Recipe: New to me "Watergate Salad" with an addition....

Watergate Salad

This may be an old standby to some,  but it was a new find for me and I have to say that I love it! This is a really nice sweet summer salad (more like dessert), cool and refreshing.
I noticed that this one is different because it has the coconut in it which only enhances it IMHO. I would not change a thing.
*I used a 1oz. box of Jell-O SF/FF instant pistachio pudding and FF Cool whip and it worked beautifully.

~Jan~

1 - 20oz. can crushed pineapple, drain and reserve ¼ cup juice
1 - 3.4oz. pkg. Jell-O instant pistachio pudding and pie filling
2 - cups. miniature marshmallows
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 - 8oz. tub frozen whipped topping (cool whip)

1. Drain pineapple, reserving ¼ cup of the juice

2. Place pineapple and reserved juice in a large bowl. Add pudding and blend just to incorporate.

3. Add marshmallows, pecans and coconut; stir well to blend.

3. Fold in whipped topping until mixture is well combined but not soupy. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

 ** No idea of how I got those boxes around the title?

I love watergate salad and am sure I would love coconut in it. Thanks, Jan.

Thanks for the R&R Jan .

Nancy

Bump

I got this recipe from my grandmother-in-law (sans coconut). I had no idea it was called Watergate Salad. She added maraschino cherries to hers - red and green ones for Christmas. Now, of course, I'm going to have to try the coconut. Thanks for sharing!

I got this recipe in the early 80s and added some frozen [and thawed] fresh grated coconut to it. I've also had it with the flaked coconut but I prefer the fresh kind. I always use that for anything coconut.

Like I said I think I'm the only one who didn't know about this lovely salad. I realized the coconut was the only thing I never saw while searching and thought it sounded like a good addition.  Grace I should have known you would have thought of adding it, your such an imaginative cook. That's why I'm a big fan of your recipes.

 

~Jan~

 We are not big fans of coconut around here, do you think if I left out the coconut the recipe would still be good?
Thanks for the help, 

Melissa Thomas

I ususally add sliced almonds instead of pecans.  I've never had this with coconut - sounds delicious though!  Kathy

Jan,

Your recipe brings back memories of my DGM, father's side, that passed away years ago.  This was her favorite, minus the coconut.  GM made it for every holiday, birthday, Sunday dinner, etc.

Since GM didn't add coconut, I think I'll have to give it a try that way.  I'm sure it would be good!

Lori

Melissa, I have never made it with coconut since my family would bulk at that too.  It's delicious without!

Jan, Thanks for your R&R `  This certainly sounds wonderful ~  Janie

Hi Melissa,

It would be wonderful without coconut. I just happen to adore it that's why I posted it that way. The origional version does not call for it. It's a nice refreshing dessert type salad, yum!

Everyone at the 4th of July BBQ loved it with coconut, guess I got lucky no one baulked! LOL.

~Jan~

Jan, I've never eaten this salad either! I have heard of it! Sounds delicious!

 

Kathy

 

 

I have never made it with coconut or marshmallows; yet, it is luscious.  I have made it with pistachio pudding and pistachio nuts; also have made it with vanilla pudding and walnuts.  In my case, I use sugar-free pudding and Cool Whip.  Mary Kay