Name: Mandarin Orange Cookie Dessert Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 6.8 ounces vanilla instant pudding (2 (3.4 ounce) package); 2 cups buttermilk; 16 ounces cool whip (2 packages); 20 ounces pineapple tidbits (1 can. drain well); 22 ounces mandarin oranges (2 (11 ounce) cans, drained well); 11.5 ounces fudge striped cookies (1 package, I used Keebler)

This light and fluffy mandarin orange cookie dessert salad is the perfect fruit salad for any occasion made with 6 simple ingredients.

When we posted our 5-cup fruit salad (one of our most popular recipes), we received some very concerned emails from people who were upset at the word “salad” in the title. They feared that we were deceiving people into thinking that this was a healthy dish because of the word “salad” in the title. Sorry about that- we had no intentions of tricking anyone.

So I googled the word “salad” and discovered that the first definition talked about vegetables and green lettuce, but that there were two definitions that work for salads such as this one:

a mixture or assortment, or
any dish of cold vegetables or fruit (i.e. fruit salad).

We completely agree that this isn’t the most healthy you could ever eat, but we also believe that the healthiest attitude to have when it comes to food is “moderation in all things.” You can have a yummy “salad” like this every once in a while . . . that is one of life’s real pleasures.

Recipe Ingredient Notes

To make this mandarin orange cookie dessert salad, you need the following ingredients:

Vanilla instant pudding
Buttermilk
Cool whip
Pineapple tidbits
Mandarin oranges
Fudge-striped cookies

Equipment Needed

For this recipe, you only need a few simple kitchen tools. We recommend using the following equipment:

In a large bowl, mix together the dry pudding mixes and buttermilk.
Then fold and in Cool Whip and stir until combined.
Add in the pineapple and mandarin oranges until incorporated.
Break cookies into bite-size pieces and gently fold into salad mixture.
Serve immediately.
If preparing ahead of time, add cookies right before serving.

Recipe Notes

This recipe calls for buttermilk. It definitely tastes best with buttermilk, but you could also make it with milk, if you desire. I personally prefer the buttermilk, because it’s a little thicker.
When you fold in the cool whip, we really mean fold. If you mix it with an electric mixer, your whipped cream will become more liquidy, and not so thick and fluffy.
If you don’t want to add the cookies, you most definitely don’t have to. You could easily go without them.
If you make this recipe ahead of time, we recommend adding the cookies right before serving. If you make it ahead of time with the cookies, they will become mushy and won’t taste as good.

Enjoy More Delicious Fruit Salads

Want to add more fruits to your meals? Browse our comprehensive list of salad recipes.

Mandarin Orange Cookie Dessert Salad

5 from 12 votes

This light and fluffy mandarin orange cookie dessert salad is the perfect fruit salad for any occasion made with 6 simple ingredients.

12 servings

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Total Time 10

Save Print Pin

Ingredients

▢ 6.8 ounces vanilla instant pudding, 2 (3.4 ounce) package
▢ 2 cups buttermilk
▢ 16 ounces cool whip, 2 packages
▢ 20 ounces pineapple tidbits, 1 can. drain well
▢ 22 ounces mandarin oranges, 2 (11 ounce) cans, drained well
▢ 11.5 ounces fudge striped cookies, 1 package, I used Keebler

Equipment

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the dry pudding mixes and buttermilk.
Then fold and in Cool Whip and stir until combined.
Add in the pineapple and mandarin oranges until incorporated.
Break cookies into bite-size pieces and gently fold into salad mixture.
Serve immediately.
If preparing ahead of time, add cookies right before serving.

Notes

This recipe calls for buttermilk. It definitely tastes best with buttermilk, but you could also make it with milk, if you desire. I personally prefer the buttermilk, because it’s a little thicker.
When you fold in the cool whip, we really mean fold. If you mix it with an electric mixer, your whipped cream will become more liquidy, and not so thick and fluffy.
If you don’t want to add the cookies, you most definitely don’t have to. You could easily go without them.
If you make this recipe ahead of time, we recommend adding the cookies right before serving. If you make it ahead of time with the cookies, they will become mushy and won’t taste as good.

Nutrition

Calories: 325 kcal · Carbohydrates: 60 g · Protein: 5 g · Fat: 9 g · Saturated Fat: 4 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 10 mg · Sodium: 298 mg · Potassium: 301 mg · Fiber: 3 g · Sugar: 44 g · Vitamin A: 510 IU · Vitamin C: 18 mg · Calcium: 120 mg · Iron: 3 mg

Cuisine: American

Cost: $9

Author: Steph Loaiza

Course: Salad

Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.

