Snickers salad isn’t an “eat-your-greens” type of salad. This is one of those retro dessert salads from the Midwest. If you’re from the middle of the country, you know these salads are ever-present at social gatherings, from casual potlucks to end-of-the-year holiday parties. With tart apples and pieces of Snickers held together by an airy vanilla pudding, this five-ingredient “salad” recipe is ready in about 15 minutes.
Snickers Salad Ingredients
- Milk: Avoid subbing in a milk alternative here; pudding mix is specially formulated to activate with cow’s milk proteins.
- Pudding mix: You’ll need one package of instant vanilla pudding mix for this Snickers salad recipe. Double check that you’re not grabbing a box of cook-and-serve pudding mix; that won’t work here.
- Whipped topping: Be sure to thaw your carton of frozen whipped topping before starting this recipe.
- Apples: Try to chop the apples into bite-sized pieces so the salad is easier to eat, especially if younger kids will be partaking.
- Snickers: Like the apples, cut the Snickers into bite-sized pieces. We recommend making them no bigger than a half an inch in size.
Directions
Step 1: Whip up the pudding mixture
In a large bowl, whisk the milk and pudding mix together for two minutes. Let the mixture stand for about two minutes until it’s soft set.
Fold in the whipped topping until everything is evenly combined.
Editor’s Tip: Be sure to the whisk the pudding mixture for the entire two minutes or your Snickers apple salad will turn out runny.
Step 2: Add the apples and Snickers
Add the chopped apples and Snickers to the bowl, and gently fold until everything is evenly coated. For a cleaner presentation, transfer the Snickers salad into another large serving bowl.
Step 3: Chill and serve
Cover the Snickers apple salad with storage wrap (so it doesn’t absorb any funky fridge smells) and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
- Toss in more fruit: Fold grapes, blueberries or chopped strawberries into the mixture for extra sweetness and color.
- Use a different candy bar: If you’d like a softer candy bar, swap out Snickers for 3 Musketeers or Milky Way. Alternatively, Kit Kats will add a pleasant crunch. Twix also adds texture while still providing a caramel flavor similar to that of Snickers.
- Swap in a different pudding mix: Personalize this Snickers salad recipe with a different instant pudding mix. Butterscotch, chocolate, white chocolate and caramel would all work well here.
- Add toppings: For a pretty presentation and a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips over the top. You could also use more apples or Snickers pieces.
- Finish with a sauce: Send this Snickers salad recipe fully into the dessert category by drizzling chocolate sauce or salted caramel sauce on top.
How to Store Snickers Salad
To store, keep the leftover Snickers candy bar salad in its bowl and wrap it in storage wrap, or transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I make Snickers salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make apple Snickers salad up to one day before serving it.
Snickers Salad Tips
Which apples should I use for Snickers salad?
Use Granny Smiths or other crisp, tart types of apples to balance the sweetness. Avoid softer apples like McIntoshes.
Why is my Snickers salad runny?
If you don’t use the right pudding mix or don’t whisk it long enough, the filling might be thin. Make sure you’re buying instant pudding mix and not cook-and-serve pudding mix, and whisk it vigorously with the milk for the entire two minutes until the pudding is thickened.
