Easy Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad Recipe

Category: Salads & Side dishes

This colorful cheesecake salad is a fun treat! It’s made with creamy cheesecake filling, fresh berries, and fluffy whipped cream that puts a smile on your face.

I love how quick it is to throw together, especially for celebrations. Plus, who can resist the red, white, and blue theme? It’s perfect for adding a festive touch! 🎉

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese works well, providing a similar taste with less fat.

Powdered Sugar: This is essential for sweetness and smoothness. If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or coconut sugar—just ensure it’s powdered for best results.

Whipped Topping: Frozen whipped topping like Cool Whip is convenient, but you can also make your own by whipping heavy cream with sugar and vanilla. It adds a lovely homemade touch!

Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix: This is a key ingredient for flavor and thickness. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with vanilla pudding mix—although the flavor will be a bit different.

Mini Marshmallows: They add a fun texture! If you want to cut down on sugar, mini marshmallow alternatives or even fruit salad mix-ins like chopped apple or banana could be tasty substitutes.

How Do You Get Your Cheesecake Salad to Be Creamy and Light?

The key to a creamy and fluffy cheesecake salad lies in proper folding techniques. After mixing the cream cheese with powdered sugar, you want to ensure that you fold in the whipped topping gently. Here’s how:

  • Beat cream cheese until it’s smooth to avoid lumps.
  • Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. This keeps the light, airy texture.
  • When adding fruit and marshmallows, fold them in gently to maintain their shape, which adds to the overall presentation.
  • Refrigerate the salad to let flavors blend and achieve that delightful creamy consistency before serving.

By following these steps, you’ll create a refreshing and delicious salad that everyone will enjoy!

Easy Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad Recipe

Easy Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tub (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
  • 1 cup milk (for pudding mix)
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 1/2 cups strawberries, washed and chopped
  • 1 cup blueberries, washed

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful cheesecake salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a quick and easy dessert that you can make ahead of time for gatherings!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cream the Base:

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps for the best texture.

2. Prepare the Pudding:

In a separate bowl, prepare the instant cheesecake pudding according to the package instructions. Combine the pudding mix with the milk, and whisk until the mixture thickens. This usually takes just a couple of minutes!

3. Combine Mixtures:

Fold the prepared cheesecake pudding gently into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula to mix them together until everything is well combined, but be careful not to deflate it.

4. Add the Whipped Topping:

Next, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. This will give your salad that airy, fluffy texture! Mix until it’s just combined and looks light.

5. Incorporate the Fruits and Marshmallows:

Now it’s time for the fun part! Add the mini marshmallows, chopped strawberries, and blueberries to the main mixture. Use a spatula to fold them in carefully so the fruit stays intact and nicely distributed.

6. Chill Out:

Transfer your salad mixture to a serving container or bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time helps the flavors meld and makes it even tastier!

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Once chilled, give it a gentle stir before serving. Optionally, garnish with some extra fresh berries on top for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy this creamy, fruity salad at your next BBQ, picnic, or festive gathering!

This salad is a refreshing treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family!

Easy Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you’re looking to lighten the dish up a bit. However, it might alter the texture slightly, making it a bit less creamy.

How Long Does the Cheesecake Salad Last in the Fridge?

This salad 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 separate slightly.

Can I Substitute Fresh Fruit with Frozen?

You can use frozen berries, but make sure they’re thawed and drained of excess liquid to prevent the salad from becoming watery. Fresh fruit provides the best texture and flavor!

Can I Make This Salad Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! All of the ingredients listed are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check that your pudding mix and whipped topping are labeled gluten-free to be safe.

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