Watergate Salad

I recently needed to throw something together for a meal that was served at my church.  I not only needed to put it together quickly, but I needed to fix it the day before it was needed.  My kids' crazy schedules is the cause for situations like this for me 90% of the time!  A life of my own making, I realize.

My own mom made this side dish/dessert many times when I was a kid growing up.  It's perfect for a potluck as well as family holiday meal.  I've never made it just to make or serve my family for the heck of it.  Do you too have certain recipes that you only fix for special occasions or for potlucks?  Why is that?

Here it is, Watergate Salad.  This recipe's been around since, well, at least the 70's.  You remember that whole Nixon thing, don't you?  I don't know what this recipe has to do with politics.  I know this recipe is easy and one thing is for sure...politics - not easy.

Watergate Salad
Here's What You Need:
1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 small box Pistachio instant pudding
1 1/2 cups Cool Whip, thawed
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Here's What You Do:
Mix the pudding with the pineapple and its juice.  It'll turn a funky shade of green.  But I like green.  Speaking of green, I love how things are really greening up outside.  Finally, after such a drab, cold winter.  I digress.

Add in the marshmallows and chopped pecans and give it a good stir.  Now fold in the Cool Whip and wallah, you are in business.

This picture does the green color no favors.  Just trust me on this one!

A little time in the fridge to properly cool it and allow the pudding to set-up a bit and you're ready to serve.  This makes a nice dessert and I've seen it served as a side dish too.  Whatever floats your boat.