Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make layered dessert that has become a huge hit at potlucks and parties. With a buttery, salty pretzel crust, a creamy no-bake cheesecake layer, and a sweet strawberry topping, this classic dessert offers the perfect balance of flavors, making it the best sweet and salty treat for any occasion.

Imagine enjoying a luscious dessert that combines the best sweet and salty flavors in one delightful bite. Strawberry Pretzel Salad provides just that. This delicious dessert salad tantalizes your taste buds with its stunning layers, making you crave it again and again. 

While not really a salad, this delicious recipe is a great make-ahead dessert. It stores very well in the refrigerator and makes for the perfect summer dessert or potluck contribution. Serve it alongside your favorite summer recipes for a fantastic get-together or party. 

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Pretzel Salad 

• Easy to Make: This delicious dessert is straightforward to make. If you follow the recipe instructions, you will surely get the perfect layered dessert every time. Just make sure to pay special attention to the steps. 
• Make Ahead: Aside from the incredible flavour, one of the best parts of this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time. Perfect for gatherings or potlucks, you can easily assemble this Strawberry Pretzel dessert the night before and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it. 
• Great Balance of Flavors: Strawberry Pretzel Salad combines the perfect balance of flavors. The salty pretzel crust provides a savory contrast to the sweet and tangy cream cheese filling and the burst of fruity freshness from the strawberry gelatin. Each layer complements the others to create a fantastic flavor experience that will impress.
• Variety of Textures: This dessert salad offers some fantastic textures. The crunchy pretzel layer provides a satisfying bite while the creamy filling melts in your mouth. The Jello layer adds a soft element, and when combined with the pop of fresh strawberries, it all comes together so well. 
• Perfect for Summer: Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a refreshing and light dessert, making it ideal for summer. The fruity strawberry Jello layer adds a burst of freshness, while the creamy filling adds a touch of richness without feeling overly heavy.
• Looks Stunning: The vibrant red color of the strawberry Jello layer combined with the creamy white layer and the golden pretzel crust makes for an eye-catching presentation. Serving Strawberry Pretzel Salad at gatherings or special occasions makes for a great centerpiece and will impress your guests.

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Tiny pretzel twists
• Butter – melted
• Cream cheese – Softened to room temperature.
• Sugar
• Cool whip
• Water
• Strawberry jello mix
• Fresh strawberries – Sliced

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad

• Step One: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Place your pretzels into a large zip-top bag. Using a rolling pin, crush the pretzels till they have a coarse texture. 
• Step Two: Combine your pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Bake for 7-10 minutes until it’s golden brown. Allow the crust to cool.

• Step Three: In the bowl of your mixture, beat the cream cheese and sugar until it’s smooth. Fold the cool whip into the cream cheese mixture.
• Step Four: Spread the mixture onto the crust, making sure to cover all the crust with an even layer.
• Step Five: Refrigerate for 45 minutes to allow the cream cheese layer to set. 

• Step Six: Bring one cup of water up to a boil. Add the jello mix to a medium heat-safe bowl and stir in the water until all the jello mix has dissolved. Mix in one cup of cold water and the strawberries.
• Step Seven: Place the mixture in the refrigerator until the jello is cooled but still pourable, about 5-10 minutes.
• Step Eight: Pour the jello over the cream cheese layer and spread the strawberries evenly to create the strawberry mixture. 
• Step Nine: Place the pretzel salad into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for the jello to set.

Equipment Needed

Get our FREE
e-cookbook

I want it!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

This post contains affiliate links.

• Large Ziploc bag
• Rolling pin 
• Medium mixing bowl 
• 9×13 baking dish 
• Stand mixer 
• Spatula

What to Serve with Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Serve alongside your favorite summer appetizers to impress your guests. 

