Description
Classic Cookie Salad is a delightful, creamy dessert salad featuring a blend of instant vanilla pudding, whipped topping, juicy pineapple and mandarin oranges, combined with crunchy fudge stripe cookies. This easy-to-make, no-bake treat is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you want a sweet, fruity, and textured dessert that serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (12 oz) tub cool whip (whipped topping)
Fruit
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
Cookies
- 10-15 fudge stripe cookies
Instructions
- Prepare pudding mixture: In a large bowl, combine the two packages of instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups of milk. Stir thoroughly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the entire 12 oz tub of cool whip into the pudding mixture until fully incorporated, creating a creamy base.
- Add fruit: Fold in the drained pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges carefully to maintain the fruit pieces.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
- Incorporate cookies: Right before serving, roughly crush the fudge stripe cookies into bite-sized pieces and gently fold them into the salad for added texture and sweetness.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with extra pieces of fruit and remaining cookies for presentation. Serve chilled.
Notes
- This dessert is best served freshly made the same day but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat pudding mix and light whipped topping.
- Ensure cookies are crushed just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Drain fruit well to avoid making the salad runny.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American