Pineapple
Watergate salad was originally introduced to America in the mid 1970s. The Kraft Food Company introduced instant pistachio pudding mix in 1975 and developed a recipe called Pistachio Pineapple Delight. That same year the Watergate political scandal happened. This event centered around illegal activity by Republican party members at the Watergate office complex in Washington D. C.
It is thought that a Chicago food editor renamed the salad to gain attention to her food column. Neither the Chicago publication nor the Kraft Food Company confirms this, although an older version of the Kraft Foods website does make a reference to the name change. Since its creation in the 1970s Watergate salad has become a popular dish served as a salad or appetizer.
Pineapple
According to Cooks.com, the recipe calls for one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple in its own juice. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pineapples contain 131 percent of a person's daily requirement of vitamin C. Pineapples also contain fiber, magnesium, copper and thiamine. They contain no fat or cholesterol. One cup of pineapple has 82 calories.
Pistachio Pudding Mix
One box of instant pistachio pudding mix is called for in a Watergate salad. Those wishing to cut down on calories and sugar can use sugar-free pistachio pudding mix. Pistachio nuts are a relative to the cashew and native to central Asia. According to NutritionData.com, Pistachios are a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They are also high in vitamin B6, thiamine, copper and magnesium. One once of raw pistachios contains 156 calories.
Whipped Topping and Miniature Marshmallows
Eight ounces of whipped topping and one cup of miniature marshmallows are mixed with the pineapple, pineapple juice and dry pistachio pudding mix. Either an instant whipped topping mix or a prepared one that can be found in the frozen section of the grocery store can be used. The whipped topping adds fluffiness and blends the ingredients together. White or colored miniature marshmallows are often added to make the salad attractive and colorful. One cup of whipped topping contains approximately 170 calories. One cup of miniature marshmallows contains 159 calories.
Chopped Nuts
Traditionally one cup of chopped walnuts or pecans are used in a Watergate salad. Nuts are high in protein and essential fatty acids. They add crunch and texture to the Watergate salad. Walnuts and pecans are high in vitamin B6, thiamine, folate, copper, magnesium and phosphorus. One cup of chopped walnuts or pecans has approximately 750 calories. Walnuts contain 9 grams of fiber per cup; pecans contain 10 grams of fiber per cup.
Tags: pistachio pudding, whipped topping, Watergate salad, acids They, approximately calories