Pistachio Fluff/Watergate Salad

 Hello!  It is AH-MAZING to be back with you all!  I took a much-needed, unexpected break, but I am refreshed and am excited to share this recipe with you.

This is kind of a retro recipe, and probably thousands have shared it but here we are.  I have seen this salad so many time, but....  I have sisters who are OBSESSED with all things cottage cheese (which I LOATHE) and I can't trust a stinking salad they make because it always has cottage cheese in it!  The short story is, if they ever offered it, I was too scared it involved cottage cheese and never partook, so to speak.

Fast forward to 2 weeks ago, my beloved Uncle Tom passed away.  Love you Uncle Tommy!  We were at his funeral dinner and I saw said salad.  I decided to try it.  I asked one of my least trusted cottage cheese sisters if it was in there and she said, "NO, it is pistachio fluff", because that was supposed to increase my trust in her.  We sat down, I took a deep breath and tried it.  MIND BLOWN.  How simple of a recipe could be so good is beyond me!  I came home, told my husband and he asked me to make it.

Sister number 1 told me how to make it and here we go!

• 1, 3.4 oz box of INSTANT pistachio pudding.  Don't try to make the cook and serve work. It won't!
• 1, 20 oz can of crushed pineapple WITH the juice, don't you dare drain it!
• 1 oz container of whipped topping (you can always make your own, I stayed true to the retro version)
• 2-3 cups of marshmallow but my inner child used the whole bag.  WHAT? She is naughty!
• 1/2 cup pistachios, walnuts or pecans (optional)

Now it is this easy.  Combine the pudding mix and pineapple WITH juice until completely combined and nice and green!  Fold in the entire container of whipped topping.  Now the marshmallow thing, was all just a happy mistake.  Let your inner child measure the marshmallows.  Sprinkle in your nuts if you are choosing to use them and make sure the entire thing is well combined.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hours.  

Now I won't tell you if I am or am not eating some for dinner right now as I type this but I can just vouch the longer it sits the better it is.  

I have seen this served as a side dish, a dessert, I mean what matters is that you actually eat it! Am I right?

I hope you enjoy, don't forget to watch the video on my YT channel, and hit FOLLOW on this page!  So glad to see your beautiful faces!

ENJOY!