Why Make This Recipe
The BEST Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad Recipe is a delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a summer picnic, or just a relaxing afternoon at home, this dish adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your table. It’s a versatile dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great addition to family meals and parties alike.
How to Make BEST Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups pretzels, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 16 ounces Tru Whip or Cool Whip (I use Cool Whip as the MSG in Cool Whip gives me a migraine)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 6 ounces instant strawberry jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 quart strawberries, hulled and sliced (fresh or frozen that have been thawed)
Directions:
- Start by crushing your pretzels in the food processor until you have 2 1/2 cups worth.
- Add 1/2 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup white sugar to the food processor and pulse until well mixed.
- Press the pretzel mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- Meanwhile, rinse out your food processor and mix together 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until well combined. Add in 16 ounces of whipped topping and blend together.
- Spread the white layer over the cooled pretzels, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
- In a quart glass measuring cup, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in the microwave – about 3 minutes.
- Add 6 ounces of instant strawberry jello and mix until well combined. Now, add the sliced strawberries. Allow the mixture to cool on the counter and/or in the refrigerator until slightly thickened.
- Pour the jello over the white layer. Chill until set. Cut and serve this delicious dish as a side “salad” or dessert.
How to Serve BEST Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Serve this dish chilled for the best taste. It’s perfect as a sweet side at barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. You can also serve it as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal. The combination of crispy pretzels, creamy layers, and fruity jello is always a hit.
How to Store BEST Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
To store leftovers, cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a few days, as the pretzel layer can get soggy if left too long. If you want to keep it fresh, store each layer separately until you’re ready to serve.
Tips to Make BEST Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
- Make sure the pretzel layer is fully cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to avoid melting.
- If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese layer.
- You can use any flavor of jello and matching fruit to create different versions of this salad.
Variation
Feel free to mix things up by experimenting with different types of jello or fruits. For instance, you can use raspberry jello and fresh blueberries for a different taste. The base layer with pretzels and cream cheese is flexible, so you can get creative!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh strawberries work wonderfully! Just make sure they are hulled and sliced.
2. How long can I keep this salad in the fridge?
It’s best eaten within 3-4 days but can last up to a week if stored properly.
3. Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use sugar substitutes, but make sure they are suitable for baking and will dissolve properly in the cream cheese mixture.
Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Crush pretzels in a food processor until you have 2 1/2 cups worth.
- Add melted butter and 1/4 cup white sugar to the food processor and pulse until well mixed.
- Press the pretzel mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- In a rinsed food processor, mix together cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until well combined.
- Add in whipped topping and blend until smooth.
- Spread the cream layer over the cooled pretzel layer, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a quart glass measuring cup.
- Add the instant strawberry jello and mix until well combined.
- Fold in the sliced strawberries and allow to cool in the refrigerator until slightly thickened.
- Pour the jello mixture over the white layer.
- Chill until set. Cut and serve as a salad or dessert.
