watergate salad with coverup pudding recipe

File this one under the most random of dishes, but retro desserts always fascinate me. It’s a fun addition to a November 4th buffet…I am so ready to cast my vote, and I know we’ll all be celebrating when this crazy-long election is finally over.

Dubbed Watergate Salad with Coverup Pudding by a Chicago food editor after the '70s Nixon scandal, this blast-from-the-past concoction reminds me that some things never go out of style. We’re in the biggest economic crisis of our lifetimes and meanwhile, execs are getting spa treatments with bailout money. Perhaps the only thing more appropriate would be a Cup o’ Noodle dinner party. Pass the Two Buck Chuck.

Makes me wonder, what would Obama be if he were a dish? What about McCain?

Watergate Salad with Coverup Pudding

Yes, it’s '70s, but it’s surprisingly delicious. So eat up and just get over the fact that there’s fluorescent green pudding in here.

• I can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
• 1 package JELL-O pistachio flavor instant pudding mix
• ½ cup chopped pecans, plus a handful of whole pecans
• 1 cup mini-marshmallows
• 2 cups whipped topping, divided

Combine pineapple and dry pudding in medium bowl. Mix in chopped pecans, marshmallows and one cup whipped topping until blended. Cover with remaining cup of whipped topping and decorate with whole pecans. Cover and refrigerator for an hour before serving.

Serves 6 to 8

Comments

Over the years I have made this salad using different flavors of pudding. It is great with lemon. Sort of updates it a little

I've been making this for years and everyone enjoys it. Instead of the pecans, however, I put in 1/4-1/2 cup of coconut.

sounds like somehting I used to love - gonna try it for my Buffet

I've made this one time and I added some maraschino cherries. It was great!

This is still my all time favorite. We had it every Thanksgiving and Christmas for the last 37yrs, Instead of pecans I add additional pistachio nuts it give it more of a crunch. Yummy

My very finicky step-son actually LOVES this stuff. I make every Thanksgiving and Christmas that he spends with his dad and me.

This is a great recipe. I find it best to drain the pineapple juice. Use only a 1/4 cup of the juice and it makes it very fluffy. You can always add a a little more juice if needed.