Looking for a sweet and slightly unexpected dish to bring to your next potluck? Then look no further! Snickers Salad is a creamy, crunchy, and utterly delicious dessert salad that’s sure to be a hit. This family-friendly, easy-to-make recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings, holidays, or even just a fun weeknight treat. Its simplicity and satisfying flavors make it the ultimate comfort food.
What is Snickers Salad?
Snickers Salad isn’t your typical leafy green salad – it’s a sweet, creamy concoction popular at potlucks, cookouts, and family gatherings throughout the Midwest. This delightful dessert dish combines crisp tart apples, creamy whipped topping, decadent Snickers bars, and fluffy marshmallows, all coated in a luscious vanilla pudding base.
The combination of textures – the crispness of the apples, the chewiness of the marshmallows, and the crunch of the Snickers – creates an irresistible treat that adults and kids alike love. Its simple preparation and the readily available ingredients make it a convenient and delicious choice for any occasion. Snickers Salad offers a delightful twist on traditional desserts and is always a welcomed addition to any table.
Ready to experience this Midwestern classic and bring some serious joy to your next gathering? Try making Snickers Salad today!
Key Ingredients for Snickers Salad:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this sensational Snickers Salad:
- 5-6 Medium Granny Smith Apples: Cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces. Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tang to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- 1 (8 ounce) Container Frozen Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): Thawed completely. This adds a light and airy creaminess to the salad.
- 6 Snickers Candy Bars (Regular Size): Chopped into small pieces. These provide the signature caramel, peanut, and chocolate flavors.
- 1 (3.4 ounce) Package Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This acts as a stabilizer and adds a rich vanilla flavor to the salad. Look for the instant variety for easy preparation.
- 1/2 Cup Milk: Used to prepare the instant vanilla pudding. Use whatever milk you have on hand, but whole milk will add more richness.
- 1 Cup Mini Marshmallows: Adds a soft, chewy sweetness to the salad. You can use regular-sized marshmallows cut into smaller pieces if you prefer.
How to Make Snickers Salad:
This Snickers Salad is incredibly easy, taking less than 20 minutes to whip up! It’s sweet, satisfying, full of delicious textures, and the best part? No baking required. The combination of chocolate, caramel, apples and marshmallows is perfectly harmonious.
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Pudding: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and the milk until smooth. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently fold together the thawed whipped topping and the thickened vanilla pudding until well combined and smooth.
- Add Apples: Add the chopped Granny Smith apples to the mixture. Gently fold them in, ensuring they are coated with the creamy pudding mixture.
- Add Snickers Bars and Marshmallows: Add the chopped Snickers candy bars and mini marshmallows to the bowl. Gently fold them into the apple and pudding mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the salad.
- Chill: Place the Snickers Salad in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to set slightly. Serve cold and enjoy,
Why You’ll Love This Snickers Salad:
This Snickers Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser due to its captivating blend of textures and flavors. The tart apples provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet Snickers bars and marshmallows, while the creamy pudding and whipped topping bring it all together in a harmonious symphony.
Making this delightful treat at home helps you save money compared to buying a ready-made dessert, plus you can customize the ingredients to suit your liking. And don’t forget the magical combination of Snickers, apples, pudding, and marshmallows – who could resist?
If you love the idea of dessert salads, you might also enjoy a classic Watergate Salad (made with pineapple, pecans, and pistachio pudding).
Ready to make Snickers Salad your go-to potluck dish? Head to the kitchen and create this delightful treat right now!
What to Serve Snickers Salad With:
Snickers Salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a dessert or a side at a barbecue or picnic. Here are a few ideas for what to serve it with:
- Grilled Meats: The sweetness of the salad complements savory grilled meats like burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork.
- Salads: Serve it alongside other salads, such as potato salad, coleslaw, or a green salad, for a balanced meal.
- Barbecue Sides: It pairs well with classic barbecue sides like corn on the cob, baked beans, and potato salad.
- Drinks: Wash it down with a refreshing glass of lemonade, iced tea, or a cold soda.
Top Tips for Perfecting Snickers Salad:
- Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal as their tartness balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the salad from being too runny.
- Don’t Add Marshmallows Too Early: To keep marshmallows from dissolving, add them towards the end of the preparation and chill immediately.
- Customize with Other Candy: Feel free to add other favorite candies like chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Heath Bars for added flavor and texture.
- Lighten it Up: Use sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping for a slightly healthier version.
- Prevent Browning Apples: Dip the chopped apples in a little bit of apple juice (or lemon juice watered down) before adding them to mixture. This will help prevent browning.
5 Facts about Snickers Salad:
- Midwestern Staple: Snickers Salad is a beloved dessert dish primarily enjoyed in the Midwestern United States.
- Not a Traditional Salad: Despite its name, it’s a sweet dessert rather than a savory salad.
- Key Ingredients: Usually includes Snickers bars, apples, whipped topping, vanilla pudding, and marshmallows.
- Potluck Favorite: Commonly served at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings due to its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing taste.
- Adaptable Recipe: Can be easily customized with additional ingredients or variations to suit individual preferences.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Snickers Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 2-3 days. Over time, the apples may release moisture, making the salad a bit watery.
- Freezing: While freezing is not recommended due to the whipped topping’s texture changing, it can be done as a last resort. Be aware that the texture will be different after thawing. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Reheating/Serving:
- Snickers Salad is served cold and does not require reheating. Simply remove it from the refrigerator and enjoy. If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
Final Thoughts:
Snickers Salad is more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic trip to Midwestern potlucks, a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. From the tartness of the apples to the sweet, crunchy Snickers bars, every bite is a delightful surprise. So, gather your ingredients and create this crowd-pleasing favorite – it’s sure to become a beloved tradition in your own home!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Snickers Salad FAQs:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, Snickers Salad can be made a few hours ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the marshmallows just before serving to prevent them from dissolving.
Q: Can I use different types of apples?
A: While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can use other crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Q: Can I use sugar-free pudding and whipped topping?
A: Yes, you can use sugar-free versions of the pudding and whipped topping to reduce the sugar content.
Q: Can i make it vegan?
While it’s challenging due to the dairy in the Snickers bars and whipped topping, you can attempt a vegan version by using vegan caramel candies, vegan whipped cream (be aware the texture might not be the same), and ensuring your pudding mix is plant-based. Replacing the Snickers with a vegan-friendly caramel, peanut, and chocolate bar alternative would also be necessary.
Q: How long does Snickers Salad last?
A: Snickers Salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it. After that, the apples may start to lose their crispness and the salad may become watery.