Directions:
Combine Cool Whip and Pudding Mix: Without preparing the pudding, mix the dry instant vanilla pudding mix directly into the Cool Whip.
Incorporate Fruits: Add the undrained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges to the mixture, ensuring the oranges are drained. Adjust the quantity of mandarins to your liking and reserve a few for garnish atop the salad later.
Chill: Place the mixture into the refrigerator, allowing it to thicken once more. This may take a few hours, so consider making it a bit in advance of when you plan to serve it.
Serve and Enjoy: Present it as a vibrant side dish during a meal or pair it with ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Optional Health Tweaks:
To create a lighter, health-conscious version of this salad, consider opting for no/low sugar instant pudding mix and fat-free Cool Whip. For an extra fresh twist, fresh mandarins could also be used.
Personalization Tip:
Feel free to experiment with the consistency of the Cool Whip and the quantity of mandarins until you find the perfect balance that suits your palate. Enjoy crafting, and more so, savoring, your personalized version of this Mandarin Orange Salad!