This strawberry pretzel jello salad may have the word “salad” in its name, but it definitely tastes more like a dessert. Although the combination of crushed pretzels, a strawberry Jell-o topping, cream cheese, and whipped topping may seem pretty strange, once you try it, you will be hooked! Every bite holds crunchy, salty, sweet, and creamy flavors which complement each other so well! Additionally, this dessert is versatile enough to serve during the warm summer months on the patio after a cook-out, or as a holiday dessert for a Christmas buffet. Also, I love eating a big bowl of it the next day when the pretzels have softened a bit.
Ingredients for Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad
Strawberry jello pretzel salad will satisfy all your cravings! It has sweet, salty, and fruity flavors all rolled into one bite. You can’t go wrong with this dessert salad at your next get-together!
Pretzels – Use either pretzel sticks or twists, and crush them in a food processor. You can also use a rolling pin to crush them in a baggie. Butter – Melt the butter in the microwave ahead of time. The melted butter is warm but not hot when added to the pretzels. Make sure to blend the butter evenly with the pretzels. Sugar – You will use the sugar a couple of different times in the layering process. This will caramelize and hold together with a sweet flavor.
Cream cheese – Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding to the mixture. This will avoid lumps in the texture. Whipped topping – I like to use eight ounces of regular Cool Whip to make it easy on myself. Or, you can whip up your own homemade whipped topping using heavy cream too.
Strawberry gelatin – Use either a sugar-free or regular strawberry Jell-O package. This will form on top of the whipped topping layer with the fresh strawberries. Strawberries – I love to top this salad with fresh strawberries when they are in season. Frozen berries will work too. Sliced strawberries are added to the top of the Jello.
How to Make the Best Strawberry Pretzel Salad
This sweet strawberry pretzel salad is a layered dessert or side dish that is easy to assemble and takes a few hours to chill in the fridge. Watch this pretzel salad disappear at your next get-together!
Recipe Tips
Create the best strawberry pretzel salad recipe for your family! This is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any function. Follow these helpful tips to make the dessert or side dish just the way you want it!
Crushing pretzels – Crush the pretzels in a food processor or use a plastic bag with a rolling pin. Try to crush them evenly for the best results. Thawing strawberries – If using frozen strawberries make sure to thaw them and drain them before adding to the gelatin layer. Soggy layers – To avoid soggy pretzels, make sure the cream cheese layer covers the pretzels completely before adding the strawberry jello mixture. That way, the cream cheese filling creates a buffer for the liquid before it sets up. Double layers – Typically, I like to double the cream cheese layer, especially if I want to serve a crowd or serve it as more of a dessert than a salad. Flip layers – A sweet reader suggested actually making this strawberry pretzel salad upside down, with the jello on the bottom, the cream cheese layer, and the salty pretzel crust on top to keep the pretzels nice and crunchy. Great suggestion! Pineapple layer – For extra texture and flavor, you could mix in a can of crushed pineapple with the jello. Time – Give yourself time to make this strawberry pretzel salad. It is an easy recipe that takes a bit of time to allow each layer to set up before adding the next layer.
Variations for Pretzel Salad
Mix and match variations of pretzel salad each time you make it! You will love trying new creations of strawberry pretzel salad with a different fruit, type of crust, or even adding chocolate. The options are endless and delicious for everyone to enjoy!
Fruit – Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, oranges with mandarin oranges are all colorful as well as delicious! Citrus – Add lemon or orange zest in the cream cheese layer for a refreshing taste. Nuts – Try pecans or almonds for the crust layer. It still has a thick, crunchy, crust base. Chocolate – For those chocolate lovers, drizzle melted chocolate overtop the whipped topping layer for an extra touch! Cream cheese – Try other flavors of cream cheese like strawberry or honey walnut for another flavor layer. Crust – Want a softer crust, try graham cracker crust melted with butter. It has a sweeter and softer taste and texture. Mint – Add finely chopped fresh mint leaves over the top of the gelatin. You can even fold a small amount of mint extract into the cream cheese for a minty flavor. Caramel – For an amazing combination, drizzle melted caramel over the top of the whipped topping.
More Flavor Combinations to Try
One of the things that makes this strawberry pretzel jello really fun is all the opportunities for customization. We have made this dessert several different ways, as well as gotten some great suggestions from readers. Here are some delicious options to try!
Berry flavors – My family loves making this using raspberry or blueberry jello with an assortment of fresh fruit on top. Also, this is a great way to use a leftover fruit salad. Tropical – Give this dessert a tropical twist with tropical-flavored jello and crushed pineapple with mandarin oranges. Also, don’t forget the fresh whipped cream and some coconut shavings! Raspberry Jello – Raspberry jello and fresh raspberries also make an excellent substitution for the strawberry pretzel jello.
Make it Gluten Free and Less Sugar
Make this strawberry pretzel salad recipe gluten-free with gluten-free pretzels, and use sugar-free gelatin, and whipped topping for dietary restriction preferences. For non-dairy options, you can substitute the cream cheese and whipped topping for lighter options.
Storing and Making Ahead
Get ready to have the best dessert side dish at your next get-together! It is so easy to make ahead and store for the next day. This strawberry pretzel salad is the perfect dish to serve chilled and prepared for any gathering!
Making ahead – Leftovers will stay good in the fridge for three to four days. Any longer than that and the pretzels can get too soggy. Refrigerator – Store any leftover strawberry pretzel salad in an airtight container or cover the pan with plastic wrap. It will last in the fridge for two to three days.
Read More: 30+ Best Strawberry Recipes
More Strawberry Recipes
Strawberries are a popular fruit that everyone loves! It is the perfect fruit to enjoy year-round either fresh or frozen. These strawberry recipes are the best way to share an appetizer, breakfast, or dessert with these sweet and savory recipes!
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Strawberry Jalapeño Cheese Ball
Strawberry Empanadas
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