This fun and colorful cheesecake salad is perfect for summer! It’s made with creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, blueberries, and fluffy whipped topping.
If you’re like me, you’ll love how simple and light this dish is. It’s a great way to celebrate with a sweet treat without the fuss of baking. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives the salad its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Neufchâtel cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese for a similar taste.
Powdered Sugar: It sweetens the salad smoothly. If you prefer using less sugar, try a sweetener like stevia or a sugar substitute, but adjust to taste as they can be sweeter.
Whipped Topping: I usually use Cool Whip because it’s so convenient! If you’re looking for a homemade version, you can whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it in. That makes it fresher!
Strawberries and Blueberries: Fresh berries are key for color and taste. If unavailable, frozen berries work too, but thaw and drain them first to avoid extra liquid.
Mini Marshmallows: They add an interesting texture. You could skip them or chop regular marshmallows if that’s what you have on hand!
How Do I Whip Cream Cheese Smoothly?
Whipping cream cheese can be tricky if it’s too cold! To avoid lumps, always let it soften at room temperature first. Here’s how to make it smooth:
- Take the cream cheese out of the fridge 30 minutes before using it.
- In a mixing bowl, beat it well with an electric mixer until creamy, scraping the sides as needed.
This ensures your cheesecake mixture is lump-free and mixes perfectly with the other ingredients, giving you a delightful salad!
Easy Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 cups blueberries, fresh
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Time Estimate
This tasty cheesecake salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour of chilling time in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This will ensure that your salad has a wonderful texture!
2. Mix in Sweetness:
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese. Beat everything together until well combined and smooth, making sure there are no lumps.
3. Fold in the Whipped Topping:
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. You want to create a light and fluffy cheesecake mixture, so be careful not to overmix!
4. Add the Fruit and Marshmallows:
Stir in the chopped strawberries, blueberries, and mini marshmallows. Take your time to gently fold everything together so the fruit stays whole and colorful!
5. Chill the Salad:
Transfer the salad to a serving dish or an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps all the flavors meld deliciously!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve the cheesecake salad in bowls or parfait glasses. Feel free to decorate with extra berries on top for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy this delightful treat!
This no-bake dessert salad is a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake flavor with fresh berries and fluffy marshmallows. It’s a wonderful addition to any patriotic celebration or summer gathering!
FAQ for Easy Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese to lighten up the salad! It will still provide a creamy texture while reducing the overall calories.
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as it may settle a bit.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day ahead of time, which actually allows the flavors to meld even more. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until serving!
What Other Fruits Can I Add?
If you want to mix things up, feel free to add other fruits like raspberries or blackberries. Just be sure to adjust the quantities so that the balance remains, and everything stays colorful!
