This Snickers Salad is a fun and tasty treat made with chopped Snickers candy bars, creamy vanilla pudding, and crunchy apples. It’s a sweet and satisfying mix everyone will love!
I always serve it at parties, and it disappears fast! I mean, who wouldn’t want a salad that tastes like dessert? 🥳 Just a tip: It’s best chilled, so make it ahead if you can!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is key for the creamy base. You can substitute it with a homemade vanilla pudding if you have more time. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions for stovetop preparation.
Milk: Regular milk works great, but you can use almond milk or oat milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Make sure to choose unsweetened versions to maintain the balance of sweetness.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is convenient, but for a more homemade touch, try using whipped heavy cream. Just whip it until soft peaks form, bringing a richer flavor to your salad.
Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness contrasts well with the sweetness of the Snickers. If you prefer, you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter option or use a mix of different apples.
Snickers Bars: For a nut-free version, consider using a chocolate bar like Milky Way or an alternative chocolate with caramel. Just chop them up as you would with Snickers!
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought is easy, but homemade caramel can elevate your salad! If you’re short on time, maybe just use a drizzle of honey or agave for a lighter alternative.
How Do You Prepare Apples So They Stay Crisp in the Salad?
To ensure your apples stay crunchy and don’t brown too quickly, follow these tips:
- Choose fresh apples and dice them just before adding to the bowl.
- If you want to prepare them ahead, submerge the diced apples in a mixture of water and lemon juice for about 5 minutes. This keeps them crisp and bright.
- Make sure to fold the apples gently into the salad to avoid bruising them.
Stirring too hard can mash them up, so be gentle.
How to Make Snickers Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 ounces of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples, diced
- 5 fun-size Snickers bars, chopped
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- Optional: chopped nuts (like peanuts) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Snickers salad recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. It’s a quick and easy treat that gets even better as it sits and the flavors mix together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Pudding:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and pour in the milk. Use a whisk to combine them together until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. This will be the creamy base of your salad!
2. Fold in the Whipped Topping:
Next, gently fold in the whipped topping into the pudding mixture. Use a spatula to carefully mix until everything is well combined and fluffy. We want to keep it airy!
3. Add the Apples and Snickers:
Now it’s time to add some crunch! Stir in the diced Granny Smith apples and chopped Snickers bars. Be gentle when you mix so that everything gets evenly distributed but stays nice and intact.
4. Drizzle with Caramel:
Take your caramel sauce and drizzle it into the mixture. Fold it lightly into the salad for that sweet caramel flavor to blend in. It will add a delicious touch!
5. Chill the Salad:
Transfer your Snickers salad to a pretty serving bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps all the flavors meld beautifully together.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top for decoration. If you like, sprinkle some chopped nuts for an added crunch. Enjoy your delightful Snickers salad chilled, either as a sweet side dish or a yummy dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart contrast, you can use any firm apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for sweetness. Just remember to adjust the amount of caramel sauce if you prefer a less sweet salad.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Snickers salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The apples may soften over time, but the flavor will still be delicious! Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Can I Make This Salad Without Nuts?
Yes, you can easily skip the nuts if you’re allergic or simply don’t prefer them. The salad is still delightful without them! If you’d like a crunch, consider using crushed pretzels or graham crackers as an alternative topping.
What Can I Substitute for Whipped Topping?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute whipped topping with whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. If using Greek yogurt, consider mixing in a bit of powdered sugar or vanilla extract to sweeten it up!
