Cookie Fruit Salad (High-Protein Dessert Salad for Holidays & BBQs)

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If there’s one recipe that shows up at every family gathering in our house, it’s this Cookie Fruit Salad. It’s creamy, sweet, loaded with fresh fruit—and yes, it has cookies mixed in (and on top 😍).

We’ve been making this for years for holidays, BBQs, and summer get-togethers, and it never lasts long. The best part? We’ve added a protein boost so it’s not just a treat—it actually helps you hit your macros too.

It’s the perfect balance of nostalgic comfort food and macro-friendly dessert.

Cookie fruit salad showing completed recipe topped with fudge stripe bookies, strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and pineapple.

Macro Breakdown

Makes 19 servings

Serving Size: 130g (about 1/2 cup)

Calories: 250

Protein: 7g

Carbs: 37.6g

Fat: 8.7g

Fiber: 1g

How to Log It

Search “Stay Fit Mom Cookie Fruit Salad” in MyFitnessPal or MacrosFirst for easy tracking.

Cookie fruit salad with labeled ingredients showing: SFM protein pudding, bananas, strawberries, cool whip, blueberries, pineapple, and mandarin oranges.

Ingredients

  • Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
  • Vanilla Whey Protein Powder (I use Clean Simple Eats discount code is: stayfitmom)
  • Fat Free Milk
  • Cool Whip
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Mandarin oranges
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Banana
  • Keebler Fudge Stripes Cookies
Cookie fruit salad showing silver bowl with pudding mixture in the bottom topped fruit ready to be stirred in.

Ingredients

  • Vanilla instant pudding mix
  • Vanilla whey protein powder
  • Fat-free milk
  • Cool Whip
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Mandarin oranges
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Banana
  • Keebler Fudge Stripes cookies
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the pudding mix and protein powder.
  2. Add the milk and beat with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best texture).
  4. Stir in the Cool Whip until fully combined.
  5. Gently fold in the pineapple, mandarin oranges, blueberries, and strawberries. Make sure any canned fruit is well drained.
  6. Right before serving, slice the banana and add it to the salad.
  7. Crumble half of the cookies and gently stir them in.
  8. Top with the remaining crushed cookies and serve immediately.
Cookie fruit salad showing silver bowl with pudding mixture in the bottom topped with cookies and fruit ready to be stirred in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High-protein twist on a classic dessert salad
  • Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and summer BBQs
  • Quick to prep ahead of time
  • Family-approved (kids go CRAZY for this one)
  • Creamy, sweet, and packed with fresh fruit

Recipe Tip

Drain your fruit well – this keeps the salad from getting watery

Add bananas last – prevents browning and keeps texture fresh

Chill time matters – letting the pudding set creates that thick, creamy base

Don’t overmix once fruit is added to keep everything intact

Substitutions & Swaps

  • Protein Powder: Use any vanilla whey or plant-based protein you like but remember the taste matters. I love the Clean Simple Eats vanilla whey and it works great in this one.
  • Cool Whip: Swap for light whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
  • Fruit: Add grapes, raspberries, or apples depending on what you have
  • Cookies: Try vanilla wafers or graham crackers for a different twist
  • Milk: Any milk works—fat-free, almond, or Fairlife for extra protein
Cookie fruit salad showing fruit stirred into pudding mixture.

How to Store

  • Store Cookie Fruit Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days
  • For best texture, store cookies separately and add right before serving
  • Bananas are best added fresh each time

Make Ahead Tip

This is a great recipe to prep ahead for parties or holidays.

👉 Make the base (pudding + fruit + Cool Whip) in advance

👉 Store cookies and bananas separately

👉 Add them right before serving for the best texture

Perfect For

  • Easter
  • Fourth of July
  • Summer BBQs
  • Potlucks
  • Holiday gatherings
  • Sports team parties
Cookie fruit salad showing completed recipe topped with fudge stripe bookies, strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and pineapple.

Final Thoughts

This Cookie Fruit Salad is one of those recipes that just feels like home. It’s nostalgic, crowd-pleasing, and now—with a little protein boost—something you can enjoy while still staying on track.

Whether you’re bringing it to a BBQ or making it for your family, don’t expect leftovers 😉

More SFM Salad Recipes to Try

  1. Frito Chicken Salad
  2. Pasta Caesar Salad
  3. Bean Summer Salad

You can find more of our salad recipes by searching “salad” in the search bar at the top of this page.

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Macros included for all recipes and pre loaded in the apps for easy macro tracking!

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A creamy cookie fruit salad made with vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, fresh fruit, and fudge stripe cookies with added protein. This easy dessert salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and holiday gatherings while still fitting your macros.
Prep: 15 minutes
Refridgeration Time: 1 hour
Servings: 19 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 5.1 oz. box Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
  • 4 1/2 scoops Vanilla Whey Protein Powder, I use Clean Simple Eats | discount code is: stayfitmom
  • 1 1/2 cups Fat Free Milk
  • 16 ounces Cool Whip
  • 20 oz. pineapple chunks
  • 11 oz. mandarin oranges
  • 8 oz. blueberries
  • 10 oz. strawberries, sliced
  • 1 medium banana
  • 17.3 oz. pkg. Keebler Fudge Stripes Cookies

Instructions 

  • In a mixing bowl combine the pudding mix and protein powder.
  • Add the milk and beat for 2 minutes with an electric mixer.
  • Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 1 hour.
  • Stir in the whip cream, pineapple, oranges, blueberries, and strawberries(drain the juice from any cans really well).
  • Right before serving slice the banana and stir in half the cookies. Crumble the cookies gently with your hands before stirring in.
  • Take remaining cookies and cover the top of the salad with them or just crumble on top. Enjoy!

Notes

  • This is a great one to take to a summer BBQ! Make a double batch and pack the bananas and cookies separately to add right before serving.
  • Find in MyFitnessPal or the MacrosFirst app by searching for, “Stay Fit Mom Cookie Fruit Salad

Nutrition

Serving: 130g (1/2 cup), Calories: 250kcal, Carbohydrates: 37.6g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 8.7g, Fiber: 1g
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