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Questions & Reviews

Eric Pepple says:

Sounds like a perfect recipe for a summer party!

Colette says:

wow! some people are so mean. I do feel bad about the calories in this salad, so I just leave out the cookies. It makes me feel better.

crabigail adams says:

It's YOUR blog -- people who don't like the recipes are welcome to click on the "Next Blog" button at the top. Back in the day (I'm only in my 40's), this was a free country. I'm tired of Food Police and Thought Police and Organic Police and Baby Police and Recycling Police and Carbon Footprint Police and who-knows-how-many-other-kinds-of-Police. They can start their own blogs, if they can find enough people interested enough to read their recipes for Cardboard-on-a-Stick. I like YOUR recipes!

Waco Bayless says:

I can't believe there are people who think that just because it is called "salad" that it should be healthy or "diet" food. Really? What about potato or pasta salad? Are they assumed to be healthy too?

Jane 77 says:

I laughed when I read your post. I feel sorry for anyone who would take the time to complain about you calling a dessert type dish a salad. I've seen dishes like that all my life called "salads". These are just angry people & they took it out on you. There were 4 kids in my family & my mother made a pie or cake every other day. We ate chicken fried in Crisco. All of us are very thin & healthy.

Julie Evink says:

We make this salad all the time! It's definitely a crowd pleaser especially for the kids and picky eaters!

Kim of Mo Betta says:

This "salad" would be so easy to lighten up by swapping out the ingredients for lower fat/lower sugar versions and I'm sure would still be delicious. I guess SOME people would really get pissed at my Snickers "salad" :-) SOME people need to get a life! Keep up the great work!

jc deuster says:

I have been a Weight Watchers lifetime member for several years now. I enjoy them bery much and take them as they are or tweak them for my family. No one is forced to eat or make any of the recipes. Thank you for all your hard work!!

tarat says:

This salad is also delicious if you swap fresh picked raspberries for the other fruit.

Shaffer Sisters says:

This is one our family favorites. One day I needed the salad to be more filling to make up for extra dinner guests and my husband kids loved it, my husband told me that it was so much better.
I also have used Whipping Cream with gelatin for a Rich creamy moose flavor.

I am glad to see this recipe here because if this recipe gets how we can find this at more ward parties and neighborhood pot lucks.
With Love,
Scary

Diane says:

I can't believe that some people were upset by the name of this salad. By looking at the picture you know this is a dessert salad. I'm looking forward to making this salad this week.

Betty Shubert says:

My husband is diabetic, I take recipes and use sugar free pudding, sugar free cool whip, you can even fi d fruit now with , no sugar added, works great for us

Laura B says:

My MIL gave me this recipe a looong time ago. I was skeptical, but I tried it and it is a great addition to any family reunion or pot luck. Really a fun recipe. I don't worry about the calories, etc. You take a spoonful or two... It's great!

Courtney Jensen says:

Looks like a yummy salad. I don't want to be rude to the people that emailed you saying that this 'salad' is decieving ha ha but they are being dumb! Each of us are responsible for our own health. If you look at the picture or read the recipe you know it's not a healthy salad and so if that isn't what you're looking for than move on ha ha. I think of a ton of other salad recipes that are just as unhealthy' as this one. I will be making this salad this weekend, I am currently losing weight and this won't set me back because I will eat other things with it and eat in moderation! Thanks for posting! People can and will complain about anything!

Cyd says:

:) Thanks Courtney! We try to have a variety of recipes for everyone. Some are healthy and some are for fun parties. Moderation is the key!! Cyd (mom of the Six Sisters)

Susan B says:

Someone made this salad at a family reunion this summer. It was very good!! I will be making it for a family bbq this Labor Day weekend. Thank you for sharing the recipe!

Kari says:

This is a family favorite and I am asked a lot to bring it to many functions! BUT we call it "Cookie Monster SALAD"

Mariane Richardson says:

I have made this salad many times. I also put sliced bananas in it just before serving. And, an easy way to break the cookies up, is to crush them in the package BEFORE opening it. It is less messy that way. I have also added cut up green apples. Most everyone in our town knows this salad by, "Aunt Lola Salad". My husband's aunt made this about 32 years ago and the name has stuck since. Everyone loves Aunt Lola Salad. It is a favorite at Church Dinners.

