Taffy Apple Salad

Taffy apple salad is a sweet, indulgent twist on a classic fruit salad, loaded with fresh apples, pineapple, and marshmallows and smothered in a creamy dressing that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Taffy apple salad brings a burst of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. The pineapple and marshmallows bring a soft, sweet touch, while the fresh apples add a refreshing tartness that keeps this dessert dip from being overly sugary. This balance of fresh fruit and creamy indulgence makes it a perfect choice for any gathering. It’s familiar enough to feel comforting, yet unique enough to stand out. Whether it’s for a casual treat or a family event, this dessert is sure to be a hit.

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Let’s Dish: About This Dip

Main Ingredients: Pineapple, vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, apples, mini marshmallows, peanuts.

Quick Steps: Mix pineapple juice with pudding, fold in Cool Whip, chop apples, combine remaining ingredients, and chill.

Total Time & Yield: 35 minutes total, yields 8 servings.

Why This Recipe

• This taffy apple salad recipe offers simplicity without sacrificing flavor.

• Unlike recipes that require cooking the pineapple juice with eggs and flour to form a custard, this recipe uses a vanilla pudding mix. This cuts down prep time while still delivering that creamy, nostalgic texture.

• Plus, it keeps the focus on the natural sweetness of the fruit and the satisfying crunch of peanuts without adding additional candy bars.

• This offers a balance between sweet and tart that won’t overwhelm the palate.

Taffy Apple Salad Ingredients

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

Easy Taffy Apple Salad Substitutions And Additions

APPLES: You can substitute different types of apples for this apple taffy salad recipe. Try adding a mixture of red and green for a nice color contrast. Red Delicious apples, Royal Gala apples, Granny Smith apples, and Green Delicious apples are all great choices.

PUDDING: If you’d like, you can use a different flavor of pudding in this recipe. Try butterscotch, white chocolate, or cheesecake for the creamy dressing.

MIX-INS: You could add other ingredients, such as raisins, chopped pecans, pieces of Snickers candy bar, or butterscotch sauce, for a twist on the traditional recipe.

How To Make This Taffy Apple Salad Recipe

Use a chilled serving bowl when mixing ingredients together. Chilling the bowl prevents the apples from becoming mushy or over-softening during preparation.

STEP ONE: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the juice from the pineapple tidbits with the vanilla instant pudding. The pineapple juice will help dissolve the pudding mix when combined together.

STEP TWO: Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined. Place in the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

STEP THREE: Chop the red and green apples into small bite-size pieces.

STEP FOUR: In a large bowl, arrange the pineapple tidbits, chopped apples, mini marshmallows, peanuts, and Cool Whip mixture and mix until evenly distributed.

Be careful when you are mixing up the salad. You don’t want to break the ingredients up too much, so make sure you stir the salad gently.

STEP FIVE: Garnish with additional peanuts and caramel sauce if desired. Enjoy!

How To Serve This Fruit Salad

A caramel taffy apple salad can be served as the perfect side dish or a snack and will be a guaranteed family favorite. 

Enjoy it after a delicious summer meal of grilled chicken breast, tomato cucumber salad, and grilled corn on the cob. 

For another hearty meal, serve this sweet dessert salad with grilled burgers and hot dogs at a family potluck. 

MORE SALAD RECIPES

Side Dishes

Cucumber Salad

Side Dishes

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

During apple season, we have plenty of ideas for a great way to use your orchard spoils. Our  apple pie bites and caramel apple pie bombs are two easy desserts we love.

Storage Tips Apple Taffy Salad

If you have leftovers of this crisp salad to savor later, here are some helpful storage tips.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store taffy apple salad in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to three to five days.

IN THE FREEZER: It is not recommended to freeze this delicious recipe as the texture of the apples and marshmallows may change upon thawing. It is best to prepare and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Why Taffy Apple Salad is the Best

Taffy apple salad is a classic favorite, bringing together flavors and textures that make it irresistibly delicious. Here are a few reasons why this recipe shines:

1. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness and Tartness
   With crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, this salad has a perfect blend of sweet and tart that makes every bite exciting. The tartness of the apples offsets the sweetness from the creamy dressing and marshmallows, making it a treat that isn’t overly sugary.
2. Unique Texture Combination
   The creamy dressing, crunchy apples, chewy marshmallows, and nutty bites of peanuts create a texture that’s so satisfying. Each spoonful gives you a little bit of everything, making it far more interesting than a typical salad or dessert.
3. Nostalgic Fall Flavor
   This salad brings back memories of caramel apples and fall treats with its delicious taffy apple flavor profile. It’s like taking all the best parts of a caramel apple and turning it into an easy-to-eat dessert that everyone loves.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
   Taffy apple salad is always a hit at gatherings. It’s familiar yet unique, and guests love the mix of flavors that make it more exciting than traditional fruit salads. Plus, it’s easy to serve and share!
5. Quick to Prepare and Easy to Make Ahead
   This salad is simple to assemble and can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy days or large gatherings. The apples hold up well without browning quickly, and the flavors meld beautifully as it sits in the fridge.
6. Ideal for Any Occasion
   Whether it’s a holiday dinner, picnic, or potluck, this salad fits in everywhere. It’s versatile enough to be served as a dessert or a sweet side, and it’s always a pleasant surprise for guests expecting a traditional salad.

Taffy apple salad can be enjoyed as a delicious side dish, snack, or main dish. It is the perfect dish to bring to the next potluck or serve at a holiday dinner, and we have no doubt that your family will love this fun twist on a classic fluff salad! 

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• Snickers Apple Salad
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Taffy Apple Salad

5 from 4 votes

Taffy apple salad is a sweet, indulgent twist on a classic fruit salad, loaded with fresh apples, pineapple, and marshmallows and smothered in a creamy dressing that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 8

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 20 ounces pineapple tidbits, with juice
• 3.4 ounces vanilla pudding
• 8 ounces Cool Whip
• 2 cups red apples, chopped
• 2 cups green apples, chopped
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1½ cups dry roasted peanuts

Optional toppings

• Caramel sauce
• ½ cup dry roasted peanuts, crushed

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, mix together the juice from the pineapple tidbits with the vanilla pudding.
• Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined. Place in the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
• Chop the red and green apples into small bite-size pieces.
• In a large bowl, arrange the pineapple tidbits, apples, mini marshmallows, peanuts, and Cool Whip mixture and mix until evenly distributed.
• Garnish with additional peanuts and caramel sauce if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

• Use a chilled serving bowl when mixing ingredients together. Chilling the bowl prevents the apples from becoming mushy or over-softening during preparation.
• The pineapple juice will help dissolve the pudding mix when combined together.
• Be careful when you are mixing up the salad. You don’t want to break the ingredients up too much, so make sure you stir the salad gently.

Nutrition

Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 426mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 119IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

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