If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that’s embarrassingly easy to make but never fails to cause a stampede at picnics and potlucks, let me introduce you to the magic of Snickers Summer Salad. This irresistible treat combines crisp Granny Smith apples, creamy vanilla pudding, swoops of whipped topping, and generous hunks of Snickers candy bars—all crowned with a decadent caramel drizzle. Whether you’re celebrating summer’s sunshine, cozying up for a fall feast, or just need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Snickers Summer Salad delivers sweet nostalgia and bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Snickers Summer Salad is all about simplicity. Just a handful of humble ingredients come together, each serving an important role—there’s crunch, sweetness, tartness, and a creamy backdrop that ties it all together. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a tip for each ingredient to guarantee dessert salad perfection:
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces): Brings subtle vanilla flavor and a creamy, dreamy texture; make sure to use instant for quick thickening.
- Whole milk (¾ cup): Helps create a rich and silky pudding base; whole milk adds body but lower-fat milk will still work in a pinch.
- Cool Whip or heavy whipping cream (8 ounces/1 cup): Adds fluffy, luscious lightness; if you use heavy cream, beat it to stiff peaks for the perfect consistency.
- Granny Smith apples (6, divided): Their tart snap perfectly balances all the sweetness; reserve one apple for a fresh, vibrant garnish just before serving.
- Snickers bars (6, divided): The unmistakable combo of nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate is what sets this salad over the top; chop five to mix in and save one for that winning presentation.
- Caramel sauce (¼ cup, optional): For those who want to crank up the indulgence, a drizzle over the top is simply irresistible; use store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe.
How to Make Snickers Summer Salad
Step 1: Make the Vanilla Pudding Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix together with the whole milk until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This is your flavor foundation, so use a sturdy whisk to banish any lumps. You’re looking for a light, pudding-like consistency that will gently hold everything together.
Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream—folding instead of stirring keeps things fluffy and helps the salad feel light and luscious. If using whipped cream, make sure you’ve beaten it to stiff peaks so your salad stays stable and cloud-like.
Step 3: Prepare and Chop the Apples
Core and chop five of the Granny Smith apples into bite-sized cubes. For the best texture and to prevent browning, toss the apple pieces with a splash of lemon juice or a little 7-Up if you’re prepping ahead of time. Set aside the last apple to slice just before serving, which gives your Snickers Summer Salad an extra burst of freshness and a pretty pop of green.
Step 4: Chop the Snickers Bars
Grab five of your Snickers bars and chop them into hearty, bite-sized pieces. The goal is to have chocolate, caramel, and peanuts in every mouthful, so don’t be afraid to be generous! Stash that last bar to slice and scatter over the top at the end for maximum dessert salad drama.
Step 5: Combine and Chill
Fold the chopped apples and Snickers pieces into your creamy pudding base. Give everything a gentle yet thorough mix—just enough so every spoonful catches a little bit of everything. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve; chilling helps the flavors meld and the texture set.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, garnish your Snickers Summer Salad with the reserved apple (thinly sliced or chopped) and the last Snickers bar. Drizzle the whole thing with caramel sauce, if you like, for extra decadence. Warning: once you put the bowl down, expect it to disappear fast!
How to Serve Snickers Summer Salad
Garnishes
A little garnish takes this salad from “tasty” to “totally irresistible.” Fresh apple slices or a handful of diced Snickers sprinkled over the top add brightness and crunch. That extra drizzle of caramel sauce gives everything a glossy, golden finish—don’t hold back!
Side Dishes
Snickers Summer Salad plays incredibly well with classic cookout fare or comfort food favorites. Serve it alongside grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, or as a sweet counterpoint to salty potato chips. It truly shines at potlucks, nestled between pasta salads and fruit platters, offering a playful nod to childhood favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, spoon Snickers Summer Salad into individual parfait cups topped with extra Snickers and caramel. Or, serve in a hollowed-out apple for a jaw-dropping centerpiece. Kids adore it scooped into waffle cones, while grownups will love a scoop paired with a dollop of extra whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Snickers Summer Salad keeps surprisingly well in the fridge. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. If any liquid separates, just give it a gentle stir before serving again to reincorporate the creaminess.
Freezing
Freezing Snickers Summer Salad is not ideal due to the apples and the whipped topping, which can both become watery and lose their appealing texture after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or use up those leftovers within a couple of days.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! This salad is definitely best served cold or at cool room temperature. If it’s been chilling for a while, let it sit for 10–15 minutes at room temp to take the chill off and bring out the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of apple in Snickers Summer Salad?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples bring the perfect tart crunch, feel free to swap in Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter spin. Just keep in mind that firmer varieties work best to hold up in the creamy salad.
How far ahead can I make Snickers Summer Salad?
You can prep the salad up to 24 hours ahead—just wait to add the garnish and caramel until right before serving for the freshest taste and prettiest appearance. If making in advance, tossing the apple pieces in a bit of lemon juice will keep them bright and crisp.
Are there peanut-free alternatives to Snickers bars?
Certainly! If you need a peanut-free version, try substituting a caramel-nougat-chocolate bar like Milky Way, or use your favorite candy bar that fits your dietary needs. Add a handful of chopped pretzels for a salty crunch as a peanut stand-in.
Can I make Snickers Summer Salad lighter?
Yes! Use light or fat-free whipped topping and swap in skim milk for whole if you’re watching calories. You can also reduce the amount of Snickers for a less indulgent—but still delightful—dessert salad.
Is Snickers Summer Salad gluten-free?
Snickers bars and most instant pudding mixes are gluten-free, but check the packaging for cross-contamination warnings and ingredient lists just to be sure. When in doubt, choose certified gluten-free candy and pudding options.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an addictive summertime dessert for your next gathering—or just need a little everyday treat—Snickers Summer Salad is bound to steal the spotlight. It’s sweet, creamy, perfectly balanced, and so easy to whip up. Give it a try, share it with those you love, and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
Print
Snickers Summer Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snickers Summer Salad is a delightful dessert salad that combines the sweetness of vanilla pudding, the crunch of Snickers candy bars, the tartness of Granny Smith apples, and the creaminess of whipped topping. Drizzled with caramel sauce, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any time of year.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces Cool Whip or 1 cup heavy whipping cream, beaten to stiff peaks
- 5 Granny Smith apples, chopped
- 5 Snickers bars, chopped
For Garnish:
- 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced
- 1 Snickers bar, chopped
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, prepare the pudding: Whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping or whipped cream.
- Prepare the apples and Snickers: Core and chop all but one apple. Chop all but one Snickers bar into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine ingredients: Fold in the chopped apples and Snickers into the pudding mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Final touches: Before serving, top the salad with the remaining apple and Snickers. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- If using whipped cream: Beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Sweeten and flavor as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Salad
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg