Mandarin Orange Watergate Salad

I actually thought this recipe was just ok.... it was a little bland so I added 1/4 c. of sugar and doubled the cherries. I accidentally only used 1 (8 oz.) tub of cool whip and I'm very glad I did since the recipe calls for 2.... it would have made for way too much cool whip which was already overpowering the dish. In the future, I'd also add a little more coconut since 1/2 of a 3.5 oz package is very little.... in fact, I couldn't even find a 3.5 oz package.... the extra coconut might help to sweeten it up more which will allow for less sugar to be added. After making the changes, the recipe was delicious and everyone gobbled it up!

Reminded be of a Ambrosia Fruit Salad my aunt used to make. My wife didn't care for the texture of the coconut but I liked it. I did add some peaches and overall I found it refreshing.

I have made this salad several times. In addition to what is shown above, I add 1 1/4 c. sour cream, 1/4 - 1/2 c. walnuts, and 1 tsp. orange extract to add a little more flavor.