Description

This Traditional Watergate Fruit Salad with Pistachios is a creamy, vintage dessert-salad hybrid made with crushed pineapple, pistachio pudding, whipped topping, and mini marshmallows. It’s quick to whip up, requires no baking, and brings a refreshing sweetness to any gathering. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a cool, nostalgic treat.

Ingredients

1 (3.4 oz) package instant pistachio pudding mix

1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

1 cup mini marshmallows

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed

Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the undrained crushed pineapple and pistachio pudding mix. Stir until fully dissolved and thickened.

2. Gently mix in the mini marshmallows and chopped pecans or walnuts if using.

3. Fold in the whipped topping carefully until well blended and fluffy.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with maraschino cherries if desired.

Notes

Use instant pudding mix only; do not substitute with cook-and-serve.

Let the salad chill at least 1 hour for best flavor and texture.

You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: pistachio salad, retro dessert, fruit fluff, easy no-bake