Pistachio-Pineapple Delight aka Watergate Salad

Once upon a time a man by the name of Richard Nixon resigned as President of the United States, the only President to do so. His resignation resulted in the first unelected President in the country’s history – Gerald Ford. Nixon appointed Ford as his Vice President after then VP Spiro Agnew resigned from office. While Gerald Ford might not have been his first choice for VP, Ford was someone Congress was willing to confirm. When Nixon resigned, VP Gerald Ford became President. And so it was that a man who never ran for the highest office in the land became both VP and President of the United States.

One of President Ford’s first acts as President was to pardon Richard Nixon. It was political suicide as there would be no pardon for the pardon. In my book, that made Gerald Ford a great man, placing his country before his own career. He knew that to pardon Nixon would allow a broken country time to heal and move forward. Many years later, at a fundraiser, Hubby and I had the honor of meeting former President Ford. Our brief encounter gave me the opportunity to let him know what a great man he truly was.

This delicious jello salad is best known as The Watergate Salad. What’s that you say? What does the green stuff have to do with Watergate? Absolutely nothing! Kraft introduced Pistachio Pudding in 1975. On the box was the recipe for Pistachio Pineapple Delight.  In 1976, a food editor published the same recipe under the name “Watergate Salad” as part of an article featuring brunch recipes from the Watergate Hotel. Or so the story goes, although neither the article nor the food editor’s identity has ever been verified. So there you have it. The Pistachio Pineapple Delight became the popular Watergate Salad of its day.

This recipe is most popular in the upper Midwest as a potluck favorite. I had it for the first time a few years ago at – you guessed it –  a family potluck! It is sweet and yummy – a nice alternative to the ever-popular “Pink Stuff”.

Just think – a little green, a little red and you have yet another perfect “travels well” potluck delight this holiday season!

Pistachio-Pineapple Delight aka Watergate Salad
8 oz Cool Whip (low-fat)
1 Box Pistachio Pudding Mix (low-fat)
16 oz Crushed Pineapple with juice
1 Cup Mini-Marshmallows
1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans, optional
Maraschino cherry, optional garnish

In a large bowl, fold pudding mix into cool whip. Continue to fold gently until well incorporated.

Add crushed pineapples, pineapple juice, marshmallows and chopped pecans.

Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least an hour.

Garnish with a Maraschino cherry just before serving.

Note: To add a little more color, try using colored mini-marshmallows.

Author: Rosemarie's Kitchen

I'm a wife, mother, grandmother and avid home cook.I believe in eating healthy whenever possible, while still managing to indulge in life's pleasures. View all posts by Rosemarie's Kitchen