Description
Watergate Salad is a classic, creamy dessert combining whipped cream, instant pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and toasted pecans. This no-bake, chilled treat offers a light, fluffy texture with a sweet and slightly nutty flavor, making it a nostalgic favorite for family gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base Ingredients
- 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Toppings
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 8 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Whip Cream Cheese Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the heavy cream and beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, approximately 1 minute 15 seconds. Remove 1/2 cup of this whipped cream mixture, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare Pistachio Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the crushed pineapple (with juice) and instant pistachio pudding mix until the pudding mix is fully dissolved. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and the remaining whipped cream mixture carefully using a rubber spatula to maintain a light and fluffy texture. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour until the salad is chilled and set.
- Serve: Gently fold 3/4 cup of the toasted, chopped pecans into the chilled pistachio salad mixture. Divide the salad evenly among 8 serving bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the reserved whipped cream mixture, a sprinkle of the remaining pecans, and a maraschino cherry for garnish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to prevent lumps in the whipped mixture.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned.
- This salad benefits from chilling to allow flavors to meld and for the pudding to set properly.
- For an added twist, substitute mini marshmallows with crushed walnuts or coconut flakes if desired.
- Use full-fat heavy cream for best results in achieving stiff peaks and a smooth texture.
