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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.

Ingredients

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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

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/strawberry-crackle-salad-recipe/