• Grilled Zucchini Roll-ups 
• Zesty Shrimp Flatbreads
• Lemon Dill Dip
• Dill Pickle Dip
• Devilish Eggs

Variations and Substitutions 

• Cool Whip Substitution: If you don’t have Cool Whip or prefer something homemade in this Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe, you can easily substitute the cool whip with homemade whipped cream for the cream layer.
• Filling Options: While cream cheese is the typical choice for the filling of this dessert salad, you can try alternatives to suit your preferences. You can substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternatives or silken tofu for the creamy layer. 
• Individual Servings: Instead of the traditional rectangular dish, you can create individually portioned Strawberry Pretzel Salads by assembling the distinct layers in clear mason jars. This allows for portion control and a visually appealing presentation.
• Frozen Fruit: While fresh fruit is commonly used, you can substitute frozen fruit if fresh is not available or out of season. Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen fruit before using it in the recipe to avoid the mix becoming too watery. 

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of Strawberry Pretzel Salad? That’s highly doubtful because this nostalgic recipe is so darn good, but it is easy to store, just in case. Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Can I Freeze?  

It is not typically recommended to freeze Strawberry Pretzel Salad. This is because freezing this dessert can potentially impact the texture and consistency of the dish. Freezing can cause the pretzel crust to become mushy or change the texture of the other layers, which may result in a less enjoyable eating experience.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Crush the pretzels as uniformly as possible: When making the pretzel crust, ensure that the pretzels are crushed so that they are similar in size. To do this, you can place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. 
• Butter the Pan: Before pressing the pretzel crust into the pan, it may be a good idea to butter or lightly grease the pan. This will prevent the crust from sticking and make it easier to remove and serve the dessert later.
• Allow the crust to cool completely: After baking the pretzel crust, let it cool completely before adding the other layers. This will help the crust to remain firm and keep it from getting soggy.
• Evenly spread cream cheese layer:  Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust, ensuring it reaches the edges of the pan to create a seal. This will prevent the Jello layer from seeping through, risking the crust becoming soggy.
• Partially set Jello: Before pouring the Jello layer over the cream cheese filling, allow the Jello to be partially set. This helps to prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom.
• Allow it to set in the refrigerator: After assembling all the layers, refrigerate the Strawberry Pretzel Salad for several hours or overnight to ensure it fully sets. This will allow the Jello to firm up, giving the dessert the desired texture and making it easier to slice and serve.
• Garnish before serving: Just before serving, you can add a decorative touch by garnishing the dessert. For added visual appeal, you can top it with additional whipped topping, fresh strawberries, or even a sprinkle of crushed pretzels.

Why Is It Called Pretzel Salad?

The name “Strawberry Pretzel Salad” can be a bit misleading. This is because the dessert doesn’t actually contain any traditional salad ingredients. 

The term “salad” in the name of this dessert can be used loosely to describe its layered nature. It is also possible that the word “salad” was used to differentiate this dessert from other traditional desserts highlighting its unique combination of flavors and textures.

Despite its unconventional name, Strawberry Pretzel Salad has become a beloved and iconic dessert in many households. It is enjoyed for its delicious taste and nostalgic appeal rather than its salad-like qualities.

Can I Substitute Cool Whip?

You absolutely can. Several things can be used in place of the Cool Whip in this dessert Salad. 

• Whipped Cream: You can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute for Cool Whip. Stabilized Whipped Cream is an excellent replacement for Cool Whip in this recipe. 
• Dairy-Free Whipped Topping: If you follow a dairy-free or vegan diet, several dairy-free whipped topping options are available in stores, typically made from coconut milk or other plant-based ingredients. These alternatives can provide a similar texture and taste to Cool Whip.

When substituting Cool Whip, keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly with each alternative. It’s a good idea to taste and adjust the sweetness of the filling to suit your preferences when using different substitutes.

What Kind of Pretzels Do I Use?

When making Strawberry Pretzel Salad, it is best to use salted, somewhat thin pretzels. These pretzels combine crunch and saltiness to create the ideal crust for this layered dessert. 

