Turn fudge stripe cookies into a salad! This fun cookie salad has pineapple and mandarin oranges in a creamy dressing. It is simple to make and tastes great.
I am back with another fun “salad” recipe. This is a classic that has made its way to many Midwestern potlucks over the years.
You know we love getting extra helpings of salad with they involve pudding and fruit. This one is kind of like a fluff salad recipe but without marshmallows. (Though, you could always add them if you want to!)
It became popular in the 1970’s and 80’s and has been a hit at family gatherings and has been published in many church cookbooks since. Somehow, though, I had never had it.
I know that is a surprise. We love fruit salads that are really dessert.
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the oranges and pineapple with the chocolate on the cookies. However, it only took one bite for those worries to disappear.
As with most desserts, the bowl of cookie salad made its way to family dinner to see what everyone thought. It was an instant hit with them as well. It was a nice refreshing treat on a hot summer day.
But is it really a salad?
Yes! According to Merriam-Webster a salad is small pieces of food usually mixed with a dressing or set in gelatin. So, it is definitely a salad!
Carlee’s Tips and Tricks
Make sure to drain the fruit well before adding it. You don’t want a watery salad!
The buttermilk helps to balance out the sweetness a bit. Feel free to use regular milk if you don’t feel like picking up buttermilk.
You can use fewer cookies if you want the salad to be a little bit less sweet. I figure if there is pudding and whipped topping in the mix, you might as well add all of the cookies too!
Email Me The Link
I'll email this post to you, so you can easily find it later. Plus you’ll get new recipes from me every week!
Some people use pineapple chunks or tidbits instead of crushed pineapple. It’s mostly a matter of textural preference. So, use what you like.
Feel free to toss in more fruit if you want. Sliced bananas and/or strawberries would be good. You could also toss in a handful of coconut if you are feeling spicy.
As with most salads, you can really make it your own. There are no rules here and almost anything goes.
I am sure this is going to be a hit at your table as well. It’s stuck around this long for a reason!
Cookie Salad
Ingredients
- 2 3.4 oz boxes vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups buttermilk or whole milk
- 8 ounces Cool Whip thawed
- 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple drained
- 2 15 oz cans mandarin oranges drained
- 1 11.5 oz package fudge stripe cookies
Instructions
- Mix together 2 3.4 oz boxes vanilla instant pudding mix and 2 cups buttermilk in a large mixing bowl.
- Fold in 8 ounces Cool Whip.
- Make sure your 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple and 2 15 oz cans mandarin oranges are well drained. Then stir into the pudding mixture.
- Use your hands to break up 1 11.5 oz package fudge stripe cookies into bite sized pieces. Reserve a few pieces for garnish if desired. Stir the rest into the salad.
- Cover and chill at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For crunchier cookies, wait to stir them in until just before serving.
- Feel free to add more fruit. Bananas, strawberries or even coconut would be delicious. You can also use pineapple chunks or tidbits in place of the crushed pineapple if you prefer.
Video
Email Me The Link
I’ll email this post to you, so you can easily find it later. Plus you’ll get new recipes from me every week!
Did you try this recipe?
Don’t forget to leave a rating below and make sure to follow on Pinterest and Instagram for more!
More Fun Fruity Salad Recipes
Get social!
Recipes in your inbox
