Well, my darlings, I hope you’re all soaking up the last few days of this glorious summer. As we sit back and pounder on the sun filled days that we’ve enjoyed, I couldn’t resist the urge of sharing this summertime gem from my recipe box.
Now, don’t be fooled by the name—this “Strawberry Salad” of mine isn’t your run-of-the-mill, leafy affair. Oh no, it’s a sweet, tangy, irresistible treat that’s anything but a salad, yet somehow pairs perfectly with every summertime occasion.
This baby’s been the star of many a picnic, and it even won its way to the Minnesota State Fair, bringing home the Blue Ribbon! So, I’m passing it on to you, because everyone deserves a taste of summer, no matter the season.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz strawberry Jell-O
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 bag of Granny’s Maple Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed in the fridge
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions:
- Prep Ingredients: Crush the Maple Cinnamon Pretzels until they’re fine crumbs. Then wash the fresh strawberries then cut them into smaller chunks and set aside.
- Make the Pretzel Crust: In a saucepan, melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Remove the saucepan from heat, and combine Granny’s collab Maple Cinnamon Pretzels and butter ‘em up. Press that cinnamon buttery mixture into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish. You can also make individual salad bowls, which are so cutesy. Throw it into the refrigerator to chill.
- Prepare the Strawberry Jell-O: In a bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then add cut up strawberries. Then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Creamy Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Fold in the Cool Whip until well blended.
- Assemble the Salad: Once the Cinnamon pretzel crust has set, spread the whipped cream cheese mixture over the pretzel base evenly. Arrange the sliced strawberries over the creamy layer.
- Add the Jell-O Layer: Gently pour the cooled strawberry Jell-O over the strawberries. Be careful not to disturb the layers beneath! Let that Jell-O cool before add it in or use 1 cup cold water and 1 cup boiling.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or until the Jell-O is set. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors.
