Recipe

Watergate Salad with a Twist

Pistachio Paradise: A Refreshing Twist on Watergate Salad

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the creamy and refreshing flavors of Pistachio Paradise, a delightful twist on the classic Watergate Salad. This American dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a hint of nuttiness that will leave you craving for more.

Dessert› Watergate Salad

Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine

Preparation time

10 minutes

Cooking time

N/A

Total time

70 minutes (including chilling time)

Yields

6 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Nut-free (if pistachios are omitted), Egg-free, Halal

Allergens

Dairy (whipped topping), Nuts (pistachios)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

1 package (3.4 oz) pistachio pudding mix 1 package (3.4 oz) pistachio pudding mix
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup whipped topping 1 cup whipped topping
1/2 cup chopped pistachios 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
1/4 cup maraschino cherries, halved 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, halved

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 18g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the pistachio pudding mix according to package instructions.
2.
Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple and whipped topping until well combined.
3.
Add the chopped pistachios and maraschino cherries, reserving a few for garnish.
4.
Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
5.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6.
Serve chilled, garnished with additional chopped pistachios and maraschino cherries.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Pistachios — Make sure to use unsalted pistachios for this recipe to control the overall saltiness. If you can't find unsalted pistachios, you can rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt.

Tips & Tricks

For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the whipped topping with Greek yogurt.
Add a handful of mini marshmallows if you prefer a sweeter and chewier version of the dessert.
Experiment with different toppings such as shredded coconut or chocolate shavings for added variety.
Serve Pistachio Paradise in individual dessert cups for an elegant presentation.
Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the salad.

Serving advice

Pistachio Paradise is best served chilled. It can be enjoyed as a refreshing dessert after a meal or as a sweet treat during picnics and potlucks. Serve it in a glass bowl or individual dessert cups to showcase its vibrant green color and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and a cherry on top for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Pistachio Paradise, consider garnishing the serving dish with a few whole pistachios and a sprig of fresh mint. The vibrant green color of the salad will be beautifully complemented by the natural hues of the pistachios and the bright green leaves of the mint.