Creamy Orange Jello Salad

I got this recipe years ago from my sister-in-law, Ada. It is my go to recipe when I need to take a salad to a church function, family gathering or potluck. My husband's office recently had a Halloween potluck, so this is what I made. It's easy, creamy and yummy.

1 6 serving size cook and serve vanilla pudding (not instant)

1 6 serving size orange jello

1 12 oz. cool whip

2 0r 3 cans mandarin oranges

Cook pudding according to pkg. instructions, using 3 cups water INSTEAD of the 3 cups milk. After boiling, remove from heat and immediately add the pkg. of jello. Stir until dissolved. Let cool, then put in the fridge to set. When firm, transfer jello to bowl and use a hand mixer to mix in the thawed cool whip. Add mandarin oranges. Put back in the fridge to set up.

You can use any combination of jello flavor with fruit that you like. Strawberry with fresh strawberries is also good.