Watergate Salad

This was an absolute favorite of mine growing up. My mother served it at Holiday dinners. The husband says it was served at potlucks where he grew up. Much to my disappointment, neither the husband nor the kids like it. However, items that were favorites of one person get to go in the Codex even if no one else likes it. Who knows? Maybe it will grow on them. 

Ingredients:

2 pkg (4 serving size each) Pistachio flavor instant pudding & pie filling

2 cans (20 oz each) crushed pinapple in juice, undrained

2 cups miniature marshmallows

1 cup chopped pecans

3 cups (8 oz tub) Cool Whip whipped topping

Directions:

1. Mix dry pudding mix, pineapple, marshmallows, and pecans in large bowl until well blended.  Gently stir in whipped topping; cover.  
2. Refrigerate 1 hr or until ready to serve.

Notes:

• Makes 16 servings of 1/2 cup each.  
• 195 Calories per serving.
• Prep 15 min.  
• Total 1 hr. 15 min (including refrigeration)
• The above recipe is doubled. If you read the recipe on the Jell-O Pistachio box, the ratios are half the ones given above.

This can be made vegan to a very good likeness. Above, you'll see I used Dandies Mini Marshmallows, and So Delicious CocoWhip for the two non-vegan items in the ingredients list. Everything else is the same. The CocoWhip gives a bit of a coconut flavor, but it is a really nice addition.