Strawberry Pecan Pretzel Salad is one of the MOST POPULAR recipes. It’s cool and creamy with caramelized brown sugar pretzels and diced strawberries. There won’t be any leftovers of this dessert salad!
Disclosure: I received Rachael Ray Cucina Stoneware pieces to facilitate this post. All opinions are 100% my own.
One of my family’s favorite salads for holidays, family meals and even birthdays is Strawberry Pretzel Salad.
This is a sweet salad so we often serve it with the desserts rather than the meal. Usually one of my sister’s make the pretzel salad so this was my first time.
I decided to add pecans and brown sugar to the recipe and I love how it turned out!
I received the 9 x 13 rectangular baker, a 1.5 quart round baker, 12 inch oval serving bowl, two 12 ounce oval au gratin in agave blue and one in mushroom brown, two of the 4 piece dipping cup sets in assorted colors.
Crafted from sturdy stoneware and glazed with warm, earthy color, these Rachael Ray Cucina Stoneware pieces combine contemporary kitchen functionality with touches of relaxed, rustic character.
How To Make Strawberry Pecan Pretzel Salad
Step One:
Mix together chopped pretzels, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter.
Step Two:
Spread on a large baking sheet with sides (I used my jelly roll pan) and bake at 400 degrees for 7 minutes.
All of the mixture to cool and then break it into small pieces.
Step Three:
Dice three cups of strawberries and set them aside.
Step Four:
Beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla.
Fold in whipped topping.
Step Five:
Before serving, stir the diced strawberries and sugared pretzels and pecans into the cream cheese mixture.
Spoon into a serving dish.
Strawberry Pecan Pretzel Salad Recipe Tips and FAQs
1. Can whipped cream be used instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you will need three cups of whipped cream.
2. Can this pretzel salad recipe be made without the chopped pecans? Yes, you can swap the chopped pecan with more chopped pretzels.
3. Do I measure before or after chopping?
The chopped pretzels, chopped pecans, and diced strawberries are all measured after chopping them.
4. How fine should the pretzels be chopped? They are roughly chopped to that the pieces are small enough to be eaten in one bite but big enough so that you get a good crunch.
5. My sugared pecans and pretzels are too mushy/oily. What went wrong?
They probably need to be baked longer but watch so that it doesn’t burn. It’s almost like making toffee and every oven is different. Even the pan you use can make a difference in how things cook.
6. How can this recipe be made ahead of time? To make it ahead of time leave the cream cheese mixture, diced strawberries, and sugared pretzels separate. Mix them together before serving.
7. Will the leftovers be good? No the leftovers of this salad end up getting watery and the pretzels get soggy. It’s best to enjoy right after mixing it up.
Looking For More Pretzel Salad Recipes?
Strawberry Pecan Pretzel Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- 3 cups diced strawberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 cups Cool Whip (or use whipped cream)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚F. Mix together crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Spread on a large baking sheet with sides (I used my jelly roll pan) and bake at 400˚F for 7 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool, and then break it into small pieces. Set aside.
- Beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla.
- Fold in the cool whip. Cover and store in the fridge.
- Before serving, stir the diced strawberries and sugared pretzels and pecans into the cream cheese mixture.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Updated from original post shared November 2014
Photo from original post
Ashley says
Ever try this with other fruit? I’ve had a request for this dish for St. Patrick’s Day…but need some green. I’m not a huge lime fan. Thought on grapes, green apples or kiwi?
Tonia says
I have not but I love that idea! Any fruit should work!
jess says
do you think this would freeze well?
Tonia says
Hi Jess! I’ve never tried freezing it but the pretzels tend to get soggy quickly so I”m not sure that it would work. Let us know if you do try it though! 🙂 Tonia
Michelle says
Good gravy is this good!!!! Thank you for sharing this. I had one small hiccup. The edges of my pecan mixture burned. So, I will know next time to spread it out better and keep an eye on it. Made my own homemade cool whip from another recipe and it worked like a dream. This is definitely a potluck pleaser!
tammy says
Try layering each mixture this in mini wine glasses and serve with mini silver plastic spoons. Really cute and yummy.
Tonia says
Great idea! Thanks Tammy!
Marie McClusky says
Gracious Tammy, that is a great idea – then garnish the top with a couple of strawberry slices ..
This would look great for an upcoming wedding anniversary celebration ..
