Last week, I shared the importance of having friends with which you can just be yourself. True friends with whom you can share your bedlam and know that it’s ok.
In the midst of that post, I told the story of the delicious dessert salad that was so easy my friend literally had her young daughter make it in the back seat of the car. So many of requested that recipe, so I decided to share.
Now remember, you asked!
When you see the details, you may roll your eyes at the ease, BUT those are the exact recipes you requested. Ones that taste like there was work involved, when in reality, there was only kind thoughts and intentions, no stress.
Ideally, I love using all healthy, homemade ingredients – this is not one of those recipes (so no emails, please). If you desire to make some homemade pudding and use homemade whip cream, that would be delicious and amazing, but then you would not be able to make this in the back of your car on the way to your next event when you didn’t have time to bake. 🙂
The picture doesn’t capture how yummy it is, and honestly, I am not a pistachio pudding lover, yet I still gobbled this up.
The blend of flavors, with creamy goodness, makes it really delicious.
Buckle your seats, this is going to be difficult.
Recipe: Pistachio Pudding Dessert
Summary: In just five minutes of prep time, this delicious, creamy dessert blends the wonderful flavors of Pistachio Pudding and Pineapple for a fabulous twist.
Ingredients
- 2 regular containers of Cool whip (thawed)
- 2 small boxes of Pistachio Pudding
- 2 cans (8 ounce) Pineapple Tidbits (Use juice – do not drain.) Based on preference, you may desire more fruit.
- 1 package of mini-marshmallows
- (nuts are optional)
- (For a healthier, low fat option, you may substitute Vanilla yogurt for some of the Cool Whip. There is a lot of flexibility in this recipe, so just have fun and experiment with flavors and fruits.)
Instructions
- Mix the Pudding, Pineapple, and marshmallows together, then fold in the Cool Whip.
- Cover and refrigerate till chilled.
- (Although, based on my previous experience, you can make it and serve immediately. The flavors just blend better after being chilled.)
Preparation time: 5 minute(s)
Cooking time:
Number of servings (yield): 12 (This recipe serves a large group of people, since it was doubled. )
We used to make this and it was called “Watergate Salad”! I have no iea why but everyone loved it! XO, Pinky
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Yup, Watergate Salad here too! I’m pretty sure they’ve never figured out quite why it’s called Watergate Salad. Yes, I actually researched it last Thanksgiving. I was curious, what can I say?! LOL
Watergate Salad is a staple for holiday meals around here: Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas. We add in chopped pecans.
Yum!
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We call this ‘Pistachio Salad.” It is great southern food! 🙂
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My mom has made this one for years and it is always a favorite of mine. It’s very “homey” to me and I love it!
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This is awesome, Jen.. and I can just see you throwing it together on your way! 🙂
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My mom used to make that when we were kids and called it Heavenly salad..I do agree, the flavor is heavenly!
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I *think* the name “Watergate Salad” is a spin-off from Waldorf Salad (made with apples and nuts) – both are names of famous hotels.
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THANKS so much, Jen, for sharing this recipe!! I LOVE quick and easy and good recipes! I also loved the story of this recipe… not that I ever have any bedlam in my life… Ahem! ;o))
Love, Bettie
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I make a Caramel Apple Salad that is similar: same as above, except butterscotch pudding instead of pistacchio, plus the addition of chopped apples. Yum!
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My friend made this salad too and I’m pretty sure her version included cottage cheese. Of course, here in Wisconsin it would almost be sacrilegious not to add some form of cheese! Lol
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Sounds yummy! BUT, um, does it not matter the size of Cool Whip containers, or size cans of pineapple, etc.? Gently said, but please don’t assume.
🙂
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Jen Reply:
September 11th, 2011 at 12:30 am
No worries – I typically always put in exact amounts for “real recipes”, but honestly, this is one of those recipes, made in the back of a van, that it will work with any traditional size. And yes, I did assume that people would just use the regular size, but I can always clarify. There is flexibility with this one.
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Vickie Reply:
March 1st, 2014 at 9:13 pm
The recipe is actually on the box of Jello Pistachio pudding. I don’t know if it’s on there year round, but for sure during the holidays. They also call it Watergate Salad.
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Jen Reply:
March 3rd, 2014 at 1:37 pm
That is so fun to know. Yes, watergate salad sounds more professional than y” you can make it in your car” dessert. 🙂
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