Snickers Salad
Okay, hear me out—this Snickers Salad isn’t really a salad, but it might just be your new favorite dessert in disguise. Imagine crisp tart apples, fluffy whipped topping, creamy vanilla pudding, and chewy, chocolatey Snickers bars all mingling together in one bowl of pure joy. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kid again… only now you’re the one bringing the magic to the potluck!
This no-bake treat is as easy as it is irresistible, and it’s perfect for family gatherings, BBQs, or that random Tuesday night when your sweet tooth won’t quit.
Why You’ll Love Snickers Salad
This dessert “salad” is the best kind of contradiction. It’s refreshing and indulgent. Light and rich. Classic and totally unexpected. If you’ve never had candy in a salad before, you’re about to discover a Midwestern treasure that checks every dessert box—with only a handful of ingredients and zero oven time!
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Want to make the creamiest, dreamiest version of this treat? Keep these tips in your apron pocket:
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best contrast to the sweetness.
- Chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving—it gets better as it rests!
- Cut the Snickers just before adding so they stay chewy, not melty.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 Granny Smith apples, chopped
- 6 full-size Snickers bars, chopped
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional: caramel sauce and chopped peanuts for topping

Instructions
Let’s whip this up in no time:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
- Add chopped apples and chopped Snickers to the creamy base.
- Gently stir everything together until the apples and candy are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors mingle.
- Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped peanuts if desired.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
What makes Snickers Salad shine is the dreamy combo of textures: crisp apple crunch, pillowy whipped cream, velvety pudding, and chewy candy pieces with peanuts, nougat, and chocolate. It’s sweet and slightly tangy, with a creamy base that wraps everything together like a big dessert hug.
How to Serve Snickers Salad
You can serve this chilled right from the bowl or jazz it up a bit with these ideas:
- Scoop it into mason jars for a cute, portable dessert
- Serve in mini dessert cups topped with a mini Snickers bite
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence
- Add it to a dessert charcuterie board with cookies and fruit
Creative Leftover Transformations
Got leftovers? Here’s how to turn them into new treats:
- Spoon into a graham cracker crust for a no-bake pie
- Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles
- Mix it into muffin batter for a fun twist
- Blend with a little milk and freeze into popsicles
Additional Tips
Here’s how to make this dessert foolproof:
- Make just before serving if using very juicy apples to avoid excess liquid
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the chopped apples to keep them from browning
- Swap apples for pears or bananas if you’re feeling adventurous
- Not a fan of Snickers? Try Twix, Milky Way, or Reese’s!
Make It a Showstopper (Presentation Ideas)
Go from simple to stunning with these quick ideas:
- Garnish the top with apple slices arranged in a fan shape
- Drizzle with dark chocolate in a crisscross pattern
- Top with whipped cream and half a mini Snickers for flair
- Serve in a trifle bowl to show off all the layers
FAQ’s
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just refrigerate and give it a gentle stir before serving. - What apples work best?
Granny Smith is a favorite for tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well. - Can I use sugar-free pudding or whipped topping?
Absolutely—feel free to lighten it up! - Is this a side dish or dessert?
Both! It’s a side dish at potlucks and a dessert at dinner parties. - Can kids help make this?
Yes—it’s super kid-friendly and fun for little hands to stir. - How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 2 days. After that, the apples may lose their crunch. - Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Definitely! It’ll add a fresh, rich touch. - Is this gluten-free?
It can be—just check your pudding mix and candy bar ingredients. - What if I don’t like pudding?
Try Greek yogurt or cream cheese whipped with powdered sugar instead. - Can I serve this warm?
It’s best served cold or chilled, but room temp works in a pinch!
Conclusion
Snickers Salad is the sweet surprise you didn’t know you needed. It’s nostalgic, fun, and impossible to stop eating once you start. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or just because—you’ve got every reason to whip this one up. So grab those apples, chop those candy bars, and dive into a bowl of creamy, crunchy bliss. Your spoon is waiting!
Print
Snickers Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snickers Salad is a delightfully creamy, no-bake dessert made with crisp apples, chunks of Snickers candy bars, and a fluffy whipped topping. It’s sweet, tangy, and crunchy all in one bite—perfect for potlucks, parties, or a fun twist on fruit salad.
Ingredients
- 6 Snickers bars, chopped
- 4 Granny Smith apples, chopped
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined.
- Add the chopped apples and Snickers pieces, then gently fold until evenly coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness of the Snickers.
- Add mini marshmallows or crushed pretzels for extra texture and flavor.
- Best served the same day to keep the apples fresh and crunchy.
- Can be made a few hours ahead—just wait to add the apples until closer to serving time to avoid browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Snickers salad, no-bake dessert, apple and candy salad, potluck dessert, sweet salad