituting them with pecans or almonds.
– For a different flavor profile, you can switch out the pineapple for another fruit. Mandarin oranges or diced peaches would complement the pistachio pudding nicely.
– If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use cottage cheese instead of cream cheese and whipped cream. You can also add in some fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, to make it a fruit salad.
– For a festive twist, add a bit of green food coloring to the whipped topping to give it a more vibrant green hue. You can also sprinkle some crushed pistachios on top for added texture and flavor.
– If you want to make this into more of a dessert than a side dish, try making it into a pistachio fluff salad by adding lime Jello to the mix. Or turn it into a “green stuff” dessert by using marshmallow fluff instead of whipped topping.
No matter which variation you choose, this Watergate Salad recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made Watergate Salad, it’s time to dig in and enjoy the sweet, creamy, and crunchy combination of flavors. This salad is versatile because it can be served as a side dish or dessert.
As a dessert salad, I find that it pairs well with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, which complement the tangy flavor of the salad. You can also sprinkle a few chopped walnuts on top for added texture and crunch.
When serving Watergate Salad as a side dish, it pairs well with savory meats like roasted chicken or baked ham. This is because the sweetness of the salad balances out the saltiness of the meats. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can serve it alongside other salads like coleslaw or a green salad.
Alternatively, Watergate Salad can be used as a topping for other desserts like ice cream or pound cakes. Use your imagination and experiment with different combinations to find what best fits your taste buds.
No matter how you choose to serve this pistachio pudding supreme aka Watergate Salad recipe, it’s guaranteed to be gobbled up in no time by everyone at the table.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
After preparing this delightful Pistachio Pudding Supreme Aka Watergate Salad Recipe, many of us would love the option to make it ahead of time and store it safely for future enjoyment. Lucky for us, this recipe is one that is perfect to prepare a day or two in advance. Making it ahead allows the ingredients to mingle for a more delicious result – think of it like letting the salad marinate!
Once completed, transfer your pistachio pudding supreme aka watergate salad into an airtight container or covered bowl, then refrigerate for up to three days. However, we don’t advise freezing this salad as it may change the texture and consistency of some ingredients.
If you have leftovers and want to reheat them later on, keep things simple by avoiding the microwave or stove. Instead, allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving again. The cooler temperature may have caused some of the ingredients to separate or appear watery, so give them a good mix with a spoon and add additional Cool Whip topping if desired.
Overall, this recipe provides not only delicious flavors but also convenient options for saving time – making it an ideal choice for any occasion from family dinners to office potlucks.
Tips for Perfect Results
Every baker knows that it takes a bit more than just the right recipe to yield perfect results. That’s why I am providing you with tips and tricks that will help you make the perfect Pistachio Pudding Supreme, also known as Watergate Salad.
1. Crushed Pineapples
When using crushed pineapple, make sure to drain it properly so that your pudding doesn’t end up too watery. However, if you prefer your pudding to be a little bit more moist, you can use undrained crushed pineapple.
2. Marshmallows
It is essential to use miniature marshmallows in this recipe rather than the standard size ones. The smaller size of mini marshmallows ensures that they mix well into the other ingredients, and you’ll have a perfectly balanced mixture of creamy and chewy textures in every bite!
3. Cream Cheese & Pudding Mix
Make sure that your cream cheese has reached room temperature before adding it to the recipe. If your cream cheese is still cold and firm, it will be hard to blend and result in lumps.
The same goes for the instant pistachio pudding mix. Make sure it’s at room temperature, or else it will not dissolve correctly when mixed with its ingredients.
4. Cool Whip
Cool Whip is a popular ingredient in many dessert recipes because of its light and fluffy texture. However, if you leave it out too long or let it thaw too much, it will lose its consistency and become more like regular whipped cream. It’s essential to keep it chilled until ready to use so that your pudding retains its structure.
5. Incorporating Ingredients
Mix all of your ingredients well until you have a uniform mixture with no lumps or dry spots. Start by whisking together the pudding mix and milk before adding any other ingredients, making sure there aren’t any lumps before continuing with the rest of the recipe.
6. Chilling Time
It’s important to let your Pistachio Pudding Supreme chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving so that all of its flavors meld together and create a deliciously creamy texture!
By following these tips and tricks, you can create a perfect Watergate Salad with ease – something that everyone will love!.
FAQ
As your personal articulative assistant, I understand how important it is to answer any questions you may have about this Pistachio Pudding Supreme recipe. To ensure that you have a smooth experience while making this easy watergate salad, below are some frequently asked questions and their expert answers. Read on!
What is the ingredients for Watergate salad?
Welcome to a classic recipe that promises a light, sweet, fluffy, and creamy side salad! Made with only six ingredients, this Watergate Salad is a delicious combination of pineapple, pistachio pudding mix, marshmallows, maraschino cherries, pecans, and whipped topping. Join me as we make this salad and enjoy its delectable taste!
Why is pistachio salad called Watergate salad?
Believe it or not, the salad we’re making today is actually inspired by a dessert known as Watergate Cake. This sweet treat features many of the same ingredients and even uses pistachio pudding for its icing!
What are the ingredients in pistachio pudding mix?
This recipe calls for a mixture of sugar, modified cornstarch, almonds, pistachios, and a few other ingredients such as disodium phosphate and tetrasodium pyrophosphate, both of which are added in small amounts. Additionally, cottonseed oil, mono- and diglycerides, artificial flavorings, and artificial colors like yellow 5, yellow 6, and blue 1 are included. To help extend the shelf life, it is recommended to add BHA as a preservative.
What is the name of this side dish or dessert salad made from pistachio pudding canned pineapple whipped topping and marshmallows?
Looking for a classic American dish that works both as a side salad and a dessert? Why not try making Watergate salad? This delicious dish is concocted from a mix of instant pudding with pistachio flavor, canned pineapple, mini marshmallows, nuts, and whipped topping. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a treat you won’t want to miss out on!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy dessert or side dish option, look no further than the Pistachio Pudding Supreme, also known as Watergate Salad. It’s an ideal recipe for busy individuals and families with its minimal prep time and five simple ingredients. Plus, it’s unique flavor and texture will have everyone asking for the recipe.
By using instant pistachio pudding mix, colored miniature marshmallows, walnuts, pineapple, cream cheese, and Cool Whip as our main ingredients, we were able to create a salad dessert that is perfect for any occasion. From large gatherings to small family dinners, this salad recipe will be the perfect addition to your meal.
Not only is this recipe delicious and easy to make, it’s also versatile. You can easily substitute or add in different ingredients to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. And with tips for making substitutions and variations, serving and pairing recommendations, and make-ahead instructions included in this recipe article, you’ll have all the information you need to make this salad your own.
Overall, the Pistachio Pudding Supreme is an incredibly tasty salad dessert that is simple enough for anyone to create. Its unique blend of flavors and textures will have your taste buds singing with delight. So why not give this Watergate Salad a try today? With its simplicity and versatility, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes!
Pistachio Pudding Supreme Aka Watergate Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple, crushed
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups colored miniature marshmallows
- 2 (3 ounce) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large serving bowl, until well combined.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.