Whenever this Snickers salad recipe appears in a post, someone gets indignant that it is called a salad. “All that sugar!” they cry.
You’ll probably find it at any picnic or potluck in the Midwest. But is it a salad, or is it a dessert?
That, my friend, depends on two things: the eye of the beholder and where the hostess places it on the groaning food table. Is it with the hot dishes and salads, or with the desserts? It’s entirely up to you!
Here in the Midwest, we do love our sweet salads, like Frog Eye Salad, Watergate Salad, Glorified Rice, and Orange Fluff Salad. Kids love them! But if a “salad” made with whipped topping and candy bars as key ingredients offends you, by all means, move it down to the dessert table if that makes you happy.
Wherever you decide this dish belongs on the buffet is completely up to you. But if you take Snickers salad to a potluck, you’ll probably come home with an empty bowl!
It’s difficult to track down the origin of Snickers salad, but it was most likely born in the kitchen of a Midwestern woman—quite possibly for a potluck at a Lutheran church. I can say that with some authority because I was raised Lutheran in Iowa.
I got a kick out of an article about Snickers salad that appeared in The Indianapolis Star. The author questioned whether anything containing marshmallows could truly be called a salad. Apparently, people have been debating the definition of “salad” for quite some time. Meanwhile, Midwesterners have kept eating Snickers salad without worrying too much about it.
“The recipe for Snickers salad was included in a 2009 article “Salads worthy of a church picnic” in The Indianapolis Star. The author noted that “Despite what all my community and church cookbooks would say, I don’t think anything with marshmallows can really be called a salad.”
Traditionally, Snickers salad starts with instant vanilla pudding mixed with a small amount of milk. Fold the pudding mixture into whipped topping or real whipped cream. Next, chop unpeeled Granny Smith apples and fold them into the creamy mixture, along with marshmallows and several full-size Snickers bars cut into small pieces.
I’ll give you what I believe is the original recipe, but you can decide exactly how you want to make it.
Over time, we eliminated the milk and began folding the dry instant pudding mix directly into the whipped topping. Then we added the chopped apples and Snickers pieces.
You do not have to use Granny Smith apples, but their tart flavor is a wonderful contrast to the sweet pudding, whipped topping, and candy bars. The green peel also adds pretty color. Use any firm, crisp apples you have on hand. Honeycrisp, Jazz, Braeburn, and Cosmic Crisp are all excellent choices for Snickers salad.
Feel free to modify Snickers salad depending on what you have on hand and what your family likes. This recipe makes a large amount, so it is perfect for a potluck or family gathering.
One of our daughters skips the pudding entirely and uses a can of crushed pineapple instead. Our other daughter adds red grapes, and that is how her kids like it.
Some people use cheesecake-flavored instant pudding, and others add more peanuts. Feel free to “do your own thing” when you make Snickers salad!
This time, I saved one Snickers bar for garnish and added a drizzle of caramel topping and a handful of chopped peanuts. I know what you’re thinking: “Wow! Now it’s really more of a dessert!” But we still call it Snickers SALAD!🤣
This recipe makes a generous amount—enough for eight or more servings. Take it to your next picnic, church supper, or family potluck and see whether anyone cares if it is a salad or not. Just don’t expect to bring much home.
If you can’t bring yourself to take this “salad” to an event, here are two excellent options with no candy bars or whipped topping: Amazing Sauerkraut Salad and Danish-Style Cucumber Salad.
This recipe may be the original for a favorite Midwestern salad made with whipped topping, pudding, diced apples, and chopped Snickers bars. This "salad" could easily be a dessert.
*Or whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream instead of whipped topping.
I can only tell you it’s a Midwestern tradition that defies explanation.
You can use sugar-free instant pudding and light whipped topping. You could also cut down on the number of Snickers bars—but you risk complaints.
You can make it a day ahead, but it is best on the day you plan to serve it. It will keep in the refrigerator for two to three days, although the apples will gradually soften and may turn slightly brown.
Freezing is not recommended. The creamy mixture will weep and separate, and the apples will lose their crisp texture.
Now take this sweet little identity crisis to your next potluck and let everyone decide for themselves whether it’s a salad or dessert!
If you liked how this recipe turned out, I'd love it if you left a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review or dropped me a note in the comments! It really helps my little business connect with people who cook and eat the way we do. Thanks! ❤❤
Love, GB (Betty Streff)
Real food. Real kitchen. Real easy.
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This would totally be my dessert! As far as using the crockpot, my first choice always is a pot roast. There's really no recipe for mine - just a nice meaty roast, some potatoes and carrots (peeled and chunked) first in the pot and then add the roast on top. I sprinkle on some salt and pepper along with paprika and then 2-3 cups of beef stock that gets poured around the roast. I let it cook on medium all day long. The aroma is heavenly and the meat gets SO tender and fall-apart good. Any leftovers get made into vegetable soup.
You are totally making me hungry! That sounds amazing- We have a couple of busy weeks coming up- so I will make that this week! Thank you- and yes, Snickers salad is really more of a dessert! LOL