Strawberry Pretzel Salad is an old-fashioned treat everyone will enjoy! A perfect blend of salty and sweet. Featuring a buttery pretzel crust, followed by a light cream cheese layer, and mouthwatering strawberry Jell-O topping filled with more strawberries! This pretzel salad is a Southern, no-bake dessert that has been popular at potlucks, picnics, gatherings, and more!
Why is it called Pretzel Salad?
This recipe is far from your typical salad! In fact, it most definitely is NOT a salad at all. The name is one that has been passed down for many generations, therefore, I wasn’t about to go and change it! More dessert than salad, this recipe comes from a category of desserts called "dessert salads". Similar to Ambrosia Salad, Watergate Salad, and more! Also try my Lemon Pretzel Salad for a yummy variation!
Ingredients for Strawberry Pretzel Salad
See printable recipe card at bottom of post for full ingredient amounts and instructions
- Strawberry Jello
- Boiling Water
- Pretzels– salted
- Sugar
- Unsalted Butter
- Cream Cheese– softened
- Whipped Topping
- Strawberries– fresh is best
How to make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Strawberry pretzel salad is basically a pretzel crust with a no-bake cheesecake filling topped with strawberries and fruit-flavored gelatin. Simple to make using these few instructions.
- Crust- Combine crushed pretzels with melted butter and ¼ cup sugar. Press into bottom of 9×13 pan. Bake for 10 minutes in oven.
- Filling- Combine cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, and whipped topping. Spread mixture evenly over pretzels. Refrigerate.
- Strawberry Topping- Combine the Jell-O with boiling water and strawberry slices. Pour carefully over cream cheese mixture and refrigerate until set.
What kind of Pretzels are best for Pretzel Salad?
Small, salted pretzels are the best to use due to the fact they crush easily and add that salty addition to the crust. Plus, they are easier to measure as compared to large pretzels that often fill up an entire measuring cup in just a few pretzels.
Tips for the best no-bake dessert
- Be sure to use room temperature cream cheese and fully thaw the cool whip prior to assembling this dessert.
- Spread the cream cheese layer evenly to each and every side to create a perfect seal from layer to layer. This prevents the Jell-O from mixing into the cream cheese layers.
- Allow the Jell-O to fully cool down before pouring on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Follow the recipe instructions below versus the package directions as they will be slightly different.
Looking for another refreshing dessert? How about my Lemon Lush recipe?
Fresh versus Frozen Strawberries
In this recipe, I prefer using fresh strawberries as the texture holds up well and is a nice addition to the Jell-O layer. However, frozen berries work great too as they help “set” the Jell-O a bit prior to pouring onto the cream cheese layer. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
If using fresh slices, simply let the jello cool to room temperature before adding the strawberries and pouring the jello over the cream cheese filling.
How to Make Pretzel Salad Ahead of Time
Pretzel Salad needs a minimum of 2-3 hours, preferably longer to chill in the refrigerator. This dish is best when made at least ½ day ahead of when serving, however, it is best to not make this more than one day in advance as the pretzels will get soggy as not as crisp.
Unfortunately, this sweet treat does NOT freeze well.
Storage Instructions
When storing prior to enjoying OR as leftovers, simply cover pan and keep in refrigerator until ready to enjoy. Leftover pieces of this dessert will last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Because of the jello layer on top, I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
Recipe Variations
The strawberry, cream cheese, and pretzel combination is the classic, go-to way to make this tasty dessert, however, you can also branch out and use different fruits and Jell-O flavors to change things up. Try Raspberry Jell-O and raspberries for a tasty change.
If you are serving to a crowd, stick to making this in a 9×13 baking pan. If you are serving to a smaller crowd, another fun idea is to serve these in individual containers. From small jars, ramekins, and more…it offers a fun alternative to the large pan.
FAQ’s
Can I use something different for the crust? Absolutely! Pretzels are the classic way to make the crust, however, Ritz crackers (crushed), graham crackers, or Vanilla Wafers all work great too!
What is the best way to crush the pretzels? Place them in a Ziplock bag and roll them with a rolling pin (or pound with a meat mallet) until well crushed. Or, pulse in a food processor until finely crushed.
Can I use homemade whipped cream? Cool Whip is more stable and will hold its shape better when mixed with the cream cheese, therefore, I don’t recommend using homemade.
More Strawberry Recipes to try:
Strawberry Lemon Shortbread Bars– moist, dense, tangy, and sweet, these Strawberry Lemon Shortbread Bars are a tasty fruit treat that's perfect for summertime!
Strawberry Quick Bread– a great way to use up those fresh summer strawberries! This bread comes together in no time, is packed with juicy berries, and is a family favorite!
Strawberry White Chocolate Pie– creamy, delicious, and perfectly sweet! Next time that sweet tooth craving hits, this is just the pie to try!
Strawberry Coffee Cake– combining fresh strawberries and crumb topping in this coffee cake, this recipe is sure to please!
