Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry pretzel salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy filling, and a sweet strawberry Jell-O topping, making it a popular choice at potlucks and gatherings.

Although called a "salad," is essentially a no-bake dessert. It combines sweet and salty flavors and consists of three layers: a salty pretzel crust, a creamy layer made from cream cheese and whipped topping, and a top layer of strawberry Jell-O with fresh or frozen strawberries suspended in it.

Once set, strawberry pretzel salad can be cut into squares and served chilled. You can serve it with extra whipped topping or strawberries. You'll find it at most potlucks, back yard bbq's, and most local cafes!

Whether enjoyed at a holiday dinner, picnic, or family gathering, strawberry pretzel salad remains a popular choice due to its fresh flavor and attractive appearance.

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Rest Time 4 hrs

Total Time 4 hrs 40 mins

Cooking Method: Baking, No Bake

Cuisine: American

Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 350 F

Servings: 12

Best Season: Spring, Summer

Description

This retro dish has roots in American potluck culture, most commonly found in the South, where it has become a staple dessert that blends the nostalgia of Jell-O salads with the indulgence of dessert. It's loved for its unique blend of tastes and ease of preparation.

Pretzel Crust Layer

2 1/2 cups crusted pretzels (5 cups whole pretzels should make 2 1/2 cups crusted pretzels)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
8 TBS unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Fluff Layer

8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz cool whip, thawed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 TBS vanilla extract

Jello Layer

6 oz strawberry jello
2 cups hot water (*hot not boiling)
1 lb sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions for Pretzel Crust

1
Combine crushed pretzel, granulated sugar, and melted butter in large bowl
2
Pour into 9 x 13 casserole dish and press into an even layer
3
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Cream Cheese Fluff Layer

4
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar and beat until it's smooth and fluffy.
5
Add cool whip and vanilla extract and beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until everything is combined and there are no visible streaks of cream cheese.
Make sure to scrape the bowl down periodically.
6
Spread cream cheese fluff on cooled pretzel crust. Paying close attention to the edges of the pan. Make sure that there are no gaps between the side of the pan and the fluff layer. Level the fluff layer as best as you can.
7
Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the layer to chill and firm up before adding the jello layer.

Jello Layer

8
Combine hot water and jello. Whisk together and allow jello to dissolve and to cool slightly
9
Remove pan from fridge. Place sliced strawberries in a single layer on cool whip layer.
10
Gently pour jello onto fruit layer. Allow to cool and set slightly on counter before transporting it into the fridge. Approx 5-10 minutes.
11
Place in fridge for at least 4 hours for jello to completely set before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 343.53kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15.77g25%
Saturated Fat 9.28g47%
Cholesterol 42.47mg15%
Sodium 349.29mg15%
Potassium 145.47mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 47.49g16%
Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
Sugars 30.76g
Protein 4.84g10%

Vitamin A 528.01 IU
Vitamin C 22.58 mg
Calcium 53.42 mg
Iron 0.97 mg
Vitamin E 0.59 mg
Vitamin K 2.41 mcg
Thiamin 0.11 mg
Riboflavin 0.24 mg
Niacin 1.12 mg
Vitamin B6 0.06 mg
Folate 44.86 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.34 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 0.22 mg
Phosphorus 85.8 mg
Magnesium 13.96 mg
Zinc 0.4 mg
Selenium 4.2 mcg
Copper 0.08 mg
Manganese 0.31 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Salty-Sweet, Tasty, Potluck

Read it online: https://stephstravelandeats.com/recipe/strawberry-pretzel-salad/

Stephanie Hamley

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Stephanie, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 amazing teens and a wife to my hubby for 20 years. I live in Alabama with my family. I love traveling, sharing new recipes, and dreaming of all the places I want to go!