Strawberry Pretzel Salad makes a classic, nostalgic recipe. A creamy, fruity recipe made with strawberry gelatin, cream cheese, whipped topping, and pretzels. It is always a favorite.
One of my favorite desserts throughout the spring and summer growing up was always this Strawberry Pretzel Salad. It was always a family favorite addition to so many special occasion meals and you’ll always find a large casserole dish with it’s sparkling red, strawberry filled top on the buffet for Easter, Southern reunions, and all throughout the summer. It is loved by so many and is always one of the first things to disappear.
Sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy, it has so much going for it that it is always a definite hit!
There are so many versions of Strawberry Pretzel Salad served here in the south that I have no idea who invented the first version, but oh my goodness am I ever so thankful! It’s one of those dishes that goes with so many meals and works easily on the side – because, you know, it does have “salad” in its name – or as a dessert.
But no matter if you serve it right alongside your chicken salad as a side dish or as part of the dessert buffet offerings, I can just about bet you that it will be well loved by everyone that tries it. And you know, if they are from this neck of the woods, they most likely have been expecting it. 🙂
Here’s how I make my family’s version of Strawberry Pretzel Salad. I hope you enjoy it!
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 2 (3-ounce) packages strawberry Jell-O
- 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen strawberries
- Preheat oven to 400˚.
- Mix crushed pretzels with melted butter and 2 tablespoons sugar. Press pretzel mixture into the bottom of 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and bake until set, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Mix together cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, and whipped topping in a large bowl until smooth. Spread over the cooled crust, making sure to spread completely to the edges.
- Dissolve the Jell-O in boiling water and mix in frozen strawberries. Allow to set until the jello and strawberry mixture has slightly thickened and set and then pour over the cream cheese mixture. Chill until firm and serve.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
From the Add a Pinch recipe archives. Originally published 2010.
Can I use fresh strawberries and if so how many baskets?
Made this in the summer, no sugar in cool whip, didn’t need! Added pecans to crust. It was FABulous. As matter of fact, my 27 year old son and a friend ate the remaining as part of their breakfast!!!! Lol
I recently had this for my very first time at a quilt guild potluck, I absolutely loved it, and couldn’t find the recipe anywhere. So happy you shared this I have it saved and will be making it for my family soon! Thanks so much!!! 🙂
I absolutely love this salad!! Pinned it!!
I NEVER bake my crust. Wondering what baking does for the crust. There aren’t any ingredients that would require baking
Hi Carole,
We’ve always baked the crust in my family like in the recipe. I find it helps it form the crust better and gives it a wonderful flavor. Thanks!
It just binds the pretzels together with the butter and sugar
Well I know what’s going on my Memorial Day menu, Robyn – this salad is all kinds of cheery!! Happy long first weekend of summer, my friend. 🙂
I didn’t have strawberry pretzel salad growing up and I remember seeing it as an adult and thinking it was odd. Once I tried it though it became one of my favorites. Several years ago a chef I worked with put a touch of pepper jelly on the plate when he served it and I still talk about it to this day. It was one of the best flavor combos I’ve ever tasted. Anyway, I’ve never actually made strawberry pretzel salad but I may need to give it a try. The local strawberries have been amazing this year.
Goodness Robyn! I’ve never had this and I’m originally a Southern girl. You would have to be out of your mind not to love this! Sweet, crunchy, salty and comforting cream cheese to boot. My husband Russ asked me to make this one!
Happy holiday and hugs,
Jan
Just made this….had to sneak a taste before it was all set and….it is heavenly!!!!
I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed it! It’s a favorite my family has enjoyed for many years! Thanks so much, Rosa!
This was a holiday favorite in my family! So yummy.
Such a favorite in our family as well, Katherine! Delicious isn’t it?! Thanks so much!
Not a fan of jello, would a glaze work or pie filling?