Cookie salad has an amazing combination of whipped topping, mixed with vanilla pudding and buttermilk, that gives it the most amazing taste. And no, you don’t tell people that it has buttermilk in it or they most likely won’t even try it.

However, if you want more cookie salad for yourself, like most people do, go ahead and tell them. Haha! I made this salad over the weekend for our family reunion. My brother-in-law came up to me and said, “I’m just going to tell you right now that I am in big trouble, I just finished up the cookie salad”.

I laughed and thought, I’m glad that someone enjoyed it. It wasn’t 3 minutes after that that my granddaughter says “mom, I want more cookie salad”. We had just woke her up from a nap and she had not been very happy. I was a little worried, but she understood that it was gone. I love making this salad because: 1. people like it so much, and 2. it is so easy to put together.

 

What Ingredients Do I Need For Cookie Salad?

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this Salad (scroll down for the full recipe):

 

• 1 (6 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 (12 ounce) carton whipped topping
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple tidbits or chunks (drained)
• 2 (10 ounce) cans mandarin oranges (drained)
• 1/2 package fudge striped cookies (crushed) with a few smaller chunks; additional for garnishing

 

 

How Do I Make Cookie Salad?

Here’s the simple steps you’ll follow to make this Salad (scroll down for the full recipe):

 

• In a large bowl, mix together 1 (6 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding and 2 cups buttermilk.
• Fold in 1 (12 ounce) carton whipped topping.
• Add 1 (20 ounce) can drained pineapple tidbits or chunks and 2 (10 ounce) cans drained mandarin oranges.
• Crush 1/2 package of fudge striped cookies, either in a baggie with a rolling pin, or I use a bowl and the bottom of a glass. You can also use a blender, but it won’t leave smaller chunks.
• Add the crushed cookies right before serving.
• Then add additional cookies for garnishing.

 

 

 

How Can I Make Buttermilk for My Cookie Salad if I Don’t Have Any on Hand?

 

• Pour the 2 cups of milk into a liquid measuring cup.
• Stir in 2 Tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice (1 Tablespoon for each 1 cup of milk).
• You now have buttermilk that is ready to use!

 

This week in Utah, we celebrated Pioneer Day where we celebrate our ancestors who traveled by hand cart and by foot to reach the great Utah valley. There are so many who have amazing stories and some that didn’t make it at all. I have a great-great-grandfather on my father’s side who lost 9 children and a wife from diseases, while crossing the plains.

I find myself wondering how in the world he got up each morning and went on? It would have been so difficult not to feel sorry for yourself and just sit down and give up. But I have learned that it is not about how many times you get knocked down, but about how many times you get back up. Had he not, I would not be sitting here writing this story today.

I feel that it is very appropriate that we celebrate our ancestors and all that they did for us. That great-great-grandfather came to the Salt Lake valley and remarried. He became a retailer and that is how he supported his family. I am sure that he would be dumbfounded at all the stores in this day and age. I know that I sure am, and then there is the internet shopping. Wow, we have come a long way.

 

Is Cookie Salad, a Salad or a Dessert?

 

• It’s one of those salads that can be either a side dish or a dessert.
• My family would call it a dessert.
• My husband’s family calls it a salad.
• My husband would probably eat it for breakfast if I let him.

 

 

 

One of my great-grandfathers on my mother’s side came across the country by train. He stayed in a train station one night, before going on to Idaho the next day. The train station owner was nice enough to let him and his travelling party board there for the night.

My great-grandfather was a young man and traveled on to his Idaho destination over the next day or two. I am sure that he and his party traveled  by horse and buggy. But the interesting part of this story is that the very next night after he had spent the night at the train station, Indians came and killed the owner of the train station.

I felt bad when I heard this story. The train station owner sounded like a very nice man and didn’t deserve to die. As I thought about this story, it reminded me of all the soldiers and police officers that have fallen, and of those that are fighting to keep our country free. How grateful I am to all who serve our country and communities. I pray for their families and loved ones that they will be sustained in their life and their trials. Thank you to whoever and wherever you all are.

 

How Do I Crush the Cookies for Cookie Salad?

 

• In a baggie with a rolling pin.
• In a bowl using the bottom of a glass.
• You can also use a blender, but it won’t leave smaller chunks.

 

And may God bless our state, country, and the earth, that we can come together and have peace, love, and support. I hope that wherever you are, that you will take time for family and take time to remember loved ones that have sacrificed so much. I hope that you have the best day ever!

 

Tips and Tricks for Cookie Salad:

 

• The Keebler Deluxe Grahams may also be used.
• You may also garnish with grated chocolate.
• I break the fudge striped cookies in half and place them around the outside edge of the bowl to garnish. I add them right before serving.

 

 

More Recipes That Could be Considered a Salad or Dessert:

 

Easy Pina Colada Salad

Watergate Salad

Acini De Pepe Salad AKA Frog Eye Salad