Rashmi Sharma Watergate Salad is a retro, no-bake dessert salad that became popular in the 1970s. It’s a sweet, creamy dish made with a unique combination of pistachio pudding, whipped topping, and various fruits and nuts. Despite its name, it’s not related to the political Watergate scandal, but rather, the salad was named after the Watergate Hotel where it was supposedly first introduced. It’s simple to make, refreshing, and perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday dinners.
Here’s how to make this nostalgic and delicious Watergate Salad!
Watergate Salad Recipe | What is the Recipe of Watergate Salad
Ingredients
- 1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple in juice NOT SYRUP
- 1 3.4 oz. box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 8 oz. tub whipped topping
- maraschino cherry for topping
- pecan chips for topping
Instructions
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Drain the crushed pineapple juice into a large bowl, reserving the pineapple in the can.
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Stir the pudding mix into the pineapple juice until fully combined.
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Stir in the crushed pineapple, coconut, pecans, and marshmallows until combined.
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Fold in the whipped topping.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and up to 48 hours.
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Garnish with pecan chips and a cherry when serving
Tips:
- Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute with pecans or almonds.
- Coconut: If you don’t like coconut, you can leave it out entirely. However, the shredded coconut adds a nice texture and flavor to the salad.
- Fruit Options: You can add other fruits like maraschino cherries (drained) or mandarin oranges for added color and sweetness.
- Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, you can use low-fat or sugar-free pudding mix and whipped topping.
Serving Suggestions:
- Potlucks and Picnics: Watergate Salad is always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, BBQs, and picnics because it’s easy to make in large quantities and requires no baking.
- Holiday Gatherings: This salad is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners. Its vibrant green color makes it a festive addition to your table.
- As a Dessert: It can be served as a dessert salad after a heavy meal, offering a refreshing and sweet end to the meal.
Variations:
- With Fresh Fruit: For a more refreshing twist, add fresh fruits like sliced bananas, berries, or diced apples to the salad.
- Vegan Version: Use a non-dairy whipped topping (like coconut whipped cream) and make sure your pudding mix is vegan (there are some brands that offer dairy-free versions).
- Additional Flavors: You can experiment by adding a bit of vanilla extract or almond extract to enhance the flavor profile.
Watergate Salad is creamy, sweet, and crunchy all at once, with just the right balance of flavors. This simple yet indulgent dessert salad is sure to be a hit wherever you serve it!
