This Watergate Salad is a quick and delicious fluffy dessert or side dish made with pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping. It's perfect for family gatherings or holiday meals!
In a large bowl, combine the instant pudding mix and crushed pineapple with juice and stir together until no dry pudding mix remains.
Stir in the mini marshmallows and chopped pecans.
Fold in the whipped topping until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve the salad topped with more mini marshmallows, pecans, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries, if you like.
Notes
Chill for best results. Allow the prepared salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and the texture to set properly, resulting in a cohesive and flavorful dish with the perfect fluffiness.
Fold gently. When incorporating the whipped topping into the mixture, fold it in gently to maintain the topping's airy texture.
Add garnishes. Enhance this sweet salad's presentation with a perfect retro look by topping each serving with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for a pop of color.