Watergate-Ambrosia Salad with a Twist

Creamy, nostalgic no-bake salad with pineapple and lime Jell-O, pistachio pudding, fruit cocktail, marshmallows, pecans, and cherries folded into whipped topping and chilled overnight.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Pour the crushed pineapple with its juice into a saucepan.

Step 2

Heat over medium heat until it begins to gently simmer.

Step 3

Stir in the lime Jell-O powder until completely dissolved.

Step 4

Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. (You can refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes to speed this up, but don't let it fully set.)

Step 5

Once cooled, stir in the pistachio pudding mix.

Step 6

Fold in the fruit cocktail, marshmallows, pecans, cherries, and coconut if using.

Step 7

Gently fold in the whipped topping.

Step 8

Chill for at least 2–4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 9

Optionally, top with extra maraschino cherries and chopped pecans for a pretty garnish. If you want to get really creative, hollow out whole pineapple halves by removing the rinds and spooning the salad in it like a bowl before adding the garnish.