Description
This Traditional Watergate Fruit Salad with Pistachios is a light, fluffy, no-bake dessert made with pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, marshmallows, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners, this creamy fruit salad brings retro charm and refreshing flavor in every bite. Great as a summer dessert or festive side dish!
Ingredients
1 package instant pistachio pudding mix
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
8 to 10 maraschino cherries (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix the pistachio pudding mix with the entire can of crushed pineapple, including the juice. Stir until the mixture thickens.
2. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined and fluffy.
3. Add in the mini marshmallows and chopped nuts. Stir until evenly distributed.
4. If using maraschino cherries, chop a few and stir in, or save whole ones for garnish.
5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend and marshmallows soften.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
This salad is best enjoyed cold and made a few hours in advance.
You can use either pecans or walnuts, or even a mix of both.
Feel free to fold in shredded coconut or a handful of chopped cherries for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg