If you’ve never had a Cookie Salad before don’t feel bad. Most of the country doesn’t even know that this dish exists!
That said, it is a staple in places like Minnesota. With creamy vanilla pudding, fruit, and cookies, it’s so good!
You wouldn’t normally think of combining fudge strip cookies and mandarin oranges, but the combination here just works.
With the buttermilk, cool whip, and pudding all coming together in a single bowl, it’s a unique dish that can’t be beat.
Cookie salad is an easy recipe that comes together in minutes. It’s rich, creamy, tangy and sweet.
At the same time it also feels light, so you feel like you can keep eating it forever.
If you’re on a diet, resist eating the entire bowl. Share it with friends and family instead!
Take this cookie salad to your next potluck, barbecue or family gathering.
Everyone from the kids to the older generation can agree this salad is incredible! Note that you may want to make a double batch.
It can disappear quickly…too quickly..
What’s in Cookie Salad?
- 3.4 oz package Vanilla Instant Pudding
- 1 Cup Buttermilk
- 8oz Cool Whip
- 1 11oz Can Mandarin Oranges - Drained
- 18 Fudge Striped Cookies
How to Make Cookie Salad
- In a bowl mix together the pudding and the buttermilk.
- Carefully fold in the Cool Whip.
- Add in the Mandarin Oranges.
- Break your cookies into bite size pieces and then gently fold them into mixture reserving 6 cookies for garnish.
- Serve this dish immediately.
- Spoon the Cookie Salad into the dessert dish and then garnish with whole fudge striped cookies.
What is Cookie Salad?
Cookie salad is a creamy dish that has been around for generations.
While people around Minnesota love this regional dish, lately it’s been getting popular elsewhere in the country as well.
It’s a simple dessert or side dish that can liven up any meal or holiday.
Can I use Milk instead of Buttermilk?
Yes, you can use milk instead of buttermilk.
That said, keeping the buttermilk in this dish helps to keep it authentic.
Not only that, but you can’t replace the creamy texture and flavor of buttermilk. It’s the best choice if you can get it.
How long does Cookie Salad Last?
Cookie salad is one of those dishes that is best served fresh. If you’re making it ahead, add the cookies right before serving for the best tasting results.
Many times I've wanted to make this Cookie Salad recipe ahead of time however the cookies will get soggy if added too soon.
I do find that this is the PERFECT Pot Luck salad to bring and make at the park, or BBQ.
With so many great Pot Luck Salad, I've got an entire page dedicated to the Neighborhood Favorites. These are tried and true recipes that everyone will love! Pot Luck Salad Recipes
Cookie Salad
Ingredients
- 1 3.4 pkg Vanilla Instant Puddin
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 8oz Cool Whip
- 1 11oz Can Mandarin Oranges - Drained
- 18 Fudge Striped Cookies
Instructions
- In a bowl mix together pudding and buttermilk.
- Carefully fold in Cool Whip.
- Add Mandarin Oranges.
- Break Cookies into bite size pieces and gently fold into mixture reserving 6 cookies for garnish.
- Serve immediately.
- Spoon Cookie Salad into dessert dish and garnish with whole fudge striped cookie.
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
Lisa
I watched the live demo of this recipe and went to the store afterwards to get the ingredients. I told myself that I was making it for my father who loves fudge-striped cookies. I made it and tasted it and it tastes fabulous! I had to serve myself a bowl too! Thank you Rebecca!
Devour Dinner
That is fantastic Lisa! So glad you watch my Live Recipe Demo's and enjoyed this fun and easy recipe too!