A healthy, high-protein strawberry pretzel salad bowl made with Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and pretzels. It’s sweet, salty, and packed with over 35g of protein!
If you grew up eating classic strawberry pretzel salad like I did—the layered dessert with pretzels, Cool Whip, cream cheese, and strawberry Jell-O—you’re going to love this lighter, high-protein version!
This high-protein strawberry pretzel salad bowl has gone totally viral over on Instagram and for good reason! It’s got all the nostalgic flavors—sweet strawberries, salty pretzels, and creamy goodness—just with more nutrition and way less prep.
I used Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and Cocowhip to keep it creamy, while fresh strawberries and crunchy protein pretzels bring that classic texture combo. It tastes just like the summery treat I grew up loving, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
PS: I also have a healthier strawberry pretzel salad recipe if you’re looking for something to serve a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein – Between the yogurt, cottage cheese, and protein pretzels, this bowl delivers over 35g of protein.
- Quick + easy – No baking or layering required. Just stir together and enjoy. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or simple high-protein snack.
- Sweet + salty – The combo of salty pretzels and sweet strawberries is chef’s kiss!
- Lighter twist on a classic – You get all the nostalgic flavor, but none of the heaviness.
Ingredients Needed
You only need 6 ingredients for this sweet, creamy, protein-packed bowl, and I bet you have most of them on hand already!
- strawberries – you’ll want both fresh and frozen strawberries for this bowl. For the frozen strawberries you’ll want to thaw them before using. They add that same jammy texture as the classic to this bowl.
- yogurt – I used a 5.3 oz container of Siggi’s low-sugar vanilla yogurt, which adds a thick, creamy base to this bowl, but feel free to use your favorite type of yogurt. Just be mindful about the sugar content because some vanilla yogurts have a lot of sugar!
- cottage cheese – adds creaminess and a boost of protein, making this bowl more filling. My go-to brand is Good Culture low-fat or full-fat.
- crushed protein pretzels – a salty, crunchy twist! I used Kindling protein pretzels for a little protein boost, but your favorite pretzel brand will work.
- cocowhip or whipped cream – for that light, fluffy finish. I love Cocowhip or Truwhip for a healthier option.
Easy Substitutions + Variations
Want to make it your own? Here are some easy swaps and fun twists to try:
- Pretzel options: Use gluten-free if needed, or swap in my protein granola for a different kind of crunch with the added protein.
- Yogurt swap: Feel free to use plain Greek yogurt or a different flavor like strawberry or honey if that’s what you have on hand. Just watch the sugar content if you’re keeping it low.
- Fruit twist: Not feeling strawberries? This bowl would also be delish with chopped raspberries or peaches.
How to Make
This recipe couldn’t be easier—just two steps and it’s ready to go!
Step 1: In a bowl, stir together the yogurt, cottage cheese, thawed frozen strawberries, crushed pretzels, and Cocowhip until everything is combined.
Step 2: Finish with a handful of fresh strawberries on top and enjoy right away for the best texture.
Want to see it in action? I shared a quick step-by-step over on Instagram!
Brittany’s Tips!
- Use frozen + fresh berries: The frozen ones bring that soft, jammy texture (like the OG salad), while the fresh ones give you a juicy pop on top. Trust me, the combo is key!
- Crush your pretzels just before mixing: This keeps them nice and crunchy. You want that sweet-salty texture contrast, not soggy pretzels.
- Eat it right away: This bowl is best fresh! The longer it sits, the softer the pretzels get—still tasty, just not as crunchy.
How to Store
This bowl is definitely best served fresh, especially if you want that crunch from the pretzels! But if you need to prep it ahead, here’s what I recommend:
Mix everything except the pretzels and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the pretzels and fresh strawberries right before serving so they stay crisp and juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Strawberry pretzel salad is a nostalgic dessert made with a crushed pretzel crust, cream cheese and Cool Whip filling, and a strawberry Jell-O topping. This high protein version takes inspiration from that classic, but swaps in Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and fresh strawberries for a healthier, no-bake option.
Sort of! You can mix everything except the pretzels ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the pretzels just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
It definitely captures the vibe and totally reminds me of the childhood salad I grew up eating—creamy, sweet, and salty—but with a lighter, more nourishing twist you can feel good about eating anytime.
More High-Protein Snacks to Try
Be sure to check out my full collection of high-protein snacks!
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