Pistachio Pudding Salad




Our church had its 110th anniversary this past Sunday. A little country church that is 110 years old is a beautiful thing. It really is much older than that, but that is the anniversary of this building itself. I don't know how many of you have ever had the feeling of deja vu at one time or another but I had a strong dose of it 12 years ago when I first walked into this church. I felt like I already knew this place and had an overwhelming feeling of having been there before. I am not a religious person, but I've never felt more at home anywhere than I have there. I was raised in the Catholic faith and not ever felt a sense of belonging or really any warmth in any church I attended growing up or as an adult, except for this one. Can't explain it but I always leave there feeling happy.


Ok, for the recipe now. We found out the early part of last week that we were assigned fruit dishes for the potluck celebration to follow at church this past Sunday. I was gone for most of the weekend and needed something I could just whip up in a jiffy but that people would also enjoy and that included fruit. I ask you - is there any dish easier to make than Pistachio Pudding Salad. No way!!! This is so simple that anyone, even my 11 year old son can make this and it will come out fantastic!!!! The above picture of the watermelon is the handy work of my husband. As I've mentioned before he was in the catering business many years so these things are a breeze to him. The most trouble he had was finding straight pins to attach the flowers. Is it pretty or what? He filled it with watermelon balls (of course) and kiwi, mangoes and papaya. Delicious......So remember if you need a quick fruit or dessert recipe, the pudding is a no fail sure bet!


I doubled this recipe:


1 bag mini marshmallows


1 box Jell-O pistachio pudding mix


1 small can crushed pineapple


1 small can mandarin oranges


1 tub Cool Whip


In a large bowl mix together the pineapple, mandarin oranges and the packet of pudding. Do not drain the pineapple or the mandarin oranges. Then add the Cool Whip and 1/2 bag of marshmallows. Chill for a couple of hours.

Comments

Reeni said…
The watermelon salad is a work of art! And the pudding sounds scrumptious! I bet it was a hit.
The watermelon is beautiful. This pudding reminds me of an ambrosia I make. Sounds delicious!
The watermelon is a wonderful work of art! Very pretty and tasty.
I make this salad too, just like my mother did for many years. It's always good. Her recipe calls it Watergate Salad-why, I don't know.But I love it!
Unknown said…
I love pistachio pudding salad, it always reminds me of my dad. He's a HUGE pistachio fan! I love the picture of the watermelon salad too.. beautiful!
Leslie said…
My Mom make a fluffy salad like this!!! YUMMO
justjoycee said…
Looks soooo good.....never had it....will try real soon.....:)
Emily said…
Mmm I know I would love this salad.

I would go to church if I could find a church like that. The churches around here are morel like businesses than churches. It's disturbing.
April said…
I know this recipe as Watergate salad, we make it every Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love it!
Lara said…
Wow, that watermelon turned out beautifully and the pistachio pudding salad is making my mouth water. Yum!
Jenn said…
I had to do a double to take just to make sure the watermelon was real. I'd be afraid to dive into it to ruin such a lovely presentation.
La Bella Cooks said…
What a gorgeous piece of food art with your watermelon and the pudding sounds so comforting.
Ingrid_3Bs said…
Your pudding sounds interesting. I've never heard of it before.

Your hubs watermelon basket is awesome.
~ingrid
Monica H said…
My aunt makes this pudding quite a bit since her kids are Jello freaks. ha! It is really good and greamy, though I don't remember mandarin oranges in it. I'll have to ask her if she uses them or not.
Pam said…
This reminds me of my childhood - it looks tasty!
The Blonde Duck said…
This is perfect for events!
Joanne said…
Mmm I love pudding, especially the jell-o pistachio flavor. Good stuff. Perfect for a potluck type event like this!