Description
Transform your family gatherings or weeknight dinners with this Taffy Apple Salad! A perfect mix of sweet apples, creamy Cool Whip, tropical pineapple, and salty peanuts, this dish brings together flavors and textures in every bite. Simple to prepare and utterly delicious, it’s bound to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup
- All-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon
- Large egg (optional): 1
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Apples (diced): 4 cups
- Crushed pineapple (drained): 20 ounces
- Cool Whip (thawed): 8 ounces
- Salted peanuts: 1½ cups
Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing:
- In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- If using the egg, lightly beat it and add it to the mixture along with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to boil (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool completely.
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Prepare the Fruit:
- Wash the apples and dice them into bite-sized pieces. You can leave the skin on for extra texture or peel them if you prefer.
- Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
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Combine the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples and drained pineapple.
- Once the dressing has cooled, fold it into the fruit mixture until everything is evenly coated.
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Add the Creamy Layer:
- Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until the salad is creamy and well blended.
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Add the Peanuts:
- Stir in 1 cup of salted peanuts, reserving the remaining ½ cup for garnish.
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Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, sprinkle the reserved peanuts on top for a crunchy garnish. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
- Apple Choices: Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet apples like Honeycrisp, depending on your flavor preference.
- Peanut-Free Option: Substitute peanuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance; just add the peanuts right before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Customizable: For added variety, mix in mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American