I added “fruit” to the title so you didn’t mistakenly think it was a salad of cookies. Nope, it’s a salad of cookies, whipped cream, pudding and fruit – so you can feel good about eating it.
It’s great to eat, but probably not so great on the waistline. So fair warning – eat responsibly.
I’ve made this salad since the 80’s. Yeah, I said 80’s. Back when I had over-processed perms and pouffy bangs – admit it, you did too. But today, I’m making it for my dad.
You know, how some people are meat and potatoes people? Well, my dad is strictly a meat person. And generally his preference isn’t T-bones or Prime Rib. Nope, he likes a classic hamburger.
But I didn’t want to make a hamburger for my Father’s Day recipe because I can only eat a hamburger if it’s really dressed up. You know, add in lots of feta cheese, green chilies, roasted red peppers, roasted garlic, etc. He prefers his a bit more plain. And this is supposed to be about him, not me. (But I’m the one who has to make and eat it before I post it – so I guess it’s also the teeniest bit about me too).
Then I remembered the Fruit Cookie Salad (you were getting worried that I forgot about it – weren’t you?). My dad has celebrated a couple momentous occasions in the past few years and I’ve always included this salad for him. I can’t say definitively that this is his favorite salad because I don’t believe those words – favorite and salad – have ever been uttered by him.
But in my mind – he likes this salad. I know he eats it. I’m pretty sure he does. Okay, I really didn’t watch whether he took some at his birthday party but I’m 99% – make that 50% – sure that he did. And if he didn’t – now is not the time to burst my bubble and a good dad knows not to do it. I’m very happy in my bubble, thank you very much.
Happy Father’s Day and enjoy your special day! I love you!
TO PRINT RECIPE: Click on the print icon located with the other social media icons under my signature. It is the last icon. You can print the entire post or the recipe only.
Fruit Cookie Salad
Recipe from my Mom
Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges
- 1 package Keebler Fudge Striped Cookies
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine pudding mix and buttermilk and stir until smooth.
- Gently stir in Cool Whip until combined
- Slice mandarin oranges in half and add to the salad, mixing well.
- Break cookies into fourths and add to the salad. Stir gently to combine.
SPECIAL NOTES:
You can make the salad ahead through Step 3. Wait to add the cookies until right before serving otherwise they become soft. It’s best when the cookies are still a bit crunchy.
Enjoy!
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