Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a refreshing and delightful dish that combines creamy textures with crunchy elements. Bursting with sweet strawberries and a unique salty crunch, this salad is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a light summer treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh strawberries – ripe and juicy
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1 cup crushed pretzels
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 package (3.4 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them into halves or quarters for bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the strawberry gelatin and granulated sugar until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup boiling water to the gelatin mixture and whisk until dissolved. Stir in the vegetable oil for a smooth consistency.
4. Step 4: Pour the gelatin mixture over the sliced strawberries in a large bowl, stirring gently to coat them evenly.
5. Step 5: Fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped pecans, if using, taking care not to break the marshmallows.
6. Step 6: Gently fold the whipped topping into the strawberry mixture to add a creamy, light texture.
7. Step 7: Add the crushed pretzels last, folding them in to provide a salty crunch.
8. Step 8: Transfer the salad to a serving dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

• Use sugar-free gelatin for a lower-calorie version.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for whipped topping for a tangy flavor and added protein.
• Add blueberries or raspberries to create a mixed berry salad.
• Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for different nutty notes.
• Let the gelatin mixture cool slightly before adding to strawberries to prevent wilting.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days to maintain freshness and texture. Serve cold and give a gentle stir before serving if ingredients have settled. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, Strawberry Crackle Salad is perfect for making a day ahead and can be refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for best texture and flavor, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch.

Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 144 reviews

A refreshing and delightful Strawberry Crackle Salad that combines creamy textures with crunchy elements, perfect for any gathering or light summer meal. This salad features ripe strawberries, a sweet and tangy gelatin base, fluffy whipped topping, chewy mini marshmallows, and a salty crunch from crushed pretzels and optional pecans, all chilled to create a vibrant, flavorful dish.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
• 1 cup crushed pretzels
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 package (3.4 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, slicing them into halves or quarters to create bite-sized pieces, which will form a vibrant base for the salad.
2. Mix the Gelatin and Sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry-flavored gelatin and granulated sugar. Whisk together until fully blended to create a flavorful base.
3. Add Oil and Water: Pour 1 cup boiling water into the gelatin mixture and whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in 1/3 cup vegetable oil to help bind the ingredients together smoothly.
4. Combine with Strawberries: Add the sliced strawberries to a large mixing bowl and pour the gelatin mixture over them. Gently stir to coat all the strawberries evenly.
5. Fold in Marshmallows and Pecans: Gently fold the mini marshmallows and chopped pecans (if using) into the strawberry mixture without breaking the marshmallows.
6. Add Whipped Topping: Carefully fold the whipped topping into the mixture to add creaminess and lightness, maintaining a fluffy texture.
7. Add Crushed Pretzels: Fold in the crushed pretzels last to preserve their crunch, which provides the distinctive “crackle” of the salad.
8. Chill and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to set and meld the flavors. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.

Notes

• Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture; avoid overly ripe berries to prevent mushiness.
• Let the gelatin mixture cool slightly before combining with strawberries to prevent wilting.
• Chill the salad sufficiently, at least two hours, to ensure proper setting and flavor melding.
• For a lower-calorie version, substitute sugar-free gelatin and/or Greek yogurt for whipped topping.
• Try adding other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry variation.
• Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds to vary nut flavors.
• Do not add pretzels too early to keep them crunchy.
• The salad is best consumed within 2-3 days when stored refrigerated in an airtight container.
• This dish is served cold and does not require reheating; stir gently before serving if stored for some time.

Keywords: Strawberry Crackle Salad, strawberry salad, marshmallow salad, pretzel salad, no-cook salad, summer salad, creamy salad, crunchy salad, fruit salad, dessert salad