Fruit Pudding Salad

Directions

1. 1
   Pour the pineapple juice into a 1-cup measuring cup.
2. 2
   If the pineapple juice does not equal 1-cup, then add mandarin orange juice until the cup is full.
3. 3
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dry pudding mix with the 1 cup of reserved pineapple juice; stir well.
4. 4
   Microwave the pudding mixture on HIGH for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens and boils, stirring once during cooking.
5. 5
   After the pudding boils, add the pineapple and mandarin oranges.
6. 6
   Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours to chill .
7. 7
   Prior to serving mix in the bananas and maraschino cherries (coconut or walnuts may be substituted for the cherries) Fresh fruit may be added at this time, if desired (see note).
8. 8
   NOTE: Feel free to add sliced, fresh fruit (about 2 cups or so) to the pineapple-orange pudding mixture.