Pistachio Salad?!

[Stacy's a freak]

So I'm going to my bf's family's house for t-day and I, the dutiful polite girlfriend, asked what I can bring. I was informed that I can bring .... wait for it ... Pistachio Salad. Huh? I was expecting potatoes, dinner rolls, a pie ... but pistachio salad?! What is this stuff? I had to ask bf for a shopping list and was told to get the following:

Pistachio instant pudding (who invented this?!)
Baby Marshmallows (ok ...)
Crushed pineapple - in a can (huh?)
Cool whip (now I can live with this ingredient)

So after about 10 minutes on the phone with bf, I am completely confused and I had no idea how to put this stuff together. I imagined that I would make the pudding (meaning stove-top cook it), cool it, add the pineapple and whipped cream and sprinkle some marshmallows on it.

Well, imagine my surprise when I google "pistachio salad" and wouldntyaknowit! This stuff is actually liked by people ... of the pink-neck variety (if you know what I mean). Now, flame on people, but I have never heard of this stuff and I'm not city girl by any means. But who decided that pineapple and marshmallows would go well with pistachio anything?!

It seems that it is made by mixing the DRY pudding mix with the pineapple from the can. Then you add the cool whip and marshmallows and viola, you have a ... ummm... green gelantinous substance which is not even visually appealing. Seriously. Actually, its lime green color would go well with the DIS. Perhaps we should ask Kevin if this can be the official culinary choice for the Podcast crew!

Please wish me luck tomorrow when I have to bring this to the t-day meal. Do you think anyone will notice if I don't have any? Oh I miss the days of cranberry sauce from the can (with the can lines still on the tubular mass of cranberry).

 

[AuroraJae]

Well, I know exactly what you are talking about being pink-necked and all! My grandmother made this at every family gathering, but especially at the holidays. I was always totally grossed out by the stuff and never ate it! Good Luck!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Never heard of it... good luck.

 

[sorul82?]

It's called watergate salad in these parts.

1 (3.4 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, with juice
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed



DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, mix together pudding mix, pineapple with juice, marshmallows, and nuts. Fold in whipped topping. Chill.

I prefer pecans instead of walnuts.

 

[Poohbear5]

MMm... in Maine they call it Watergate salad and add coconut too.

 

[Promomx2]

It's one of our family favorite's. It's the first thing my kids learn to "cook". Try it, you might like it.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I LOVE It is a must have at every holiday. I do make mine differently

1 8oz container cool whip
chopped nuts
chopped up marischino cherries
Pistachio pudding mix

I don't like pineapple or marshmallows in it. I am going to make 2 batches in the morning, so I don't have to fight for my share

Suzanne

 

[krolyat]

Pistachio/Watergate salad is one of my favs. I think I will make that for tomorrow. Let us know how yours turns out.

 

[Dismom+two]

It is actually very good!! You need to try it!! However I have never heard of it for THANKSGIVING!!

 

[DisneyKevin]

Perhaps we should ask Kevin if this can be the official culinary choice for the Podcast crew!

umm.....no.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Never herd of it til I met my husbands family. They call it watergate salad also. You have to make it the night before or it wont set right. it isnt to bad but he suger shock is over the top

 

[robind]

My grandmother made it every year for thanksgiving and christmas - personally I wouldn't touch it but my cousin David LOVED it - and I think it's a southern thing. Nothing to do with the color of one's neck.

 

[Tonya2426]

Fluff (as I like to call it) is like a little bit of heaven on a plate. But my Mom only ever makes it for Easter dinner.

 

[BeamsofLight]

Never heard of that before... not sure I'm unhappy about that, either.

Good luck with it!

 

[DLBDS]

I just finished making mine!! It's called Watergate Salad around here though. I love it. So does DD11. Very pretty too. I put mine in a glass bowl w/ frosted poinsettias on it. It's the Watergate Salad bowl. It's the only thing I ever use it for. Everyone should give this dessert a try.

 

[wishspirit]

The more i hear about American food, the more i wonder!

Why don't we have anything like this here??? Why is everything remotely high in sugar seemingly banned or ignored?

I feel really left out! I'm going to go eat the box of fruit loops my parents brought back, and try and drown my sorrows in a sugar high!

 

[sorul82?]

I just finished making mine!! It's called Watergate Salad around here though. I love it. So does DD11. Very pretty too. I put mine in a glass bowl w/ frosted poinsettias on it. It's the Watergate Salad bowl. It's the only thing I ever use it for. Everyone should give this dessert a try.

Yes, it does have a special bowl, just like tea can only be made in one pot and put into the "tea" pitcher.

 

[sorul82?]

The more i hear about American food, the more i wonder!

Why don't we have anything like this here??? Why is everything remotely high in sugar seemingly banned or ignored?

I feel really left out! I'm going to go eat the box of fruit loops my parents brought back, and try and drown my sorrows in a sugar high!

If ever our paths cross, I will make you some watergate salad and sweet tea.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

Wow - so many people have heard of this stuff! I made it on Wednesday night and it was a hit for Thanksgiving. I actually tried it but just couldn't get past the pineapple/pistachio taste combination.

 

[MODisFan]

My family loves watergater salad. To get the best results, we mix the pineapple and jello together then put it in the fridge for about 20 - 30 minutes then fold in the cool whip and pineapple. Had some yesterday. Yummy!