This Fruit Salad with Cool Whip recipe is a healthier version of a snickers apple salad or taffy apple salad. With candy chunks, vanilla pudding, cool whip, and lots of apples, this healthy dessert recipe is sure to please.
Creating healthier versions of traditional recipes is something that I love to do because of the endless possibilities. I decided to put a unique twist on traditional taffy apple salad by creating Fruit Salad with Cool Whip.
The combination of vanilla pudding, cool whip, apple chunks and candy pieces is sure to please anyone that tastes this recipe. FYI, I would plan on making a double or triple batch of this recipe if you are headed to an event with more than 8 people - trust me 🙂
Apples are probably one of my top favorite fruits to use in the kitchen. If you are looking for more recipes featuring apples, check out Easy Sautéed Apples and Canning Applesauce.
Check out this video for step-by-step instructions on how to make a delicious and creamy fruit salad!
HOW TO MAKE FRUIT SALAD WITH COOL WHIP
- In a large bowl, whisk dry instant vanilla pudding mix with milk.
- Stir in whipped topping and apples.
- Top with candy chunks.
- Serve or refrigerate until serving.
Start by adding a dry pudding mix into a bowl and pouring in skim milk. I typically use a vanilla pudding mix for this recipe because the vanilla flavor pairs well with the cool whip and apple chunks.
Whisk pudding mix and milk together until the mixture becomes creamy.
Next, add the cool whip & stir into the pudding.
INGREDIENT SWAP: Greek yogurt could be used instead of the cool whip in this recipe. Picking a vanilla Greek yogurt would add an extra boost of flavor.
Then, stir in the apple chunks until everything is combined. I prefer to use green apples because the tartness of the apple adds a great flavor to the salad.
Once your apple pieces are stirred into the salad, toss in candy chunks or another ingredient. This is the part of the recipe that I LOVE to get creative.
Here are some tasty ingredients to consider for your fruit salad:
- Milky ways
- Twix
- 3 Musketeers
- Snickers
- Peanuts
- M&Ms
- Sprinkles
- Caramel drizzle
- Pecan or walnut pieces
- Coconut flakes
- Mini marshmallows
- Mandarin oranges
- Maraschino cherries
- Crushed pineapple
You can pick a single ingredient or a combination. My kids enjoy making their own edition of fruit salad so having a variety of ingredients is key at my house.
This fruit salad with cool whip and pudding is a great recipe to keep at the top of the menu as summer approaches to serve as an afternoon snack or nightly dessert.
It is also an excellent healthy dessert recipe to bring to any potluck, picnic, birthday party or work event that you have on your calendar.
Looking for other healthy dessert ideas? Here are some of my favorites!
If you enjoyed the recipe make sure to leave a comment and a star rating below! Then follow me on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. I love seeing what you come up with!
Ingredients
- 3.4 oz. dry instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup skim milk
- 8 oz. cool whip
- 3 green apples cored and diced
- 5-10 mini milky ways 3 Musketeers, or snickers candies, or a combination of them all
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk dry instant pudding mix with milk.
- Stir in cool whip and apples.
- Top with candy chunks.
- Serve or refrigerate until serving.
Debbie says
I’ve been craving this salad, but not wanting all the calories. I can’t wait to try this version!