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
Heather @ Shards of Lavender says
Love how you took strawberry pretzel salad and deconstructed it! It’s my husbands all-time favorite dessert and I can’t wait to try this version! Okay, it was really difficult, but I just can’t resist the 4 piece dipping cup set! The colors are amazing and the shape is so unique… http://shop.potsandpans.com/Serveware/Rachael-Ray-Cucina-4-Piece-Dipping-Cup-Set-Multi-Color-57422.html
Jeana says
I would like this set
http://shop.potsandpans.com/Dinnerware/Rachael-Ray-Dinnerware–Tweed-Cucina-16-Piece-Stoneware-Dinnerware-Set-51840.html
Kyra says
I would love to have the 3 piece round baker with lid set in the color cranberry. http://shop.potsandpans.com/Serveware/Rachael-Ray-Cucina-3-Piece-Round-Baker-And-Lid-Set-Red-57430.html
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
Susan says
I would chose the 3-Piece Round Casserole & Lid Set, Agave Blue SKU 58314 if I won this contest. It would get the most use in my kitchen. And as for the recipe – I will be making it for,the next party I attend or host. We love the strawberry pretzel dessert and this recipe seems similar enough but much easier!
Susan says
I would chose the 3-Piece Round Casserole & Lid Set, Agave Blue SKU 58314 if I won this contest. It would get the most use in my kitchen. And as for the recipe – I will be making it for,the next party I attend or host. We love the strawberry pretzel dessert and this recipe seems similar enough but much easier!
Jennifer Jo Archdeacon says
http://shop.potsandpans.com/Bakeware/Rachael-Ray-Cucina-3-Piece-Round-Casserole-and-Lid-Set-Blue-58314.html
I would love to have the entire set of Blue Cucina but winning this would be awsome.
Rhonda says
I would love the 9 by 13 rectangular baker in agave blue.
The salad looks so awesome!!!
Beverly says
I would love the covered dish in any color, beautiful. Can’t wait make the pretzel salad.
Deanne H. says
I love the red colored dishes but the one I really love is 3.5-Quart Oval Casserole, Cranberry Red
SKU: 57432 MSRP: $99.98 Availability.
I love your salad and I am definitely adding this to our desert menu this Thanksgiving.
Laura says
I like the 12-Ounce Oval Au Gratin, Agave Blue. Look forward to making this recipe. Looks yummt.
Sandra says
I love the 3.5 quart Oval Casserole in Agave Blue
ColleenB. says
Hard choice but I just had to go with the 2-Quart Oval Baker, Cranberry Red – http://shop.potsandpans.com/Bakeware/Rachael-Ray-Cucina-2-Quart-Oval-Baker-Red-57444.html
Your salad looks divine.Thanks 4 sharing the recipe. I will probably be making it and having it on our holiday table.
Thank U 4 this giveaway opportunity
Have a wonderful and enjoyable weekend
Amy S. says
I love the 9×13-inch rectangular baker. http://shop.potsandpans.com/Bakeware/Rachael-Ray-Cucina-9-Inch-x-13-Inch-Rectangular-Baker-Blue-58324.html
Rachel C says
This large serving bowl is one piece I like.
http://shop.potsandpans.com/Dinnerware/Rachael-Ray-Cucina-12-Inch-Oval-Serving-Bowl-Orange-57407.html
Anita says
I love your new dishes! They look wonderful. I also love that strawberry pretzel salad and could probably eat it all! Just looking at it makes me crave it!
Cecilee says
Sounds delish can’t wait to try it!
Heather T says
Not sure how to link to the ones I like but I love the blue 1.5 oval and the dipping set, the colors and the earthen ware are beautiful, would love this prize.
Denise Melonas says
I will try this, it’s looks really good!
amanda @ fake ginger says
This looks so good! I’ve made the strawberry pretzel salad that you kind of cut into squares but this looks even better! Totally making it soon!