Marianne Richardson says:

Addition to previous post: I have also used Banana Cream Pudding. This adds a better flavor than vanilla. VERY YUMMY!!

Rachel says:

I've never made this salad with the striped cookies before. I always use chocolate covered graham cookies. Today I will be trying with Oreos (since that is all that I have). I also like serving this with fresh strawberries and pineapple chunks. Very delicious.

DJ says:

I love this salad. Its easy to make and if there are leftovers im forced to leave them. Great with added bannas. Thanks for the reciepe

Jess says:

This is one of my favorite "salads" to make. I love to use cheesecake pudding instead of vanilla and twix instead of the fudge stripe cookies!

Cyd says:

Mmmmm! Thanks Jess. That sounds amazing!

Jessica says:

This is a tradition for holiday meals in my husbands family. The first time I attempted to make it, I botched it horribly! I was mortified, it wouldn't set up! I'm by no means a slouch when it comes to following a recipe. I think I may have over whipped it? Not sure. But the family dubbed it "Dessert Gravy" and laddled it over brownies. Definitely not a healthy option, but an occasional indulgence never hurt and it still makes for one heck of a funny story!

Alicia says:

Can you use regular milk?

Cyd says:

You can use regular milk in this recipe in place of the buttermilk.

TC says:

Would halving this recipe work?

Cyd says:

You could easily halve this recipe.

Inga says:

I could only find banana instant pudding. Hope it will be good !

Kris S says:

Very good recipe. Followed exactly only to find the whipped topping was left out of the instructions. I think it should be incorporated after the pudding and buttermilk?!? You may want to fix instructions.

Momma Cyd says:

Thanks so much for letting us know. We have edited the recipe.

jennifer says:

Made with all the cookies going in. Wonderful recipe

Donna Lawrence says:

Hi. I have never heard of this dessert before. Saw it on the spring baking championship on the food network. Just had to look it up on Pinterest. My question is, can you use real whipping cream instead of cool whip?

Steph @ Six Sisters says:

It's a classic! You could try it with real whipping cream, however the texture might be a little off - more creamy and less "fluffy"

Maria says:

Can I leave out the pineapple? Mother in law is allergic to pineapple. What would be a good substitute

Bobbi @ Six Sisters says:

You can try doubling the mandarin oranges or add in canned pears or peaches

Join The Discussion

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Eric Pepple says:

Sounds like a perfect recipe for a summer party!
Colette says:

wow! some people are so mean. I do feel bad about the calories in this salad, so I just leave out the cookies. It makes me feel better.
crabigail adams says:

It's YOUR blog -- people who don't like the recipes are welcome to click on the "Next Blog" button at the top. Back in the day (I'm only in my 40's), this was a free country. I'm tired of Food Police and Thought Police and Organic Police and Baby Police and Recycling Police and Carbon Footprint Police and who-knows-how-many-other-kinds-of-Police. They can start their own blogs, if they can find enough people interested enough to read their recipes for Cardboard-on-a-Stick. I like YOUR recipes!
Waco Bayless says:

I can't believe there are people who think that just because it is called "salad" that it should be healthy or "diet" food. Really? What about potato or pasta salad? Are they assumed to be healthy too?
Jane 77 says:

I laughed when I read your post. I feel sorry for anyone who would take the time to complain about you calling a dessert type dish a salad. I've seen dishes like that all my life called "salads". These are just angry people & they took it out on you. There were 4 kids in my family & my mother made a pie or cake every other day. We ate chicken fried in Crisco. All of us are very thin & healthy.
Julie Evink says:

We make this salad all the time! It's definitely a crowd pleaser especially for the kids and picky eaters!
Kim of Mo Betta says:

This "salad" would be so easy to lighten up by swapping out the ingredients for lower fat/lower sugar versions and I'm sure would still be delicious. I guess SOME people would really get pissed at my Snickers "salad" :-) SOME people need to get a life! Keep up the great work!
jc deuster says:

I have been a Weight Watchers lifetime member for several years now. I enjoy them bery much and take them as they are or tweak them for my family. No one is forced to eat or make any of the recipes. Thank you for all your hard work!!
tarat says:

This salad is also delicious if you swap fresh picked raspberries for the other fruit.
Shaffer Sisters says:

This is one our family favorites. One day I needed the salad to be more filling to make up for extra dinner guests and my husband kids loved it, my husband told me that it was so much better.
I also have used Whipping Cream with gelatin for a Rich creamy moose flavor.

