Turn a beloved classic dessert into an easy snack with this Red White and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad! A few simple ingredients, like Jello and cheesecake, in a pretzel snack bag and you have a super easy, affordable, and adorable snack.

Why You'll Love Red, White and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad

Portability: Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any outdoor event, this snack can be carried easily without the need for dishes.
Quick Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can whip up a delicious treat in no time.
Versatility: Customize your walking pretzel salad with different types of jello, add fresh fruit, or experiment with different cheesecake flavors.
Kid-Friendly: Easy for little hands to hold and eat, making it a perfect snack for children.
Affordable: Uses inexpensive ingredients that are easy to find, making it a budget-friendly option for any occasion.

Ingredients

Individual Mini Pretzel Packs
Cheesecake Filling
Red Jello Cups
Blue Jello Cups
Reddi Wip or Whipped Topping
Patriotic Sprinkles

How to Make Red, White, and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad

Prepare the bags: Cut the bags open. Start by snipping an inch and remove more later. hold the bag closed and crush the pretzels. Do not over-crush.

Filling the bags: Add a dollop of cheesecake filling to each bag, using a spoon or a frosting bag. Next, add about a tablespoon of red Jello and a tablespoon of blue Jello to each bag.

Top the Walking Pretzel Salad: Add some whipped cream and garnish with patriotic sprinkles.

Tips and Tricks

I don't recommend storing these once they're assembled. They just don't keep well and can become a mushy mess. Instead, keep the ingredients separate until you're ready to serve. This way, everything stays fresh and delicious.
The cheesecake filling tasted like the creamy layer in pretzel salads! Vanilla pudding cups are a fantastic swap if you're in the mood for a change.
Salted or unsalted pretzels are totally up to your preferences. It just depends on what you like.
Just grab a spoon and dollop everything in! No need to measure perfectly. This makes it even easier to make.
I love using a frosting bag for less mess and fewer utensils! When I'm on the go, like a camping trip or picnics, I just fill the frosting bag, pop it into a sealed container, and toss it in the cooler. When you're ready to use it, just snip the tip and voila! It’s perfect for whipped cream too—no Reddi Wip needed.
Don’t try to crush the pretzels with the bags sealed. It can pop the bag and make a mess. We want the fun, not the fuss.

Variations to Walking Pretzel Salad

Tropical Twist: Switch out the berries for a mix of tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwi. Add a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.
Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an indulgent treat.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate some crushed nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor.
Cheesecake Variation: Use a cream cheese frosting instead of regular cheesecake filling for a richer flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pretzels to make this treat accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Option: Substitute vegan cream cheese and whipped topping for dairy-free alternatives. You can also use agave or maple syrup instead of honey as a sweetener.

FAQs for Walking Pretzel Salad

Can I use fruits?

Oftentimes, for picnics and potlucks, people make strawberry pretzel salad in a large bowl. It is layered and has a beautiful presentation. You can add whatever fruit you like to these individual pretzel salads.
Different Berries: Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries and Blackberries
Pineapple
Mango
Kiwi
Peaches
Apples
Grapes
Oranges

Is this a healthy dessert option?

This recipe is not as sugar-loaded as some desserts may be, it is not considered healthy. It is a healthier option. Make it a little more nutritious by adding fruit.

How long will this salad keep?

It is best to eat this salad within a few hours as the pretzels will become soggy if left for too long.
However, you can store the individual portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and assemble them before serving.
This is a great make-ahead dessert option for parties and gatherings.

More Picnic Recipes to Make It a Perfect Day

Red, White and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad

Name: Red, White and Blue Walking Pretzel Salad
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10-Pack Individual Mini Pretzel Packs (9.2 ounces each bag); 1 ¼ Cups Cheesecake Filling; 2 Red Jello Cups; 2 Blue Jello Cups; Reddi Wip or Whipped Topping; Patriotic Sprinkles

Yield: 10

Additional Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

10-Pack Individual Mini Pretzel Packs (9.2 ounces each bag)
1 ¼ Cups Cheesecake Filling
2 Red Jello Cups
2 Blue Jello Cups
Reddi Wip or Whipped Topping
Patriotic Sprinkles

Instructions

Using a pair of scissors, cut the top off each pretzel bag off. I will snip about an inch off and then remove more later on, if desired.
Hold the open portion of the bag mostly closed and use the other hand to crush the pretzels inside the bag. You don’t want to crush them to dust, just break them into smaller pieces.
Dollop about 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling into each bag. You can use a frosting bag to do this or just dollop it in with a spoon.
Without removing the jello from the cups, use a spoon to break up the jello so it’s in smaller chunks. Place 1 tablespoon of blue jello into each pretzel bag and then 1 tablespoon of red jello into each bag.
Cut the tops of the bags shorter at this point, if desired.
Top with as much whipped cream as you prefer.
Garnish with a dash of patriotic sprinkles and enjoy!