With just 6 ingredients, this Cookie Salad is a classic dessert salad recipe that has been passed down for generations. It's easy to prep and so comforting and delicious to serve for a crowd.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and buttermilk until well combined. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
Gently fold in whipped topping until fully combined.
Add the drained crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges (save a few for garnish), and ¾ cup of the crushed cookies. Fold until the ingredients are evenly dispersed .
Refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, garnish with the reserved crushed cookies and mandarin oranges.
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Notes
Storage: Store any leftover cookie salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. We don't recommend freezing the salad since it will change the texture and make it runny.This is the perfect dessert salad recipe to make in advance for a crowd! You can even make it the day before a party and store in the fridge.Tips:
If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make it right at home! Just add a tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 10 minutes. Your buttermilk is ready.
Be sure to chill the salad before serving. We recommend at least 2 hours of chilling and up to a day.
If you cookie salad is runny, be sure you whipped the instant vanilla pudding mix with the other ingredients for long enough to make it a thick and creamy texture.
Drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges before adding. This is crucial to the success of the cookie salad recipe, so the salad sets correctly.
Swap the whipped topping for homemade whipped cream. This is an option that's an easy substitution. Just whip together 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream or heavy cream, ¼ cup powered sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, about 1-2 minutes..