“My Nana and aunties used to make this when I was young, but it turns out the recipe was never written out.”
This Mandarin Orange Salad is a light, refreshing, and easy-to-make dessert or side dish. It combines the creamy sweetness of vanilla pudding and Cool Whip with the tangy burst of mandarin oranges and the tropical touch of crushed pineapple. Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or a simple treat, this salad can be customized to your taste by adjusting the amount of mandarin oranges and choosing healthier alternatives like sugar-free pudding mix and light Cool Whip.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (dry) | 1 pkg |
| Crushed Pineapple (undrained) | 1 Large can |
| Mandarin Oranges (drained) | 2 Medium/Large cans |
| Cool Whip | 1 pkg (8 oz) |
Instructions:
- Combine Pudding and Cool Whip: In a large bowl, combine the Cool Whip and the dry vanilla instant pudding mix. Mix well until fully incorporated. Do not prepare the pudding according to package directions; use the mix dry.
- Add Pineapple and Mandarin Oranges: Add the undrained crushed pineapple to the Cool Whip mixture. Drain the mandarin oranges and add them to the bowl as well. You can adjust the amount of mandarin oranges to your preference. Set aside a few mandarin orange segments to use as a garnish.
- Mix and Chill: Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours, or until it has thickened.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, decorate the top of the salad with the reserved mandarin orange segments. Serve chilled as a side dish or dessert. It’s delicious on its own or paired with ice cream.
