Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Strawberry Pretzel Salad really isn’t a salad at all; it is an easy make-ahead dessert recipe.
A buttery pretzel crust topped is topped with a cheesecake-like layer, and strawberry topping.
This dish has everything: sweet, salty, creamy, and tangy.
![Strawberry Pretzel Salad is the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or a party! Everyone will love this easy dessert loaded with fresh fruit, jello, a cream cheese layer, and a buttery pretzel crust. Just cut it into squares and serve to a crowd! #spendwithpennies #strawberrypretzelsalad #dessert #recipe piece of Strawberry Pretzel Salad on a plate with a fork](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1200-Strawberry-Pretzel-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
Ingredients for Strawberry Pretzel Salad
This old-fashioned treat is called pretzel “salad,” but really it’s a layered dessert, perfect to serve for Thanksgiving dinner or at Christmas.
- Crust: crushed salted pretzels, butter, sugar
- Creamy Filling: a cheesecake-like layer made with cream cheese, sugar, and whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Strawberry Topping: strawberry gelatin, sliced fresh strawberries
You can use frozen strawberries if you can’t find fresh ones (thaw and drain first). You could also substitute or add other fresh fruit. Change up the flavor with raspberries and raspberry Jell-O or peaches and orange Jell-o.
![Strawberry pretzel salad is a delicious dessert that mixes sweet, salty, and creamy flavors! It begins with a crunchy pretzel base that's a perfect match for the smooth, creamy layer of cream cheese and whipped topping. The best part is the layer of fresh strawberries in strawberry gelatin. This classic dessert is always a hit at gatherings, thanks to its delightful blend of textures and flavors. #strawberrypretzelsalad #dessert #salad #spendwithpennies a pretzel crust in a 9x13 pan with strawberries beside it](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Strawberry-Pretzel-Salad-SpendWithPennies-5.jpg)
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
This strawberry pretzel salad recipe comes together in three easy steps. Be sure to chill each step between so they set.
- Crust: Combine the crust ingredients and press into the bottom of a baking dish (per the recipe below).
- Creamy Filling: Whip cream cheese and sugar, and fold in whipped topping. Spread over the pretzel layer and refrigerate until firm.
- Strawberry Topping: Combine strawberry jello and water with strawberries and pour over the creamy layer.
- Refrigerate overnight. When ready to enjoy, cut into squares and serve!
![Strawberry pretzel salad is a tasty dessert with a mix of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors. It starts with a crispy pretzel crust that pairs perfectly with the smooth, creamy layer of cream cheese and whipped topping. The highlight is the layer of fresh strawberries in strawberry gelatin. This timeless treat is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, loved for its delightful blend of textures and flavors. #strawberrypretzelsalad #dessert #salad #spendwithpennies pouring jello mixture over Strawberry Pretzel Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Strawberry-Pretzel-Salad-SpendWithPennies-2.jpg)
![Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a great choice for potlucks and parties! It's a simple dessert filled with fresh fruit, jello, a cream cheese layer, and a buttery pretzel crust. Slice it into squares to share with a group for a potluck, party, or backyard barbecue! #strawberrypretzelsalad #dessert #salad #spendwithpennies Strawberry Pretzel Salad in a casserole dish](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Strawberry-Pretzel-Salad-SpendWithPennies-3.jpg)
Tips for a Perfect Dessert
- Cool layers: Allow each layer to cool/chill before adding the next layer.
- Protect the crust: Spread the cream cheese layer all the way to the edge to prevent the pretzel crust from becoming soggy.
- Cool Jello: Allow the Jell-O to cool down to room temperature before pouring on the fresh strawberries so the heat doesn’t wilt them.
- Use whipped topping: Whipped topping is a more stable ingredient that sets more firmly. Whipped cream can ‘weep’.
- Frozen berries: Thaw and drain frozen strawberries if using.
![Strawberry Pretzel Salad is the ideal dish for potlucks and parties! This easy dessert is packed with fresh fruit, jello, a creamy layer, and a buttery pretzel crust. Cut it into squares to serve a crowd for a potluck, party, or backyard barbecue! #strawberrypretzelsalad #dessert #salad #spendwithpennies Strawberry Pretzel Salad served on a plate](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Strawberry-Pretzel-Salad-SpendWithPennies-4.jpg)
To Make Pretzel Salad Ahead of Time
Strawberry pretzel salad is best when made at least half a day in advance (making it a great dessert or potluck dish).
It needs a minimum of 4 hours to set up, or preferably longer. It will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
This dessert does not freeze well.
More Sweet Salads
(that aren’t really salads at all!)
Did you make this Strawberry Pretzel Salad? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
![piece of Strawberry Pretzel Salad on a plate with a fork](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1200-Strawberry-Pretzel-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-220x220.jpg)
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a family favorite. This easy make-ahead dessert is a delicious combo of sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy!
Pretzel Crust
Cream Cheese Filling
Strawberry Topping
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl and press into the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Bake 10 minutes and cool completely.
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In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer on medium until fluffy. Gently fold in Cool Whip. Spread mixture evenly over the cooled crust and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
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In a large mixing bowl stir Jell-O and boiling water until jello is dissolved. Allow mixture to sit at room temperature until completely cooled.
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Place sliced strawberries over the cream cheese mixture. Pour cooled Jell-O overtop.
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Refrigerate until firmly set, at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
The pretzels are crushed first and then measured. Use a food processor or a rolling pin to crush the pretzels.
For easy removal from the pan, the dish can be lined with parchment paper.
Calories: 244 | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 274mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Vitamin C: 28.2mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.9mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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![Strawberry Pretzel Salad is the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or a party! Everyone will love this easy dessert loaded with fresh fruit, jello, a cream cheese layer, and a buttery pretzel crust. Just cut it into squares and serve to a crowd! #spendwithpennies #strawberrypretzelsalad #dessert #recipe Strawberry Pretzel Salad on a plate with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NP-Strawberry-Pretzel-Salad-3-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
![Strawberry pretzel salad is a tasty dessert with a mix of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors. It starts with a crispy pretzel crust that pairs perfectly with the smooth, creamy layer of cream cheese and whipped topping. The highlight is the layer of fresh strawberries in strawberry gelatin. This timeless treat is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, loved for its delightful blend of textures and flavors. #strawberrypretzelsalad #dessert #salad #spendwithpennies Strawberry Pretzel Salad in a plate with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SP-Strawberry-Pretzel-Salad-3-SpendWithPennies-2.jpg)
![Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a great choice for potlucks and parties! It's a simple dessert filled with fresh fruit, jello, a cream cheese layer, and a buttery pretzel crust. Slice it into squares to share with a group for a potluck, party, or backyard barbecue! #strawberrypretzelsalad #dessert #salad #spendwithpennies Strawberry Pretzel Salad in a casserole dish and a piece of Strawberry Pretzel Salad on a plate with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LP-Strawberry-Pretzel-Salad-3-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
![Strawberry Pretzel Salad is the ideal dish for potlucks and parties! This easy dessert is packed with fresh fruit, jello, a creamy layer, and a buttery pretzel crust. Cut it into squares to serve a crowd for a potluck, party, or backyard barbecue! #strawberrypretzelsalad #dessert #salad #spendwithpennies piece of Strawberry Pretzel Salad on a plate with text](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SP-Strawberry-Pretzel-Salad-3-SpendWithPennies-3-copy.jpg)