This Peanut Butter Apple Salad is one of those simple, old-fashioned recipes that instantly takes me back to church potlucks, family gatherings, and handwritten recipe cards tucked into well-used cookbooks. It’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, and just a little salty. The kind of easy side dish or dessert salad that disappears fast from the table.
With crisp apples, crushed pretzels, fluffy whipped topping, and rich peanut butter, this no-bake salad comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, backyard cookouts, or anytime you need something quick and comforting with pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & no-bake — ready in minutes
- Sweet and salty balance everyone loves
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Perfect make-ahead dish for gatherings
- A fun way to use fresh apples from the orchard or backyard tree
Easy Peanut Butter Apple Salad (An Old-Fashioned Favorite)
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- ¼ Cup Peanut Butter creamy works best
- 2 Large Apples peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 Cup Pretzels crushed, sticks or twists both work
- 1 ½ Cups Whipped Topping thawed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir the peanut butter and whipped topping until smooth and creamy.¼ Cup Peanut Butter, 1 ½ Cups Whipped Topping
- Add the sliced apples and crushed pretzels. Fold everything together until evenly coated.2 Large Apples, 1 Cup Pretzels
- Chill briefly or serve immediately.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Recipe Tips & Helpful Notes
- Best apples to use. Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix of both
- Prevent browning. Toss apple slices with a little lemon juice if making ahead. Or rinse the apple slices with cold water and pat dry.
- Crunch factor. Add pretzels just before serving if you prefer them extra crisp
- Texture tip. Lightly crush pretzels. You want small pieces, not crumbs
- Make Ahead. If making ahead, wait to add the pretzels until just before serving as they will get soggy.
Nutrition
Easy Variations to Try
This is a great base recipe that’s easy to customize:
- Add mini marshmallows for extra sweetness
- Stir in chopped peanuts for more crunch
- Use caramel drizzle on top before serving
- Swap whipped topping for homemade whipped cream
- Add chocolate chips for a dessert-style salad
- Use almond or sunflower butter for a nut-free version
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover Peanut Butter Apple Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may soften and the pretzels will lose some crunch, but the flavor remains delicious.
Tip: If you know you’ll have leftovers, keep extra crushed pretzels aside and stir them in just before serving again.
Is Peanut Butter Apple Salad a dessert or a side dish?
It can be either! Many families serve it as a dessert salad, while others include it alongside savory dishes at potlucks.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — prepare it a few hours ahead and refrigerate. For best texture, add pretzels right before serving.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
You can, but creamy peanut butter gives a smoother, more classic texture.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is traditional, but leaving the skins on adds color and fiber if you prefer. Just wash your apples well.
A Simple Classic Worth Bringing Back
This Peanut Butter Apple Salad is proof that some of the best recipes are the simplest ones. It’s quick, comforting, and made to be shared. Just the kind of dish that belongs on the table at family dinners and community gatherings.
If you love easy, nostalgic recipes that bring people together, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
My family loved this!