Mixed Berry Pretzel Salad
If you’ve been making the same strawberry pretzel salad for years, this Mixed Berry Pretzel Salad version might just become your new go-to. Mixing up the berries and giving it a red, white, and blue look makes it perfect for summer parties, especially around patriotic holidays. It still has that sweet-salty combo you love, with a fresh twist that keeps it interesting.
This is a cool, refreshing dessert made with simple layers: a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy whipped filling, and a fruity Jello topping packed with fresh berries. It’s easy to pull together with a little planning ahead for chill time. Great for a crowd, this dish checks all the boxes—sweet, salty, and just the right amount of creamy.
Patriotic Dessert? YOU BET!
The red, white, and blue colors really stand out in this version, making it a natural fit for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, or any summer potluck. We also love these simple little Red White and Blue Strawberries.
And this dessert IS perfect for summer, you can make it ahead so it’s ready to go when guests arrive. Or to take it to a barbecue or cookout, just cover it and slide it in the cooler to take to parties!
Before You Make This
Check your pantry and fridge for the ingredients you need for this salad. It’s kind of a mix of pantry and fresh items so you might need a run to the store for the fresh items.
- pretzels
- butter
- sugar (No sugar? No problem—try these substitutes)
- cream cheese
- heavy cream–don’t have any? Replace heavy cream
- vanilla
- raspberry or strawberry Jello
- fresh mixed berries
You’ll also want extra whipping cream for topping this dessert. You can also swap out cool whip on top of this dessert if you like. Extra berries and pretzels make a nice garnish on top of the dessert.
Make Some Changes If You Like
Swap in other berries depending on what you have or what’s in season, blueberries, blackberries, and even pitted sweet cherries work well. Blackberries could be used as well.
Make individual servings in clear cups or jars for easy party portions and grab-and-go style, like these 7-Layer Dip Cups! A layered portable serving is so nice to take to a party. No dishes needed, just grab a spoon and go!
Lighten things up with reduced-fat cream cheese or sugar-free Jello if you prefer a lower-calorie version.
How To Store This “Salad”
Store any leftover pretzel salad covered in the refrigerator. It’s best within the first 1–2 days, before the crust starts to soften too much from the layers above.
Mixed Berry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
- ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup sugar
For the cream cheese layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the mixed berry layer:
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc.)
- 6 oz berry-flavored Jello (such as strawberry or raspberry)
- 2 cups water
Optional toppings:
- Additional berries
- Additional pretzels
- Whipped topping
Instructions
Prepare the crust:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside
- Use a food processor to crush pretzels into coarse crumbs (about 2 ½ cups)
- In a medium bowl, mix crushed pretzels with melted butter and sugar
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish
- Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely
Make the cream cheese layer:
- In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla on low speed until smooth
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture
- Spread evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, all the way to the edges
- Chill for at least 30 minutes
Make the Jello topping:
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil
- Remove from heat and stir in Jello mix until dissolved
- Let the Jello cool to room temperature
Assemble the salad:
- Remove the chilled dish from the fridge
- Spread sliced or whole berries over the cream cheese layer
- Pour the room temperature Jello evenly over the top
- Chill for 3–4 hours, or until fully set
To serve:
- Top with whipped topping, extra berries, and pretzels if desired