Easy Strawberry Coconut Daiquiri’s- using only 5 ingredients, this Strawberry Coconut Daiquiri comes together in no time and is quite the refreshing cocktail!
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Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Video
Ingredients
- 6 oz Strawberry Jello
- 2 cups Boiling water
- 2 cups Pretzels, crushed
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 8 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- ½ cup Sugar
- 8 oz Whipped Topping, thawed
- 1 lb Strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium bowl, combine the jello package and boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved and allow to cool to room temperature.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and add in ¼ cup sugar. Mix in crushed pretzels.
- Transfer pretzel mixture to a 9 x 13 baking pan and use a fork to press mixture evenly on bottom of pan.
- Place pan in oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
- While pretzel layer is cooling, mix together the cream cheese and ½ cup sugar using a hand held mixer until combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping.
- Spread mixture evenly over cooled pretzels making sure to cover entire pan side to side.
- Refrigerate pan for 30 minutes.
- Mix sliced strawberries into room temperature jello mixture.
- Pour jello over cream cheese layer evenly and place in refrigerator for about 2-3 hours, or until set up.
- Serve and enjoy!!
Nutrition
Marci says
I too have this recipe from long ago. I used to work at Keystone Pretzel Bakery in Lancaster, PA. This was a favorite recipe from their book. Salads come in all forms. If you haven’t tried it, don’t rate it! Everyone knows that.
Bee says
@Jena. Your one-star rating for something you didn’t even try is unfair and I almost led me to decide not to try this recipe based on your review of its “name.” Thankfully, I decided to read your comment and reversed my decision since your rating is based on nonsense. If I could, I would delete your rating and comment.
Jena says
While it looks good and I’d probably eat it…… this is in no way a salad! I feel you should change the name its extremely misleading. You made a strawberry jello cheesecake, which is cool. But not a salad.
Kristin says
This is a recipe passed down in my family, name included, therefore, I didn’t want to change the name. Yes, you’re right, its not a “salad”, but to give it a 1 star review because of the name is a bit extreme. I hope you’ll decide to try this in the future and if you like it, perhaps give it a rating based on taste and not name. Thanks!
Jacquie says
Your rating of something you didn’t make is not fair. You are more likely than not from the east coast. In the Midwest this is a “salad”!
Kristin says
Oh yes, I grew up in Chicago, this is definitely a “salad”! Love it!!
Wanda says
It is perfect and so yummy. I had to double the cream cheese to get enough and I used piowder sugar.
Kristin says
So glad you enjoyed it! Its a favorite in my house!
Kym says
What is whipped topping
Kristin says
Cool Whip, whipped cream 🙂
Tanya says
Any chance that real whipped cream will work instead of frozen whipped topping? I like to use whole/real ingredients.
Kristin says
I don’t see why that wouldn’t work great! Just whip it until it is firm/stiff and use it then! Enjoy!
Joy says
can Splenda be used instead of the sugar and would like to try raspberries and sugar free raspberry jello too…husband is diabetic
Kristin says
Absolutely! That works great, just changes the flavor slightly due to Stevia and sugar tasting somewhat different!
Pam Salerno says
Making this tonight for a work party.. can’t wait to try it!!!
Kristin says
Yea!! How’d it turn out???
Laura says
I accidentally got a chocolate squirt on the pretzels after I spread them in the pan. It gave me an idea and I continued squirting a chocolate ice cream topping and then put the cream cheese stuff on top and then the Jell-O. It was amazing! I should’ve put a little more chocolate on top of the strawberries for Effect! Thanks for a great recipe!
Kristin says
Oh that’s a great idea!!! I’ll have to try it next time! Glad you enjoyed!
Min Abra says
Joanie, I put my strawberry jellomix in the fridge for a little while to get a set established sothat the mixture was not wet but had aeasy set to it so it could be spooned on the coolwhip cream cheese and sugar mixture and could be spread more easily. Worked great.
Kristin says
Glad you enjoyed this!!
Barbara Berry says
salted pretzels or unsalted
Kristin says
I use salted, but either works great!
joanie says
We have had no luck with fresh strawberries – only the frozen ones, thawed, have worked.
Kristin says
Oh good, glad you found a method that works!!
DIANA says
Same! Mine comes out runny using fresh. I use the thawed whole strawberries, pat them dry, then slice them. Works great!
Kristin says
Great tip!!
Christa Tillman-Fink says
Chilling ours now… I added a couple dashes of lemon juice to the cool whipand cream cheese…. Can’t wait to try it!!
Kristin says
Oh yum!! How’d it turn out?? Do you love it?? Hope you do! Its a favorite in my house!!
Mary says
What is the blueberry jello recipe
Kristin says
Hi! It actually uses black cherry jello, BUT has blueberry pie filling in it, hence why I call it blueberry jello hehe! Here it is, https://thecookinchicks.com/thanksgiving-jello/
Launa says
Could you use frozen strawberries thawed
Kristin says
Sure! That would work great!