Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the pretzels are evenly coated.
Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes. Once baked, set aside to cool.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar and mix until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the whipped topping gently until combined with the cream cheese mixture.
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add the sliced strawberries and mix well.
Allow the gelatin mixture to cool to room temperature, then pour it over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.
Cut into squares and serve chilled.