If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both sweet and a bit salty, this strawberry pretzel jello salad is the perfect treat. It’s light, refreshing, and makes for a great addition to any gathering or picnic. Plus, with fewer than 250 calories per serving, you can indulge without the guilt.
This delightful recipe combines the crunch of pretzels, the sweetness of strawberries, and the creaminess of a light filling, creating a flavor explosion that is sure to impress. It’s a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will have your guests asking for seconds.
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A Guilt-Free Dessert Delight
This strawberry pretzel jello salad stands out with its unique blend of flavors and textures. The crunchy pretzel crust offers a delightful contrast to the creamy filling and fruity jello.
As a dessert that balances sweet and salty, it is a delightful choice for summer picnics or family gatherings. Guests will surely be impressed by its vibrant appearance and refreshing taste.
Layering the Flavors
The layers in this dessert are what truly make it special. Starting with the pretzel crust, the combination of crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar creates a sturdy base that holds everything together.
On top of this crust, a creamy mixture made with light cream cheese and whipped topping adds a rich texture. The final layer features a bright strawberry jello filled with fresh strawberries, providing a burst of color and flavor.
Preparation Tips
To ensure each layer sets properly, allow the pretzel crust to cool completely before adding the cream cheese filling. This prevents the filling from melting into the crust, maintaining clean layers.
When preparing the jello layer, letting it cool slightly before adding strawberries helps keep the fruit intact. This step enhances the visual appeal and texture when served.
Serving Suggestions
Presenting this dessert in a glass dish elevates its visual charm, allowing the layers to be seen clearly. Garnishing with fresh mint leaves not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness.
For gatherings, cutting the salad into squares makes it easy for guests to serve themselves. Pair it with light beverages like iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing dessert experience.
Nutritional Information
This strawberry pretzel jello salad is a light dessert option, coming in at around 200 calories per serving. With its combination of fruit, creaminess, and crunch, it satisfies a sweet tooth without heavy calories.
It also offers a source of carbohydrates and a small amount of protein, making it an enjoyable treat that won’t weigh you down, perfect for summer heat.
A Must-Try Summer Treat
The strawberry pretzel jello salad is more than just a dessert; it’s a vibrant addition to any summer gathering. Its colorful layers and refreshing taste make it a standout choice.
Whether enjoyed at a picnic or a family celebration, this dessert is bound to create lasting memories and leave guests asking for the recipe.
A Guilt-Free Dessert Delight
This strawberry pretzel jello salad is a unique dessert that features a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy filling, and a fruity jello layer on top. The combination of sweet and salty flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups crushed pretzels
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
- 8 oz light cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup light whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry jello
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup sugar (for jello layer)
- 1 cup cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ½ cup sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined. Spread this mixture over the cooled pretzel crust.
- Prepare the Jello: In a bowl, dissolve the strawberry jello in boiling water. Stir in cold water and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, add sliced strawberries to the jello mixture.
- Combine Layers: Pour the strawberry jello mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 pieces
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
Table of Suitable Diets and Adjustments
Here’s a table with suitable diets for this recipe and adjustments if needed:
| Diet | Explanation and Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Suitable as is. All ingredients are plant-based, including gelatin, which is often non-animal derived (ensure gelatin is vegetarian). |
| Low-Sodium | Adjust by using unsalted pretzels and ensuring other ingredients, like butter and whipped topping, are labeled “low sodium.” |
| Gluten-Free | Replace pretzels with gluten-free pretzels. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. |
| Low-Sugar | Replace sugar with a sugar substitute (like stevia or erythritol) and use sugar-free jello. |
| Low-Fat | Use fat-free cream cheese and fat-free whipped topping to reduce fat content. |
| Vegan | Replace cream cheese and whipped topping with vegan alternatives. Use agar-agar or vegan gelatin for the jello layer. |
| Keto | Replace pretzels with crushed nuts (like pecans) for the crust. Use sugar-free sweeteners and jello substitutes suitable for keto. |
| Dairy-Free | Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping. Ensure butter is replaced with a plant-based alternative. |
