A delightful and refreshing fruit salad with a creamy twist, perfect for any occasion.
Heat the apricot nectar in a saucepan until it just begins to boil.
Heating the nectar helps dissolve the gelatin evenly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the gelatin with the hot apricot nectar and stir until fully dissolved.
Ensure the gelatin is completely dissolved to avoid lumps.
Refrigerate the mixture until it thickens slightly, about 20 minutes.
Check the mixture occasionally to ensure it doesn't set completely.
Fold in the whipped topping, mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and halved cherries into the thickened gelatin mixture.
Gently fold to maintain the airy texture of the whipped topping.
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and refrigerate until fully set, about 2 hours.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap to prevent the salad from absorbing any refrigerator odors.
Serve chilled, optionally garnished with a dollop of whipped topping or a cherry on top.
Serve on a bed of lettuce for a classic presentation.