Do you have one of those family recipes that you grew up with as a kid and loved, and then you've shared with your kids who also love it? This is one of those recipes for our family. It has been a staple at many family gatherings, is light and fruity, and has a great texture with the tapioca pudding as an ingredient. I haven't met a single kid who doesn't love it. You can get creative and make it with different gelatin flavors and fruits, but our favorite is this original recipe from one of my mom's work friends. It says "spring" to me, so since our weather is starting to warm up, I thought it was time to bring it out!
Mandarin Orange Salad
Serves 6-8
1 small box (3 oz.) orange gelatin
1 small box (3.4 oz.) instant vanilla pudding
1 small box (or 3 tablespoons) tapioca pudding
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
1 12-oz. whipped topping, thawed
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups boiling water with gelatin and both pudding mixes. Stir to combine. Refrigerate until mostly set (no more than an hour). Stir in the whipped topping until smooth. Fold in mandarin oranges. Refrigerate for another 3-4 hours before serving. Garnish with additional oranges if desired.
Step-by-step tutorial:
Gather your ingredients. You need a small box of orange gelatin, a small box of instant vanilla pudding, tapioca pudding, mandarin oranges, and a small Cool Whip.
In a large microwavable bowl, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Pour in the orange jello.
Pour in the vanilla pudding......
......and the tapioca pudding. Stir to combine.
Put in refrigerator for about an hour, or until almost set.
Once the mixture seems like thick gelatin, add the entire 12-oz. whipped topping. Be sure it is thawed, not frozen. Stir until smooth.
Add the drained mandarin oranges, and fold in.
Pour into a serving dish and garnish with additional mandarin oranges if desired.
Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an additional 3-4 hours or until completely set.
Serve alongside your favorite BBQ or other dinner as the fruit side dish. You will get so many fans so fast!
Recipe Source: Shanna's recipe box