Description
Green pistachio pudding creates magic in this classic Watergate salad, blending creamy textures with marshmallow sweetness. Retro dessert lovers will adore this nostalgic, simple treat that brings comfort and joy to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) box instant pistachio pudding mix, such as Jell-O
- 1 (20 ounces / 567 grams) can crushed pineapple in juice
- 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
Nuts and Marshmallows:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Sweeteners and Garnish:
- 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 8 maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions
- Whip chilled heavy cream, cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth and medium-stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, combine crushed pineapple with pudding mix, stirring until pudding fully dissolves and mixture becomes uniform.
- Gently fold walnuts into the pineapple mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Incorporate mini marshmallows and 2 cups of whipped cream mixture into the pineapple base, blending thoroughly but carefully to maintain fluffy texture.
- Transfer the combined mixture to a storage container, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and salad to set completely.
- Before serving, garnish with remaining whipped cream, sprinkle additional walnuts on top, and accent with maraschino cherries for a vibrant presentation.
- Serve cold in individual dessert bowls, ensuring each portion receives an equal amount of creamy, nutty, and fruity elements.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, more luxurious texture that holds its shape better in the salad.
- Toast the walnuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dessert.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the cream cheese and use low-fat whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
- Customize the salad by adding extra mix-ins like shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or chopped dried fruit for more interesting flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg