Are you, like me, craving some sweet, creamy dessert but really don't want to derail your Weight Watchers journey? Then, look no further than this lightened version of a classic Watergate salad! With just 5 Weight Watchers Points per serving, you can indulge without blowing your Points budget.
What is Watergate Salad?
Watergate salad, also known as Pistachio Delight, Shut the Gate Salad and even Green Fluff, is a retro American dessert that first gained popularity in the 1970s.
Despite its name, it doesn't seem to have any connection to the infamous Watergate scandal. Infact, the exact origin the recipe is unclear. However, many people believe that it was created by Kraft Foods to promote their pistachio pudding mix.
Whatever its origins, it is a family favorite and is enjoyed by many in the US especially around the Holidays!
If you are a fan of pistachio pudding, why not also take a look at this ONE Point recipe for Pistachio Crunch!
Ingredients
I use Sugar Free / Fat Free pistachio pudding mix in this recipe as it halves the Weight Watchers Points of the original pudding mix.
I also use either the Sugar Free or Fat Free Cool Whip as, again, this significantly reduces the amount of Points in the desert.
I use crushed pineapple which I drain before using. Drained crushed pineapple works out at zero Points per cup, whereas a cup of crushed pineapple in juice works out at 6 Points.
- Sugar free pistachio pudding mix
- Sugar free Cool Whip
- Crushed pineapple, drained
- Water
- Mini marshmallows
- Chopped pistachio nuts
See recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple.
- Combine the pistachio pudding mix with enough water to make a smooth, runny paste.
- In a large bowl, mix the sugar-free pistachio pudding 'paste' with the drained crushed pineapple, making sure it is well combined.
- Gently stir in most of the mini marshmallows and chopped pistachio nuts, holding some back for decoration.
- Gently fold in the thawed cool whip.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Before serving sprinkle over the remaining mini marshmallows and chopped pistachio nuts.
Hint: I drain as much of the juice from the crushed pineapple as I possibly can. I do this over a bowl so that I can see how much juice has been drained. I then use roughly the same amount of water to mix into the pistachio pudding mixture so that it makes a smooth, runny paste. This isn't an exact science - I just go by eye!
Substitutions
Sugar Free Vanilla Pudding Mix - you can use this to make a creamy vanilla desert.
Greek Yogurt - you can substitute the Cool Whip for Fat Free Greek Yogurt to really reduce the Points. This will, however, make a very different tasting & textured desert.
Sugar Free Marshmallows - If you can find them (I have difficulties, now that WW no longer make them!), substitute the mini marshallows for a sugar free version.
Variations
Maraschino Cherries - mix in chopped maraschino cherry for a pop of colour and flavour, or use some just for decoration! Maraschino Cherries work out at 4 Points for 10 cherries!
Shredded Coconut - mix in some shredded coconut for added texture, but beware that coconut is high in Weight Watchers Points! A couple of tablespoons of shredded coconut work out at between 3 and 5 Points depending on the brand that you use.
Storage
You can store the Watergate Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. The texture may change a little and it may need to be gentle folded again before serving!
It is not recommended to freeze the Watergate Salad once you have made it.
Top tip
- Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows all the flavors to combine and for the texture to set.
- Use a rubber spatula or a large metal spoon to gently fold in the ingredients to maintain the light, fluffy texture. Using a wooden spoon will knock out too much air!
FAQ
If you have any left over Watergate Salad, it can be kept in an airtight container for 2 - 3 days. Fold it gently before serving.
I wouldn't recommend it!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Watergate Salad | Weight Watchers
Ingredients
- 3.4 oz sugar free pistachio pudding mix
- 1 can crushed pineapple in juice (20 oz can) drained
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
- 8 oz sugar free cool whip (8oz)
- ¼ cup shelled pistachios chopped
- 4 tbsp water
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple by placing a sieve over a bowl and tipping in the contents of the can. Set aside to drain whilst you do the next steps.
- Empty the pudding mix into a large bowl.
- Add approximately four tablespoons of water to the pudding mix and stir till you get a smooth paste. You want to add about the same amount of water to the pudding mix as you have drained from the crushed pineapple - it doesn't have to be exact!
- Tip the drained crushed pineapple into this mixture and stir to combine.
- Add most of the mini marshmallow and most of the chopped pistachio nuts and stir to combine. Keep some aside to decorate!
- Gently fold in the thawed cool whip until the mixture is combined.
- Place into one large glass serving bowl or divide into individual glasses if you prefer.
- Sprinkle the remaining mini marshmallows and chopped pistachios on top for decoration.
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