This cookie salad is one of my favorite summertime desserts. True, it’s not your typical potluck “salad” but trust me, your guests won’t mind one bit!

What is Cookie Salad?

Even though this isn’t your typical salad, by definition, it can still be considered a salad. A salad can be any mixture of small pieces of food combined that may or may not be combined with a dressing. Yes, I will admit, it is a stretch. It probably qualifies as more of a dessert, but bringing this as a “salad” to a potluck will make you a rockstar. I don’t think you will get any complaints.

Cookie Salad Dessert Mix Ins:

I love the combination of the mandarin oranges and pineapple mixed with the vanilla pudding in this recipe. It really doesn’t need more. I have heard of people adding banana or even mini-marshmallows to the mixture. Neither of these are a bad idea. If you are looking to add more, feel free to give either of those mix-in’s a try! Also, if you aren’t keen on the idea of having a little bit of chocolate in your cookie salad you can use shortbread cookies or crushed Vienna fingers instead.

With buttermilk or without buttermilk?

This seems to be the great debate with Cookie salad. Some love buttermilk others just like plain milk. I actually like it with milk because the buttermilk makes it a little too rich for my liking. Plus I feel like I am saving a few extra calories by sticking with skim milk. Granted, I know it’s not MUCH healthier, but a little healthier nonetheless.

How to make Cookie Salad:

Fudge Stripe Cookie Salad with Mandarin Oranges

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total: 10 minutes

Serves: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 2 3.4-ounce packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 c. milk
• 1 16 oz. container frozen whipped topping thawed
• 2 11 oz. cans mandarin oranges drained
• 1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple drained
• 25 fudge stripe cookies

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine vanilla pudding mix and milk. 
• Beat with an electric hand mixer until thick (about 1 minute).
• Fold in whipped topping.
• Stir in mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Immediately before serving, crush fudge stripe cookies and stir into the pudding mixture. 

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 260mg | Potassium: 262mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 525IU | Vitamin C: 18.3mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 0.8mg

Course: Dessert, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Cookie Salad, Cookies, Side, Side Dish

Recipe by: Erica Walker

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Try some more of our salad recipes (traditional and non-traditional) HERE!