Special Occasion Salad

By carvalhohm2

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound orzo or Rosamarina pasta
• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks in its own juice, drained and juice, reserved
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
• 6 to 8 whole maraschino cherries

Preparation

Step 1

In a large saucepan, cook the pasta in boiling water according to package directions, for 15 to 18 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the reserved pineapple juice in a small saucepan over medium heat; add the sugar and flour and stir until thickened. Set aside to cool.

Drain the cooked pasta and set aside to cool.

Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl and stir in the pineapple chunks and thickened sauce. Chill for 4 hours or overnight, then add the whipped topping and Mandarin oranges, mixing well.

Place in a large serving bowl and top with the cherries. Serve cold.

Notes:
Don't have whole maraschino cherries? No problem! Just add cherry or grape halves, or any other cut fresh fruit that'll add some fun color.