Prepare to transform your dessert game with a recipe that's part salad, part dessert, and 100% irresistible! This Healthy Strawberry Pretzel Salad is not just a treat for your taste buds, but a visual masterpiece that combines the salty crunch of pretzels, the creamy smoothness of cream cheese, and the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck dish or a refreshing summer dessert that won't derail your health goals, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 package (6 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 2 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Mix well until the pretzels are evenly coated.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely.
- While the pretzel crust is cooling, prepare the cream cheese layer. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 cup of whipped topping to the cream cheese and mix until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- In another bowl, combine the strawberry gelatin with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add the sliced strawberries to the gelatin mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Allow the strawberry gelatin mixture to cool slightly, then pour it over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours or until the gelatin is set.
- Before serving, top with the remaining whipped topping for a light and fluffy finish.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your Healthy Strawberry Pretzel Salad!
Tips
- Crush pretzels to a consistent, medium-fine texture to ensure the perfect crust that's both crunchy and stable.
- Make sure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent soggy results.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free mixing.
- Allow the gelatin to cool slightly before pouring over the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- For best results, refrigerate the dessert for at least 2-3 hours to allow layers to set properly.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most intense flavor and best presentation.
- Can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
