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Classic Creamy Watergate Salad

classic creamy Watergate salad - featured image
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A nostalgic, creamy dessert salad combining pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped cream, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3.4 oz / 96 g) box instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 1 (20 oz / 567 g) can crushed pineapple, packed in juice, drained
  • 1 cup (240 ml) miniature marshmallows
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts, toasted (optional)
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Whisk the instant pistachio pudding mix with 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  5. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding until smooth and combined.
  6. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to keep it light and airy.
  7. Fold in the drained crushed pineapple, miniature marshmallows, and toasted walnuts until evenly distributed.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to let flavors meld and texture set.
  9. Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Scoop into bowls or serve from the chilled dish.

Notes

Fold whipped cream gently to keep the texture airy. Use crushed pineapple packed in juice, not syrup, to avoid excess sweetness. Toast walnuts carefully to avoid burning. Chill salad for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. If too thick after chilling, stir in a tablespoon of milk to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: Watergate salad, pistachio pudding salad, creamy dessert salad, nostalgic dessert, potluck dessert, easy dessert salad

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/classic-creamy-watergate-salad-recipe-easy-nostalgic-dessert-for-potlucks/