Strawberry Pretzel Salad
39 Comments
Posted: 03/03/23
Updated: 12/01/23
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe is always a hit at any holiday or potluck! It starts with a crunchy pretzel crust, then is topped with a layer of sweet cream cheese and Cool Whip filling, and a strawberry Jell-O topping. It’s a comfort food recipe that can be called a salad or dessert, whichever you would like.
This salty, crunchy, creamy and sweet recipe is a staple at any Midwestern holiday dinner! Strawberry Pretzel Salad is delicious and so popular. It can be served as a side dish or easy dessert recipe in the summer at potlucks.
What’s your favorite part of this strawberry salad? Personally, I love the salty crust and creamy combination. It’s just so tasty together! Plus, hands down I love strawberries!
I’ve also tried it with orange flavor and it’s delicious that way too! Just substitute orange for the strawberries and orange Jell-O for the strawberry Jell-O!
Strawberry Pretzel Salad Or Strawberry Pretzel Dessert?
It really doesn’t matter what you call this, either way it’s delicious!
In the Midwest we often times call sweet dishes like this salads, but it’s probably a dessert.
I’ll eat it either way!
Strawberry Jello Dessert Ingredients
- Cool whip – We recommend not substituting this with homemade whipped cream because it will change the pretzel crust texture after it sits, plus it is sweetened more than whipped cream.
- Strawberries – Fresh strawberries are the best, but you can substitute frozen strawberries.
- Pretzels – Use the small stick pretzels or pretzel twists.
- Strawberry Jell-O – Change it up with orange flavored Jell-O and mandarin oranges instead of fresh strawberries!
- Sugar – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the cream layer.
- Butter – We recommend salted butter to balance out the sweetness in this recipe.
- Cream cheese – This will need to be room temperature to it mixes easily.
What pretzels should I use?
Stick with a traditional pretzel. We recommend using the small, salted pretzels that are either sticks or twists. Make sure they are salted! Using smaller pretzels makes it easier to crush them.
How To Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Prep – Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare the Jell-O as per package direction. Allow it to cool until soft set.
- Crust – Mix together crushed pretzels, butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Press into a 9” x 13” pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes cool completely
- Creamy Layer – Now beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Fold in the Cool Whip. Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled pretzel crust. Make sure to get it all the way over to the edge to prevent the strawberry layer from running into the other layers. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Strawberry Layer – Slice strawberries and arrange on top of cream cheese layer. SLOWLY pour the Jell-O mixture over strawberries. Refrigerate until set.
Pro Tips!
- You can substitute 10 oz frozen strawberries for the fresh strawberries.
- When you spread the Cool Whip layer over the pretzel crust, make sure to get it all the way over to the edge for a tight seal to prevent the strawberry layer from running into the other layers.
- Make sure to SLOWLY pour the Jell-O mixture over the strawberries or it will create cracks in the cream cheese layer and mix into the other layers.
- Make sure to cool the layers for best results as directed in the recipe.
- Use Cool Whip not whipped cream for best results as it is more stable and sets more firmly preventing the crust from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can you crush pretzels in a blender?
Crushing the pretzels in a blender pulverizes them. Unless you’re super careful, it turns the pretzels into dust. If you’re really careful you can pulse the pretzels either in your food processor or blender.
Personally, I prefer to put the pretzels in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. That is the texture that is best for this recipe.
Why do you pour the Jell-O slowly?
If you pour it too quickly, the strawberries will not be distributed evenly, plus you don’t want the Jello-o layer to combine with the cream cheese layer. Just pour it slowly and you will be fine! You can even hold a wooden spoon between the cream cheese and you pouring to break up the fall!
Can I substitute real whipped cream for the cool whip?
No, I wouldn’t suggest it. Whipped cream changes the texture of the pretzel crust and will make the pretzels soggy if it sits to long. Stick with cool whip. It’s the best choice for this recipe. If you are looking for a more “natural” product you can use True Whip.
Can I use Orange Jell-O?
Yes! This is a great way to mix this easy recipe up. It’s delicious either way!
Can Strawberry Pretzel Dessert be made ahead of time?
This recipe is best made at least a half day in advance so it can set up. We think it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours of preparing so the crust doesn’t start to get soggy. Make sure to keep it refrigerated so it doesn’t separate.
More Holiday Recipes!
- With mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon and sour cream this easy Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the perfect holiday side dish that’s make ahead friendly!
- Want traditional Mashed Potatoes? This recipe is the BEST. So light, creamy and delicious!
- You can’t go wrong with a delicious fluff salad especially when it’s this Strawberry Tapioca Salad!
