If you’re looking for a no-bake, kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing dessert that adds color, fun, and sugar-fueled joy to your holiday table, the Festive Candy Salad is your answer! This wildly indulgent dessert "salad" isn’t your average leafy bowl — it’s packed with your favorite candies, whipped topping, marshmallows, and creamy goodness that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.

This playful treat is ideal for birthday parties, holiday spreads, potlucks, or just when you want to make your guests smile. It’s one part retro fluff salad, one part candy explosion — and entirely irresistible.

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🍭 Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements)

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a bowl of sweet celebration:

• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 cup sour gummy worms or bears
• 1 cup chopped candy bars (Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, etc.)
• 1 cup mini M&M’s or chocolate chips
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup crushed cookies (Oreos or graham crackers – optional for crunch)
• Food coloring (optional – pastel pink, green, or blue looks amazing for themes!)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions – How to Make Festive Candy Salad

Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, fold together the whipped topping and sweetened condensed milk until fully combined. If you’d like to tint it with a bit of food coloring, stir it in now for extra flair!

Step 2: Add the Fun

Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, gummy candies, chopped candy bars, M&M’s, crushed cookies, and sprinkles. Be gentle so the whipped mixture stays light and fluffy.

Step 3: Chill and Set

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until the mixture is chilled and slightly firm. This helps the flavors meld and the marshmallows soften just a little for that perfect texture.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, top with extra sprinkles or candy pieces. Serve chilled in a trifle dish, mini dessert cups, or even waffle cones for a whimsical twist!

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📊 Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx. ½ cup)

• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 34g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

Note: This is a dessert treat meant to be enjoyed in moderation (or not — we won’t judge during the holidays!).

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💡 Tips & Tricks

• Make it themed! Use red and green M&M’s for Christmas, pastel candies for Easter, or black and orange sprinkles for Halloween.
• Add texture. Crushed pretzels, cereal pieces, or toasted coconut can add fun crunch.
• Swap out sweets. Use chopped peanut butter cups, jelly beans, or any of your favorite candies.
• Make ahead. This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Perfect for party prep!

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🧡 From Me to You: My Extra Touch

One of my favorite ways to serve Festive Candy Salad is in mini mason jars with a cute ribbon and tag for birthdays or sleepovers. You can even set up a "Candy Salad Bar" where kids can mix and match their own toppings — guaranteed party hit!

It’s also perfect for “ugly sweater” holiday parties or game nights when everyone just wants to relax and indulge in a bowl of nostalgic sweetness.