Watergate Salad ("Retro" Seafoam Green Desert)

[NellyPie]

So upon request....Here's my version of Watergate Salad. I've seen a ton of different ways of making this salad. Some of the scarier versions use marshmallows, raisins, carrots and lime jello...mmm yeah. Mine's killer I promise! Definite crowd pleaser! The measurements are very imprecise and flexible, you can throw in more or less of each ingredient based on personal taste and availability.

So you need:

Pistachio Jello Pudding mix (I reccomend Lite)
Cool Whip (Lite here too!)
Canned Pinapple
Chopped Pecans (Walnuts would work too)

So decide how much finished dessert you want to make. I make double because even if there are leftovers (not very often, I'm proud to say) it is even better the second or third day. So if you do want to make a larger amount, double the quantities below OR use bigger tubs of cool whip, more pinapple and the big packages of pudding. Again you pretty much just have to get ration of liquid right, and even if it does end up a little softer than you'd like (It should be the consistency of mouse with chunks of pinapple and pecans!) you can always let it set up a bit in the refrigerator.

Anyway!
Scoop two regular sized tubs of cool whip into a large mixing bowl. Pour in two regular packages of pistachio Jello pudding mix, and two regular sized cans of pinapple..one drained and the other undrained (I like to use one can of crushed undrained and one can of small cubes drained). Mix together until the pudding is dissolved. Fold in your nuts (about a cup). If it seems a little thick, add the remaining pinapple juice. If it seems a little thin, refrigerate until it is the right consistency.

Taste testing is the key! If you think it needs more or less of something, knock yourself out. I like it heavy on the pinapple and nuts, so I always throw in more.

Oh and I use Sugar Free Jello and Lite Cool Whip 'cause it makes it a little less rich (you can eat more!) And because I have quite a few diabetics in my family...not the PERFECT diabetic recipe, but not to bad either.

[theatregirl25]

Yummy! I am so making this!! Thanks a bunch!!!

Angela

[NellyPie]

Glad to help!

[McAuliflower]

Oh yeah... I know this one, tasty!

I just never knew what to call it!

[RedThread]

I've never had it with pistachio pudding.. only the lime jello, I can't even imagine the taste difference...
My mom used to make orange jello with grated carrots and mandarin oranges in it, it's good!

[LivinEasy]

I absolutely love this stuff. Another addition that is mighty tasty and lends another texture is to top the finished salad with mandarin orange slices. To achieve a super-retro look put the salad in a round bowl or dish and then place the mandarin slices in concentric circles.

[themom]

I remember freezing it & then letting it thaw about 10 minutes. It was so good.