Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry pretzel salad isn’t really a salad at all; it’s an easy make-ahead dessert recipe. This dessert has a salty-sweet pretzel crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, and a fresh strawberry Jell-O topping. Crisp, creamy, and crowd-pleasing in every bite.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Ingredients

Pretzels: Use either mini pretzel twists or pretzel sticks and crush them with a rolling pin.
Cream Cheese: Use a block of cream cheese, not the spreadable tub. Full fat cream cheese sets the best.
Whipped Topping: I use whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) in this recipe to keep it easy; however, you can use whipped cream if you’d prefer.
Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and prettiest dessert, use fresh sliced strawberries. If using frozen strawberries, add them to the hot Jell-O once it’s mixed (no need to thaw first).
Strawberry Gelatin: The strawberry Jell-O layer is easy and a pretty topping on this recipe. You can use any flavor of red Jell-O (like raspberry). Ensure you use the larger 6-serving-sized box.

Variations

This recipe can be made with other varieties of fruit and Jell-O. Try the following:

raspberries and raspberry Jell-O
canned mandarin oranges or peaches and orange Jell-O

layer of crushed up pretzels in a baking dish for strawberry pretzel salad

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Crust: Combine the crust ingredients and press into the bottom of a baking dish (full recipe below).
Creamy Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar, and stir in whipped topping. Spread over the pretzel layer and refrigerate until firm.
Strawberry Topping: Combine strawberry Jell-O and water with strawberries and pour over the creamy layer.
Refrigerate overnight: When ready to enjoy, cut into squares and serve!

pouring jello mixture over Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Salad in a casserole dish

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 to room temperature before pouring on the fresh strawberries so the heat doesn’t wilt them.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad served on a plate

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

Did you make this Strawberry Pretzel Salad? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Chill Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 35 minutes

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl and press into the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Gently fold in Cool Whip with a spatula. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pretzel crust and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
While the cream cheese mixture is cooling, whisk Jell-O and 2 cups of boiling water until the Jell-O is completely dissolved. Allow mixture to sit at room temperature until completely cooled.
Place the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese mixture. Pour cooled Jell-O overtop.
Refrigerate until firmly set, at least 4-6 hours or overnight. Cut into squares and serve.

Do not follow the instructions on the Jell-o box. Ensure the Jell-o is the larger 6 oz size box.
The pretzels are crushed first and then measured. Use a food processor or a rolling pin to crush the pretzels.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dessert, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.