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I just love the colors of Spring and Easter. The pastels this time of year are so pretty. I don’t normally have a reason to buy the colorful candies, but I needed a snack for a bunch of kids for a road trip…so I thought it would be fun. My kids were in a separate car, so it was easy to make a different version for them and there would be no hard feelings. If you don’t do dyes, then the plain version is just as good…really there was no difference!
My niece and nephews loved the mix and gobbled it up right away. Okay, I knew they would! It’s salty, it’s sweet, it’s crunchy, it’s colorful…all the best rolled into one little snack. Notice I didn’t say healthy. But we can pretend, right? All that plain popcorn and pretzels….at least I tell myself that it makes up for all that sugar. Besides, the calories don’t count if you’re on a road trip!
This tasty little treat can easily be made for just about any holiday since M&Ms are made in all different colors for the holidays. Or buy the single color bags and make a great party gift that matches your party colors.
To make these dye free: replace the M&Ms with chocolate chips and use dye-free sprinkles or omit the sprinkles all together (they’re just for show anyway).
Looking for more recipes with almond bark? Check out my White Chocolate Dipped Strawberries! They are gorgeous.
Sweet and Salty Spring Mix
This sweet and salty spring mix makes a great Easter snack mix.
Ingredients
- 3 cups popped popcorn, without butter
- 7 oz. almond bark
- 2 cups Easter M&Ms
- 1/2 cup pretzel sticks, broken into small pieces
- colorful sprinkles, if desired
Instructions
- Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl with the broken up pretzels and M&Ms. In a medium sized microwave safe bowl, microwave the almond bark in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one, until bark is melted and smooth (follow instructions on package for melting).
- Allow to cool for about 30 seconds, you don't want the M&Ms to melt. Drizzle the almond bark over the popcorn mixture and stir to coat. The pretzels and M&Ms tend to sink to the bottom, so stir well until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
- Spread out on a large piece of wax paper, top with sprinkles (if desired) and let cool. Break into pieces and serve in a large bowl or package in individual holiday bags.
Notes
For Allergy-Friendly (Dye Free) Version:
- Use chocolate chips instead of M&Ms and omit the sprinkles for a dye free version (or find dye-free sprinkles).
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 597Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 304mgCarbohydrates: 62gFiber: 6gSugar: 46gProtein: 11g
I love this idea! Especially that it’s something you can make together with kids….I also like that I can save the leftovers for a snack during the day too! I’ve never had almond bark before (I don’t think) but I’m more than willing to give it a shot. Thanks for sharing!
Love this recipe. Can I use ghirardelli white chocolate in place of the almond bark?
Sure…although you might need to thin the white chocolate (with a bit of shortening) to get it to the right consistency.
This is such a colorful snacks to make for Easter baskets. Another easy recipe to make . You can use any M&M or jelly bean if using for another event. I like sweet and I like salty so this is just up my alley as they say.Thanks for the great popcorn recipes
Wow, this looks yummy! Thanks for sharing, I am going to try this. Good movie snacks!
This looks so good. Can’t wait to try it! I’m hosting a spring link up today on my blog (http://rustsunshine.blogspot.com/). Would love it if you joined in!
This look delicious and I am so jealous of the holiday coloured candies that you have the USA I really wish they did something similar in the UK.
Thank you for linking up to Kid’s Co-op this week
This looks really good. Thanks for sharing. I have two kids, too and they will love it. Leigh
This is so cool! I’d love for you to link this up in Mommy Solutions! So fun! http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2012/03/the-mommy-club-share-your-resources-and-solutions-37/
Crystal
I love how pretty it is… popcorn is actually healthy so it really cuts the candy. Thanks for sharing it.
These pics are amazing! Wow. 🙂
This is perfect for easter! Those look really colorful and I think it is yummy too! I will give this a try this coming easter…
That looks really yummy! I’m with you, love the colors of Easter.
That looks so pretty and yummy!
so pretty, and a great alternative to all the candy at Easter!