Name: Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed; 1 cup strawberry pie filling, divided; Pretzels, for dipping

This strawberry pretzel salad dip is a quintessential part of any summertime potluck menu.

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 cup strawberry pie filling, divided

Pretzels, for dipping

Instructions

1 Beat the cream cheese and sugar

2 Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt on medium-low speed until smooth, two to three minutes. Editor's Tip: Let the cream cheese soften until it's at room temperature. If the cream cheese is too cold, it will not blend smoothly and that will lead to a lumpy dip.

3 Fold in the whipped topping and pie filling

4 Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the whipped topping until evenly incorporated. Then, stir in 3/4 cup strawberry pie filling.

5 Swirl in the remaining pie filling

6 Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a serving bowl and spread it into an even layer. Top with the remaining strawberry pie filling. Using the end of a sharp knife, swirl the filling to give it a marbled appearance. Cover and chill the dip until ready to serve or enjoy it immediately with pretzels for dipping. Editor's Tip: You don't have to swirl the pie filling. If you prefer, spread it into an even layer over the cream cheese mixture.