Snickers Salad

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’ve never tried Snickers Salad before, prepare to be amazed. This sweet and creamy treat is a Midwestern classic that combines crisp apples, fluffy whipped topping, and chopped Snickers bars into a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. It’s light, crunchy, chocolatey, and slightly tart — the perfect no-bake indulgence that feels like a guilty pleasure but comes together in minutes.

Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, holiday party, or a simple after-dinner sweet fix, Snickers Salad will be the star of your dessert table. It’s one of those dishes that brings people back for seconds (and thirds), and it sparks a bit of nostalgia for anyone who grew up enjoying this classic.

---

Why You’ll Love This Snickers Salad

• Quick & Easy: No oven needed, and it comes together in under 10 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The mix of candy bars, whipped cream, and apples is pure magic.
• Customizable: Add extras like caramel drizzle, mini marshmallows, or pudding mix.
• Kid-Approved: Kids love the candy, and parents love how easy it is.
• Perfect for Parties: It’s always a hit at BBQs, birthday parties, and potlucks.

---

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

Tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith are the go-to for Snickers Salad. They balance the sweetness of the candy and whipped topping perfectly. You can mix in a few sweet red apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for added color and variety, but the crunch of a tart green apple is essential for that perfect texture contrast.

---

Ingredients for the Snickers Salad

Each ingredient adds its own delicious texture and flavor, making this salad a unique dessert delight:

• Granny Smith apples – Tart and crisp, they balance the sweetness of the salad.
• Snickers bars – The signature mix of nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate creates that irresistible candy crunch.
• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip) – Fluffy and light, it brings everything together with a creamy base.
• Vanilla pudding mix (optional) – Adds richness and thickness if you want a more structured texture.
• Milk (only if using pudding mix) – Helps create the creamy pudding base.
• Caramel sauce (optional) – Drizzle over the top for extra indulgence.
• Chopped peanuts or toffee bits (optional) – For extra crunch and topping appeal.

---

How To Make the Snickers Salad

Step 1: Chop the Apples

Wash and dice the apples into bite-sized cubes. You can peel them if you like, but the skin adds extra texture and color.

Step 2: Slice the Snickers Bars

Chop the Snickers bars into small chunks. Keep a few extra pieces aside for garnish.

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Base (Optional)

If you’re using vanilla pudding, whisk the mix with milk until thickened. Then gently fold in the whipped topping.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, Snickers pieces, and whipped topping (or pudding mix if using). Stir gently until evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, top with reserved Snickers chunks, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of peanuts or toffee bits if desired.

---

How to Serve and Store Snickers Salad

Snickers Salad is best served chilled in a large bowl or individual dessert cups for a fun and festive presentation. This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it perfect for small gatherings or as a sweet treat during the week.

For storing, cover tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the apples will hold their texture pretty well thanks to the whipped topping. Stir gently before serving if any separation occurs.

Avoid freezing as the texture of the whipped topping and apples will break down.

---

What to Serve With Snickers Salad?

This dessert salad is a great companion to many meals. Here are some tasty pairings:

1. Grilled Burgers

It makes the perfect sweet ending to a summer cookout.

2. BBQ Chicken

Balances savory and smoky flavors with creamy sweetness.

3. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Adds a crisp and cool contrast to bold, saucy meats.

4. Turkey Sandwiches

Light and refreshing, great for lunch gatherings.

5. Chili Dogs

A fun fair-food combo with surprising balance.

6. Fried Chicken

Classic comfort meets playful dessert.

7. Breakfast Brunch

Include it as a fruit dish alternative at brunch buffets.

8. Apple Cider

A chilled glass of cider complements the apple flavors in the salad.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Snickers Salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually better if you make it at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Just store it covered in the fridge.

2. Can I use other candy bars?
Definitely. Try using Milky Way, Twix, or Reese’s for a twist. Snickers gives the best combo of crunch and caramel, but it’s fun to experiment.

3. Can I make it without Cool Whip?
Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream. Just make sure it’s whipped stiff and sweetened lightly. Keep in mind, it may not hold up as long in the fridge.

4. Is this a dessert or a salad?
It’s a dessert salad — a fun Midwestern potluck tradition. It’s called a salad because it includes fruit, but make no mistake, it’s meant to satisfy your sweet tooth.

5. How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss them in a little lemon juice before mixing into the salad. The whipped topping also helps coat and preserve the apples.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use the pudding mix or skip it? Add caramel or extra toppings?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s make sweet memories together.
Find more of my easy dessert recipes on Pinterest: Life With Livia on Pinterest

---

Conclusion

Snickers Salad is the ultimate no-bake dessert that combines the crunch of apples, the gooey sweetness of candy bars, and the creaminess of whipped topping into one unforgettable dish. It’s fast, fun, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any event. Whether you’re making it for a party, a picnic, or just to enjoy on your own, this classic never disappoints.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?