Old Fashioned Vintage Watergate Salad dessert recipe like grandma used to make with Jell-O pistachio pudding mix and crushed pineapple. Serve this fluffy green recipe as a side dish or as dessert.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, and pineapple juice. Mix thoroughly until all the powdered pudding dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
Gently fold the Cool Whip into the pudding and pineapple mixture until evenly combined. Add the mini marshmallows and chopped nuts, then carefully fold everything together until distributed throughout.
Transfer the Watergate Salad to a serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the salad chill and flavors blend.
When ready to serve, remove the chilled salad from the refrigerator. Garnish with maraschino cherries, extra mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts, if desired, then spoon into individual bowls and enjoy.