Introduction

Taffy Apple Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and crunchy flavors perfect for any gathering or a refreshing dessert. Combining apples, pineapple, marshmallows, and peanuts with a creamy pudding base, this salad is both easy to make and irresistibly satisfying.

A white scalloped bowl is filled with a creamy dessert mix that forms the base layer with a soft white color and fluffy texture. Mixed inside and piled on top are small cubes of red and green apples, adding bright splashes of color and a crisp, juicy texture. Scattered across the top are mini marshmallows, golden crunchy nuts, and chopped chocolate bars with a rich dark brown and caramel swirl, providing a varied texture and a sweet, nutty look. A drizzle of light caramel sauce covers the surface, adding a shiny golden layer over the colorful mix. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a green apple and a striped green cloth visible nearby, as well as a candy bar wrapper in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

20 ounces pineapple tidbits (with juice)
3.4 ounces vanilla pudding mix
8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
2 cups red apples (chopped)
2 cups green apples (chopped)
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts
Caramel sauce (garnish, optional)
1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts (garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, stir the pineapple juice together with the vanilla pudding mix until smooth.
Step 2: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the mixture until everything is light and fully blended. Place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 3: Chop both the red and green apples into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine pineapple tidbits, chopped apples, mini marshmallows, 1 ½ cups of dry roasted peanuts, and the chilled Cool Whip mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 5: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and top with the remaining ½ cup of dry roasted peanuts. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, try adding chopped celery or substituting walnuts for peanuts.
Use homemade vanilla pudding or custard for a richer flavor.
Chilling the salad for at least an hour before serving helps flavors meld together.
To avoid browning, toss chopped apples in a little lemon juice before adding.

Storage

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Due to the freshness of the apples and marshmallows, it’s best enjoyed within this time frame. Stir gently before serving again. This salad is best served cold and does not reheat well.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a layered dish that includes chunks of red and green apples, creamy white yogurt or cottage cheese mixed with small cereal pieces, and scattered nuts. On top, there are broken pieces of chocolate-covered peanut butter cups broad enough to see the brown and golden inside. A golden syrup is being drizzled from above, flowing down over the chocolate and nuts. The bowl sits on a surface with white marbled texture, and a silver spoon with a cut-out design is placed nearby on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned apples instead of fresh apples?

Fresh apples provide the best texture and flavor for this salad, but you can substitute canned apples if needed. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid extra moisture.

Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. However, the apples may brown and the marshmallows might soften if stored too long, so it’s best to assemble it closer to serving time for optimal freshness.

Taffy Apple Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 69 reviews

Taffy Apple Salad is a delightful and colorful fruit salad combining sweet pineapple, crisp red and green apples, fluffy vanilla pudding and Cool Whip mixture, mini marshmallows, and crunchy dry roasted peanuts. This refreshing and creamy treat is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a fun dessert option, offering a delicious balance of textures and flavors with an optional caramel sauce garnish for extra sweetness.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

20 ounces pineapple tidbits (with juice)
3.4 ounces vanilla pudding mix
8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)

Fruit and Mix-ins

2 cups red apples (chopped)
2 cups green apples (chopped)
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts

Garnish (Optional)

Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts

Instructions

Prepare pudding mixture: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the pineapple juice and vanilla pudding mix until smooth and well combined.
Add Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the pudding mixture until the blend is light and uniform. Place this mixture in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the other ingredients.
Prepare fruit: Chop both the red and green apples into small, bite-sized pieces so they are easy to eat and well balanced among ingredients.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pineapple tidbits, chopped apples, mini marshmallows, and dry roasted peanuts with the chilled Cool Whip pudding mixture. Gently stir to evenly distribute all ingredients without breaking the fruit.
Garnish and serve: Top the salad with additional dry roasted peanuts and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Use apples that are crisp and tart like Granny Smith or Fuji for best texture and flavor contrast.
Ensure the Cool Whip is fully thawed for easy mixing and a smooth salad texture.
The pudding mix can be vanilla instant pudding, no need to cook it.
Caramel sauce garnish is optional but adds a nice sweetness and visual appeal.
For a nut-free version, omit the peanuts or replace with toasted coconut flakes.
This salad is best served chilled and eaten the same day for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Taffy Apple Salad, fruit salad, pineapple salad, apple salad, marshmallow salad, creamy fruit salad, summer salad, easy dessert