- Another layered salad is this 7 Layer Salad with layers of chopped lettuce, peas, celery, onions, bacon, cheese and a dressing this is always a favorite recipe!
- Ambrosia Salad is the perfect side dish, also known as 5-Cup Salad.
- Light, fluffy and creamy Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is a Midwestern classic fluff salad!
- If you make this around Christmas, use leftovers pretzels and make these Reindeer Pretzels!
Recipes You’ll Love:
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
This traditional Strawberry Pretzel Salad is always a hit at any gathering! The recipe has a pretzel crust, cream cheese filling and is topped with a strawberry Jell-O layer!
Video
Ingredients
Strawberry Layer
- 6 oz strawberry Jell-O package
- 16 oz fresh strawberries sliced
- 2 c. boiling water
Pretzel Crust
- 2 1/2 c. pretzels crushed
- 1/4 c. sugar
- 1/2 c. butter melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 3/4 c. sugar
Instructions
- Combine Jell-O with boiling water in mixing bowl. Whisk until Jell-O is dissolved. Let cool until soft set.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Next prepare the pretzel crust by mixing together crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl until combined. Press into a 9” x 13” pan.
- Bake crust in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- In a mixing bowl beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over cooled pretzel crust. Make sure to get it all the way over to the edge to prevent the strawberry layer from running into the other layers. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Place sliced strawberries on top of cream cheese layer. SLOWLY pour Jell-O mixture over strawberries. Refrigerate until set.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator.
Tips
You can substitute 10 oz frozen strawberries for the fresh strawberries.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 295kcal (15%), Carbohydrates: 48g (16%), Protein: 4g (8%), Fat: 10g (15%), Saturated Fat: 5g (31%), Cholesterol: 27mg (9%), Sodium: 502mg (22%), Potassium: 102mg (3%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 23g (26%), Vitamin A: 325IU (7%), Vitamin C: 13.4mg (16%), Calcium: 34mg (3%), Iron: 1.7mg (9%)
Char Grandell says
I have been asked to make this for every holiday! PLEASE make another cookbook!!!
Brooke Kill says
I agree! Hopefully in the future!
Camden says
I can’t get over how pretty this looks, I love the colors. I’ll be adding everything for this strawberry pretzel salad to my grocery list for this week!
Courtney says
You’ll love it!
Debbie says
Strawberry pretzel salad is such a great combination of flavors and textures. I love the salty pretzels mixed with the fruity gelatin and sweet cream. Can’t be beat!
Brittany says
My mom always carries Strawberry pretzel salad to family gatherings. Everyone loves it!
Kristen says
Oh, man… these pictures have me craving Strawberry Pretzel Salad! The salty pretzels, mixed with the creamy cheesecake-like filling, and the sweet and tart strawberries…YUM! I might have to make it for Christmas with gluten free pretzels!
Alyssa says
This strawberry pretzel salad looks delicious! I love Jello salad, but I think pretzels will be a great addition. I really enjoy a salty/sweet mix!
Courtney says
It is so good! You’ll definitely love it.
Becky Mansfield says
As a kid, I loved seeing Strawberry Pretzel Salad at Picnics or potlucks. This was the first time I’d tried making it myself – it was a hit. It was just like I remembered— Sweet & salty at the same time. 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!
Cindy says
I admit, I was hesitant at the name when a friend of mine served this but it was so tasty with a delightful balance of sweet and salty I had to get the recipe for myself!
Courtney says
Perfect combo of sweet and salty! 😋 Thank you for letting us know you enjoyed this recipe and tell your friend thank you for sharing the recipe! 😉
Alyssa says
This is amazing. Strawberries and whip cream is one of my favorite summer desserts. I love the idea of adding the pretzels, giving you the sweet and salty combination.
Courtney says
The sweet & salty combo is my favorite! 😍
Camden Rusincovitch says
This strawberry pretzel salad recipe is so good! I know you mentioned this would also be good with oranges, do you have any other recommendations for fruits we could try this recipe with?
Brittany says
It doesn’t matter if you put Strawberry Pretzel Salad with the salad or desserts, the dish is always empty at the end of potluck gatherings!
Cynthia Rusincovitch says
I did not get the attraction to strawberry pretzel salad until we went to a neighborhood BBQ recently. Someone brought me a serving and it was SO GOOD! So I found your recipe to try at home for our family and they loved it.
Kristen Yard says
Strawberry pretzel salad has become one of my go-to gluten free desserts (just use gluten free pretzels, instead of regular pretzels)! I love the crunchy salty layer, combined with the creamy cheesecake-like filling, and tart, sweet strawberry topping! This is dangerously good!