This fun and colorful Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad is perfect for summer barbecues. With creamy cheesecake filling, sweet strawberries, and fresh blueberries, it’s like a dessert and salad rolled into one!
I love bringing this to gatherings because the layers of fruit look so pretty. Plus, who can resist a dessert that feels light and cheerful? Serve it chilled for the best treat on a hot day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of our cheesecake salad. It’s best to use full-fat cream cheese for a rich taste. If you need a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still provides a creamy texture.
Powdered Sugar: This helps sweeten the mixture and gives it a smooth consistency. If you’re looking for a sugar substitute, you can use powdered erythritol, which works well for low-sugar diets.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For the fluffiest texture, use heavy cream to whip. If you’re dairy-free, coconut cream is a great alternative. Just chill a can of coconut milk, scoop out the cream, and whip it just like you would the dairy cream.
Miniature Marshmallows: These add sweetness and texture to the salad. You can swap them out with chopped vegan marshmallows if you’re looking for a plant-based version.
Fresh Strawberries & Blueberries: Using fresh berries makes this salad vibrant and flavorful. If they’re unavailable, frozen berries can also work — just thaw and drain excess liquid.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Fluffy Whipped Cream?
Whipping cream takes practice, but here’s how to get it just right!
- Start with cold heavy cream. Chill the bowl and beaters beforehand for best results.
- Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, then increase to high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or it can turn grainy.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to keep it light and airy.
Enjoy the creamy texture! Taking your time with the whipped cream helps bring all the elements together beautifully.
Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a quick assemble-and-refrigerate dessert that’s well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, start by beating the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer until it’s perfectly smooth. This might take a minute or two—just make sure there are no lumps!
2. Sweeten It Up:
Next, add in the powdered sugar along with the vanilla extract. Mix everything together well until fully combined. The mixture should be creamy and delicious!
3. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl (make sure it’s chill!), whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This means that when you lift the beaters out, the cream will hold its shape. This step is essential for that fluffy texture!
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Now it’s time to gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and take your time—this keeps the mix airy and light.
5. Add the Fun Ingredients:
Fold in the miniature marshmallows, quartered strawberries, and blueberries into the creamy mixture until everything is evenly distributed. It will look colorful and festive!
6. Transfer and Chill:
Carefully transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or individual containers. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing all those wonderful flavors to blend.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the fridge and give it a gentle stir. You can garnish with extra fresh berries on top for that beautiful finishing touch. Enjoy your delightful and festive dessert!
This light and creamy dessert salad is the perfect way to celebrate summer or any festive occasion. Enjoy bringing smiles to the table!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese in This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories, but keep in mind that it may not yield the same rich flavor or texture as full-fat cream cheese. It will still taste delicious!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh it!
Can I Make This Salad a Day Ahead?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge to let the flavors develop, but be sure to add fresh berries on top just before serving for the best presentation.
What If I Can’t Find Miniature Marshmallows?
If you can’t find miniature marshmallows, you can cut regular-sized marshmallows into smaller pieces. Alternatively, you can skip them altogether or substitute with chopped Graham crackers for some crunch!
