Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits, thoroughly drained
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin orange segments, thoroughly drained
- 1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail, thoroughly drained
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, patted dry
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions:
- Pour the pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, and fruit cocktail into a fine-mesh strainer and let them sit for at least 10 minutes. Gently press the fruit with a spoon to expel excess syrup, then spread on paper towels to pat dry.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed whipped topping and the sour cream. Whisk with a rubber spatula until the mixture is a uniform, velvety white.
- Using a slow, circular folding motion, gently incorporate the drained fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and pecans into the creamy base until evenly distributed.
- Gently stir in the patted-dry cherries at the end to avoid bleeding red streaks.
- Refrigerate the salad for 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the structure to set before serving.