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Traditional Watergate Fruit Salad with Pistachios


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  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Total Time: 10 minutes + chilling
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Bring back retro charm with this quick and fluffy Traditional Watergate Fruit Salad with Pistachios! This no-bake dessert salad is made with instant pistachio pudding, whipped topping, pineapple, marshmallows, and crunchy nuts. It’s an effortless, crowd-pleasing treat that works perfectly as a sweet side dish or light dessert. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a holiday side, or a nostalgic snack, this is one of those easy recipes that stands the test of time. Great for potlucks, brunches, or any event that calls for fun and flavor!


Ingredients

Scale

1 box (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice

1 cup mini marshmallows

1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

1/2 cup chopped pistachios

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

6 to 8 maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the pistachio pudding mix with the crushed pineapple and its juice until combined and thickened.

2. Fold in the whipped topping gently, being careful not to deflate it.

3. Stir in the mini marshmallows and optional chopped nuts until evenly combined.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 hours or overnight.

5. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped pistachios and top with maraschino cherries for garnish.

Notes

Use cold ingredients to help the salad chill and set faster.

For deeper flavor, toast the chopped pistachios before adding.

Always chill for at least an hour to allow flavors to blend and marshmallows to soften.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Sweet Salad
  • Method: No-bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg