Strawberry Pretzel Salad or Dessert??

This is Mariah's absolutely favorite salad or dessert.  Not really for sure what to call this.  We can never agree if it is a salad or dessert so you can make it and decide.  It has the sweet and the salty that always goes well together!!

1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
4 1/2 Tbsp sugar
3/4 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
2 8 oz cream cheese - room temperature
1 12 oz cool whip - room temperature
1 6 oz strawberry jello
2 cups boiling water
16 oz frozen strawberries

Preheat oven to 350. Mix together the pretzels, 4 1/2 tablespoons sugar and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 10 minutes or lightly toasted. Set aside to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, beat the sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
In a medium bowl, stir together the gelatin mix and boiling water. Mix in frozen strawberries, and stir until thawed. Pour over cream cheese mixture in pan. Refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 1 hour.