This unconventional treat is great for people who enjoy the unique flavors of pistachio combined with sweet pineapple. It is the perfect pudding dessert for hot spells as no baking is required! Simply mix the ingredients, cover & refrigerate overnight! Serve as a refreshing dessert or unique meal accompaniment to help beat the heat.
Ingredients:
- 1 large can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 small dry package (3.4 oz.) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed* (From an 8 oz. container of Cool Whip)
- Extra whipped topping (optional garnish)
- Maraschino cherries (optional garnish)
- Crushed pistachios (optional garnish)
- Flaked coconut (optional garnish)
*Whipped topping note: Conversion charts state that 8 ounces of Cool Whip (US by weight) equals 3 cups. Source taken from Stuffed at the Gill’s.
Directions:
In a medium-size bowl, mix the first four ingredients together. (Ignore directions on pudding mix.) Cover and chill it until you’re ready to serve. Garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped topping, a fresh cherry, crushed pistachios, and flaked coconut if desired. Store uneaten portions in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Good to know: This attractive dessert salad has many versions. It is sometimes called Watergate salad or Shut the Gate salad. Some recipes feature crushed pecans or walnuts rather than pistachios. Watergate salad is a popular dish in the Upper Midwest and is frequently served at potluck dinners there and around the U.S.
Pistachio fun facts:
- Pistachios are native to Western Asia and the Middle East.
- The U.S., Iran, and Turkey are the top pistachio producing countries.
- Pistachios grow in dry climates and can reach up to 39 feet tall.
- In spring, the trees develop grape-like clusters of green colored fruit called drupes.
- Pistachios are the seed of a drupe, so they are not a true botanical nut.
- As the fruit ripens, the shell hardens and splits open to expose the seeds.
Pineapple fun facts:
- Pineapples are indigenous to South America and the Caribbean.
- They are also grown in large quantities in tropical Asia as well.
- Per Statista, the top three countries for pineapple production in 2021are Costa Rica, Indonesia & the Philippines.
- A pineapple’s ripeness is determined by its texture. Healthline explains that a ripe pineapple should have a firm shell but be slightly soft with some give when you squeeze it.
- The average American consumes around 8 lbs. of fresh pineapple each year, plus 2 lbs. of canned pineapple not including pineapple juice, dried pineapple, or baked goods.
Looking for ways to keep cool in a heat wave? Click here. Searching for another no-bake dessert? If so, click here.