Can I Make Ahead?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe ahead of time. Assemble all the layers and store the pan in the fridge until you are ready to serve the dessert. 

Can I Use a Different Base?

Yes, you can, but it wouldn’t be considered a pretzel salad anymore. There are other options you can use, though, to create a delicious dessert. 

• Graham cracker crust: You can use a graham cracker crust as the base rather than pretzels. Crush graham crackers and mix them with melted butter and a bit of sugar to create a sweet and crumbly crust. Press the mixture into the bottom of your dish and proceed with the recipe as usual.
• Cookie crust: Another option is to use crushed cookies as the base. Vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even chocolate sandwich cookies can work well. Combine the crushed cookies with melted butter to create a crust that complements the other flavors.
• Oat crust: If you prefer a healthier option or have dietary restrictions, you can make an oat crust. Combine oats, melted butter, and a sweetener of your choice (such as honey or maple syrup) to create a nutritious and slightly chewy base.
• Nut crust: For an added crunch and nutty flavor, you can make a crust using a food processor and any nuts you like. Choose from almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Combine the ground nuts with melted butter and a touch of salt, then press the mixture into the pan as the base.

Remember that the texture and flavour will differ when substituting the pretzel crust with a different base, but it can still be delicious and complement the other dessert layers. Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly to ensure the crust is well-formed and holds together properly.

Can I Change the Flavor?

Yes, you can change the flavor of your Pretzel Salad to create different variations. While the classic recipe features strawberry as the primary flavor, there are several ways to introduce different flavors into the dessert.

• Change the fruit: Rather than using strawberries in this dessert, you can experiment with other fruits to create different flavor combinations. Consider using raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or mixed berries for a berry-themed variation. For a refreshing tropical twist, you can also try tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, or peaches.
• Use a different flavor of Jello: The Jello layer can be customized with other flavors to complement the fruit you are using or to create unique combinations. Use flavored Jello mixes such as raspberry, cherry, lime, orange, or even tropical fruit flavors to change the overall taste of the dessert. 

Is it a Dessert?

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is indeed considered a dessert. Even though its title contains the word salad, be assured it is a sweet and salty recipe perfect for indulging your sweet tooth. 

Can I Make it with Sugar-Free Jello?

Yes, you can make Strawberry Pretzel Salad with sugar-free Jello. Using sugar-free Jello reduces the overall sugar content while still enjoying the flavors and textures of the dessert. 

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?

When making this Strawberry Pretzel Salad, you can absolutely use frozen strawberries. Just make sure you thaw and drain them before adding them to the recipe. You don’t want the Jello Layer to be too watery. 

How to Prevent Pretzels from Becoming Soggy?

To prevent the pretzels from becoming soggy, you must let the crust cool completely before adding in the cream cheese layer. When the crust is ready for the cream cheese layer, spread it evenly, covering the entire crust to create a barrier between the crust and the Jello. This will help to keep your buttery pretzel crust crunchy and delicious. 

How Long Does Strawberry Pretzel Salad Need to Set in the Refrigerator? 

Once your pretzel salad has been assembled fully, you must refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This will ensure that everything sets properly. 

Can I Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad as a Dessert or Side Dish? 

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is typically served as a dessert rather than a side dish. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a popular choice for dessert tables, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

While it is possible to serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad as a side dish, it is not the most common or traditional way to enjoy it. The sweetness and dessert-like qualities of the dish make it more suitable as a sweet ending to a meal.

Sweet Salads

• Strawberry Fluff Salad
• Cherry Salad
• Orange Creamsicle Salad
• Rocky Road Fluff
• Berry Cheesecake Fluff
• Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff
• Lemon Blueberry Fluff
• Banana Pudding Fluff

FAQ

Strawberry Recipes 

• Easy Strawberry Sauce
• Strawberry Cream Pie  
• Easy Strawberry Icebox Cake
• Best Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies 
• Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.