Candy Salad Recipe

Written by: Editor In Chief
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Why You’ll Love this Candy Salad Recipe

Whether you’re looking for a fun side dish for a gathering or a sweet treat to enjoy, you’ll love this Candy Salad recipe.

I can’t get enough of its vibrant colors and delightful crunch. The blend of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt makes it so invigorating, perfect for warm days.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just toss everything together! I appreciate how versatile it is; you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

This Candy Salad always garners compliments, making me feel like a kitchen superstar. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients of Candy Salad

When it comes to making a delightful Candy Salad, the ingredients play an essential role in creating that sweet, colorful masterpiece. You want to gather everything you need to guarantee a delicious blend that everyone will love. So, let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this fun dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to picnics. And trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 (16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix
  • 2 apples, diced
  • 3 cups grapes, any color
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 1/2 cups plain fat-free yogurt
  • 1 (1 ounce) box fat-free sugar-free vanilla pudding mix

Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a moment. First off, the coleslaw mix is an unexpected base that adds a nice crunch and texture to the salad.

You can get creative with the apples—go for sweet varieties like Fuji or tart ones like Granny Smith, depending on your mood. And those grapes? Any color works, but I like to mix green and red for that pop of color.

As for the marshmallows, they add that extra sweetness that feels almost nostalgic. If you’re watching your calories or sugar, the fat-free yogurt and sugar-free pudding mix are great choices that won’t compromise on taste.

Just remember, the fresher the fruits, the better the salad will be. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get ready to make something delicious!

How to Make Candy Salad

candy salad with yogurt

Making Candy Salad is as easy as pie, and honestly, who doesn’t love a dessert that involves minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? To kick things off, grab your 1 (16 ounce) bag of coleslaw mix. Yep, you heard that right—coleslaw mix. It sounds a bit strange for a salad, but trust me on this one.

In a large mixing bowl, toss in the coleslaw mix, followed by 2 diced apples. You can pick your favorite apples; I personally love the crunchy sweetness of Fuji, but go wild with Granny Smith if you want that tart zing. Next, add in 3 cups of grapes—any color will do, but a mix of green and red grapes adds a lovely touch of color. And let’s not forget about that 1 cup of miniature marshmallows. They’re like the tiny clouds of sweetness that make this salad feel like a treat.

Now that you’ve got all those delightful ingredients in your bowl, it’s time to whip up the dressing. In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of plain fat-free yogurt with 1 (1 ounce) box of fat-free sugar-free vanilla pudding mix. It might look a little strange at first, but just mix it well until it’s smooth and creamy.

Once you have that dreamy mixture ready, pour it over the fruit and coleslaw mix and give it a gentle fold. You want everything to be coated, but be careful not to mash up the grapes—no one wants grape mush in their salad, right?

After everything is combined, cover your bowl and let it chill in the fridge for a bit. This step is essential because it allows the flavors to meld together. So, while you’re waiting, maybe grab a snack or binge-watch your favorite show. Just don’t forget about your Candy Salad waiting in the fridge!

Candy Salad Substitutions & Variations

After you’ve whipped up that delightful Candy Salad, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up a bit.

Try swapping out the coleslaw mix for a fresh spinach base or adding nuts for a satisfying crunch. If you’re not a fan of grapes, diced pineapple or berries work wonderfully too.

For a twist, consider using flavored yogurt, like vanilla or coconut. To adjust the sweetness, you can replace marshmallows with chopped dried fruit.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different pudding flavors, like banana or chocolate, to give your salad a unique flair.

Enjoy creating your perfect version!

What to Serve with Candy Salad

While Candy Salad is a delightful dish on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals.

I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or pork for a revitalizing contrast. It also complements a hearty sandwich, adding a sweet crunch to each bite.

For a lighter option, I’ve found that it works well with fish tacos, balancing the flavors beautifully.

If you’re hosting a potluck, Candy Salad is a hit next to BBQ dishes or picnic favorites like deviled eggs.

No matter the occasion, its versatility makes it a perfect side that everyone will enjoy!

Additional Tips & Notes

Candy Salad pairs beautifully with various dishes, and to make the most of this delightful side, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

For added crunch, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or sunflower seeds. If you want a sweeter twist, try drizzling honey over the top before serving.

I usually prepare it a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld, but avoid making it too far in advance, as the apples may brown.

Finally, feel free to experiment with different fruits based on what’s in season, creating your own unique version of this tasty salad!