WINTER FRUIT SALAD

1 CAN (20 ounces) PINEAPPLE CHUNKS in NATURAL JUICES<>1 PACKAGE (3-1/8 ounces) COOK and SERVE VANILLA PUDDING<>1 QUART MIXED (FRESH FRUIT CHUNKS) APPLES, BANANAS, ORANGES, PEARS,ETC)<>3/4 CUP CHOPPED PECANS or WALNUTS<>1/3 CUP FLAKED COCONUT<>WHIPPED TOPPING (optional)<>DRAIN PINEAPPLE, RESERVING JUICE<>IN A SAUCEPAN, (COMBINE PINEAPPLE JUICE and PUDDING MIX) COOK over MEDIUM HEAT until THICKENED)<>COOL<>COMBINE PINEAPPLE and OTHER FRUIT, NUTS and COCONUT in a LARGE SALAD BOWL and DRESSING and STIR TO COAT<>CHILL until READY TO SERVE<>GARNISH with (WHIPPED TOPPING) <><>YIELD 6-8 SERVINGS, <>DELICIOUS!!!!!THIS IS A PERFECT FRUIT SALAD TO PREPARE ALL WINTER LONG!! SERVE AS DESSERT OR AS A SNACK!!!!