I am glad to see this recipe here because if this recipe gets how we can find this at more ward parties and neighborhood pot lucks.
With Love,
Scary
Diane says:

I can't believe that some people were upset by the name of this salad. By looking at the picture you know this is a dessert salad. I'm looking forward to making this salad this week.
Betty Shubert says:

My husband is diabetic, I take recipes and use sugar free pudding, sugar free cool whip, you can even fi d fruit now with , no sugar added, works great for us
Laura B says:

My MIL gave me this recipe a looong time ago. I was skeptical, but I tried it and it is a great addition to any family reunion or pot luck. Really a fun recipe. I don't worry about the calories, etc. You take a spoonful or two... It's great!
Courtney Jensen says:

Looks like a yummy salad. I don't want to be rude to the people that emailed you saying that this 'salad' is decieving ha ha but they are being dumb! Each of us are responsible for our own health. If you look at the picture or read the recipe you know it's not a healthy salad and so if that isn't what you're looking for than move on ha ha. I think of a ton of other salad recipes that are just as unhealthy' as this one. I will be making this salad this weekend, I am currently losing weight and this won't set me back because I will eat other things with it and eat in moderation! Thanks for posting! People can and will complain about anything!
Cyd says:

:) Thanks Courtney! We try to have a variety of recipes for everyone. Some are healthy and some are for fun parties. Moderation is the key!! Cyd (mom of the Six Sisters)
Susan B says:

Someone made this salad at a family reunion this summer. It was very good!! I will be making it for a family bbq this Labor Day weekend. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Kari says:

This is a family favorite and I am asked a lot to bring it to many functions! BUT we call it "Cookie Monster SALAD"
Mariane Richardson says:

I have made this salad many times. I also put sliced bananas in it just before serving. And, an easy way to break the cookies up, is to crush them in the package BEFORE opening it. It is less messy that way. I have also added cut up green apples. Most everyone in our town knows this salad by, "Aunt Lola Salad". My husband's aunt made this about 32 years ago and the name has stuck since. Everyone loves Aunt Lola Salad. It is a favorite at Church Dinners.
Marianne Richardson says:

Addition to previous post: I have also used Banana Cream Pudding. This adds a better flavor than vanilla. VERY YUMMY!!
Rachel says:

I've never made this salad with the striped cookies before. I always use chocolate covered graham cookies. Today I will be trying with Oreos (since that is all that I have). I also like serving this with fresh strawberries and pineapple chunks. Very delicious.
DJ says:

I love this salad. Its easy to make and if there are leftovers im forced to leave them. Great with added bannas. Thanks for the reciepe
Jess says:

This is one of my favorite "salads" to make. I love to use cheesecake pudding instead of vanilla and twix instead of the fudge stripe cookies!
Cyd says:

Mmmmm! Thanks Jess. That sounds amazing!
Jessica says:

This is a tradition for holiday meals in my husbands family. The first time I attempted to make it, I botched it horribly! I was mortified, it wouldn't set up! I'm by no means a slouch when it comes to following a recipe. I think I may have over whipped it? Not sure. But the family dubbed it "Dessert Gravy" and laddled it over brownies. Definitely not a healthy option, but an occasional indulgence never hurt and it still makes for one heck of a funny story!
Alicia says:

Can you use regular milk?
Cyd says:

You can use regular milk in this recipe in place of the buttermilk.
TC says:

Would halving this recipe work?
Cyd says:

You could easily halve this recipe.
Inga says:

I could only find banana instant pudding. Hope it will be good !
Kris S says:

Very good recipe. Followed exactly only to find the whipped topping was left out of the instructions. I think it should be incorporated after the pudding and buttermilk?!? You may want to fix instructions.
Momma Cyd says:

Thanks so much for letting us know. We have edited the recipe.
jennifer says:

Made with all the cookies going in. Wonderful recipe
Donna Lawrence says:

Hi. I have never heard of this dessert before. Saw it on the spring baking championship on the food network. Just had to look it up on Pinterest. My question is, can you use real whipping cream instead of cool whip?
Steph @ Six Sisters says:

It's a classic! You could try it with real whipping cream, however the texture might be a little off - more creamy and less "fluffy"
Maria says:

Can I leave out the pineapple? Mother in law is allergic to pineapple. What would be a good substitute
Bobbi @ Six Sisters says:

You can try doubling the mandarin oranges or add in canned pears or peaches