Delicious and Easy Cookie Salad Recipe

Cookie salad. It’s a name that conjures up images of…well, salad and cookies, right? But hold on to your whisks, because this isn’t your typical leafy green situation. Cookie salad is a delightful, creamy, and surprisingly refreshing dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where you need a sweet treat that’s easy to make and even easier to love. This Cookie Salad Recipe will guide you through creating a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Similar to our oatmeal chocolate chip cookies recipe, cookie salad has a delightful balance of sweetness and texture. Let’s dive in and explore the magic of this unique dessert!

What is Cookie Salad?

Cookie salad isn’t actually a salad at all. It’s a no-bake dessert featuring a combination of crumbled cookies, fruit, pudding, and whipped cream. Think of it as a deconstructed cookie pie or a chilled cookie trifle. Its origins are a bit murky, with some claiming it’s a Midwestern staple, while others point to potlucks across the Southern United States. Wherever it comes from, one thing’s for sure: cookie salad is a crowd-pleaser.

The Best Cookie Salad Recipe

This recipe is my go-to for cookie salad, perfected over years of baking and tweaking. It’s simple, adaptable, and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers (or other crisp cookies)
• 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups milk
• 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This is the base of our cookie salad, so make sure it’s nice and creamy. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try using pistachio or butterscotch pudding for a different flavor profile.
2. Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the thickened pudding. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped cream. You want the mixture to be light and airy.
3. Add the fruit: Add the drained pineapple and mandarin oranges to the pudding mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Crush the cookies: In a separate bowl, crush the vanilla wafers into bite-sized pieces. Don’t crush them too finely, as you want some texture in the salad.
5. Combine everything: Gently fold the crushed cookies into the pudding and fruit mixture. Be sure to incorporate everything evenly.
6. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled. Garnish with maraschino cherries, if desired, before serving.

Cookie Salad Ingredients

Tips for the Perfect Cookie Salad

• Cookie Choices: Vanilla wafers are the classic choice, but feel free to experiment! Shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or even broken sugar cookies would also be delicious. Just be sure to choose a cookie that will hold its shape somewhat in the salad. For a twist, try using chocolate sandwich cookies.

• Fruit Variations: While pineapple and mandarin oranges are traditional, other fruits work well too. Consider adding chopped bananas, strawberries, or even grapes. If you enjoy adding citrus zest to your baking, like in our guide on How to add citrus zest to cookies, a touch of lemon or orange zest can brighten the flavor of your cookie salad.

• Make it Ahead: Cookie salad is a great make-ahead dessert. You can assemble it a day in advance and keep it chilled until ready to serve.

• Serving Suggestions: Cookie salad is delicious on its own, but you can also dress it up for special occasions. Serve it in individual dessert glasses for a more elegant presentation. Or, top it with a dollop of extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Mixing Cookie Salad

Variations on the Classic Cookie Salad Recipe

Chocolate Cookie Salad

Use chocolate sandwich cookies instead of vanilla wafers and chocolate pudding instead of vanilla. Add chopped nuts and mini marshmallows for an extra decadent treat.

Peanut Butter Cookie Salad

Use peanut butter cookies, peanut butter pudding, and chopped peanuts. Add sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey for a peanut butter lover’s dream.

Fruity Pebble Cookie Salad

Use Fruity Pebbles cereal in place of cookies, vanilla pudding, and a mix of colorful fruits like berries, kiwi, and mango. This version is a fun and vibrant option for kids and adults alike.

Variations of Cookie Salad

Why We Love Cookie Salad

Cookie salad is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and potluck dinners. It’s simple, yet satisfying, and it’s always a hit with everyone, from kids to grandparents. Plus, it’s so easy to customize to your liking. So, the next time you need a quick and delicious dessert, give this cookie salad recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Serving Cookie Salad

Have you tried making cookie salad before? What are your favorite variations? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!