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Creamy 1970s Watergate Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Pistachio Pudding Delight

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A nostalgic, creamy, and fluffy Watergate Salad featuring pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, and nuts. This easy-to-make dessert salad is perfect for potlucks and holidays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cold milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup (120 g) mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup (120 g) chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

  1. Whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid overwhipping.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant pistachio pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and beginning to thicken, about 2 minutes.
  3. Beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Slowly add the pistachio pudding mixture to the cream cheese, beating on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth.
  5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture using a spatula with slow, sweeping motions to keep it airy.
  6. Fold in drained crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, toasted chopped walnuts, and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld and salad set.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Drain pineapple well to prevent watery salad. Fold ingredients gently to maintain fluffy texture. Toast nuts quickly in a dry skillet for extra flavor. Chill salad at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. For dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives and use plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Watergate Salad, pistachio pudding, retro dessert, 1970s salad, creamy salad, pineapple salad, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-1970s-watergate-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-pistachio-pudding-delight/