Amy Nadler says
How many servings does this make? I am going to party and want to make this.
Tonia says
It really depends on the serving size, but I would say about 10 servings.
Bev says
This is an A++++
I made it for Father’s Day brunch and my husband said it was the best recipe I have found in years. (And I try a lot of new recipes!
Cathy says
Would frozen strawberries work? I know fresh would be best but I just happen to have all the ingredients except for the fresh strawberries
Tonia says
Yes, frozen strawberries would work. I would suggest thawing and draining them first otherwise the salad might be too watery.
Janay says
I’m planning on making the Strawberry Pecan Pretzel Salad. Do you eat it just as it is or is this used as a dip? If it is used as a dip, what do you use…cookies?
Tonia says
We eat it just as it is, like a fruit salad but it would be delicious with graham crackers too!
Janay says
Thank you!
Allison says
Is this recipe supposed to read 3/4 stick of butter or 3/4 cup? I know it says 3/4 cup, which is what I relied on (1.5 sticks), but I would cut this in half next time or double the pretzel pieces. It was very oily and most of the pretzel pieces were chewy. I threw about 1/2 of it out… Loved the rest of the recipe tho–big hit with the family.
Tonia says
Hi Allison,
Yes, I used 3/4 cup of butter in my recipe. Thank you for the feedback!
~Tonia
Sarah says
I had the same problem. Mixture was way too oily after cooking in the oven. I even poured off extra melted butter after cooling the mixture. It was chewy; not crunchy. I think recipe should say 3/4 stick of butter–not 3/4 cup.
Heather says
I am making this for one of the many desserts on Easter Sunday. I’m going to bake sugar cookie dough (like a pizza) first and spread this on top after it cools and once we get to the party. I’ll let you all know how it turns out. =D
Tonia says
Wonderful! That sounds fantastic!
Nia says
Made this today and it’s a BIG hit!!!! I could eat the entire bowl (but won’t lol)…this will be in rotation.
Thanks for your post!!
Alice R. says
We all love the strawberry pretzel jello recipe but I’m dying to try this. How do the leftovers hold up? Do the pretzels get mushy after a day in the fridge…..and is it best to combine all the ingredients just before serving or do they need to be refrigerated for a while before eating? Thanks much.
Tonia says
The leftovers don’t hold up well. It is best to mix everything together right before serving.
Alice R says
Thanks for your quick reply. That’s kind of what I thought but wanted to make sure. Will be making it next weekend for a get together and am sure it will be a hit!!
Malisha says
I’m simply going to rate this dessert of five stars for overall look and appeal.
Although I’ve never made this before,it looks so good that I can’t wait till I make this! This will sure to get the families attention!
Marsha Paletsas says
Do I measure the pretzels before or after chopping them? If before, what shape? Sticks, twists, tiny twists?
Tonia says
Hi Marsha,
Yes, you should measure them after you chop them. Enjoy!
-Tonia
Marsha Paletsas says
Thanks!
Patty says
Same with the strawberries ?
Tonia says
Yes, the same with the strawberries! 🙂
Beth says
just curious how many this recipe serves. I will be making it for 12 people and wondering if I need to double it?!? Thanks for the info!
Tonia says
Hi Beth,
It depends on how much of the salad everyone takes but yes, it should serve 12 people. Enjoy!
~Tonia
Karen says
What do you think this would taste like if I added cooked rice in it to add a little more texture?
Tonia says
This is a sweet, dessert salad (think apple Snickers salad) so I don’t think rice would be a good fit.
Karen says
Imade this recipe tonight in practice before I take it to a Christmas party on Thursday. I did put cooked rice in it also and the rice made it taste a bit like the cold rice porridge my Mom used to make when I was little. Good stuff.
Jessica says
Made this for our Thanksgiving potluck and it was gone in 5 minutes!!! I also won the homemade contest!! Thanks for the wonderful recipe =)
Jennifer Denny says
This looks sooo tasty. Going to make this soon. Strawberries are almost in season here now.
Mindie P says
This sounds like something I need to make ASAP.
Kyra says
Hi Tonia. I’m slowly learning how to do a blog and use your site as a reference. We have a lot of things in common. I will definitely try this salad. I’ve never heard of it before. But sugared pretzels and pecans with strawberries, cream cheese, and whipped cream sound like a delightful combination. Keep up the great work. ~Kyra