This Easy Holiday Cheesecake Salad is a creamy and sweet treat that’s sure to brighten up any festive table. With fluffy cream cheese and delightful bits of fruit, it’s like dessert and salad combined!
Making this dish is a breeze! Just mix everything together, and you’ve got a colorful addition to your party. I love serving it with extra whipped cream on top—who can resist that? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the salad its rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still retains that creamy quality.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is essential for achieving the fluffy consistency. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut cream can do the trick. Just make sure it’s chilled so it whips well!
Crushed Pineapple: Pineapple adds sweetness and moisture. You could use fresh pineapple chunks instead, but be sure to crush them for a similar texture, or try substituting with well-drained mandarin oranges for a twist.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a nice tartness. If they’re hard to find, you could use dried cranberries, but soak them in a bit of water to soften before adding.
Pecans: These add a great crunch and flavor. Walnuts can also work in place of pecans, or you can omit nuts entirely if you prefer.
How Do I Get the Perfect Whipped Cream?
If whipping cream seems tricky, don’t worry! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your bowl and beaters are cold. Chill them in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
- Start beating on a low speed to prevent splatters, then gradually increase to high speed.
- Watch for stiff peaks, which means the cream can hold its shape. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Gently fold the whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture so it stays light and airy. Take your time to create that fluffy texture!
Easy Holiday 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
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup blueberries (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Holiday Cheesecake Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours for chilling in the fridge. When you’re ready, just whip up the ingredients, mix, and let it sit so the flavors can blend beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Cream Cheese:
Start by placing the softened cream cheese in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat it until it’s super smooth and fluffy. This helps to give your salad a creamy base.
2. Sweeten It Up:
Next, add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Keep beating until everything is well blended and creamy—this will add sweetness and flavor to your salad!
3. Whip the Cream:
In a separate chilled bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Beat it until stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is key to getting that light, 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 be careful to keep the mixture light and airy—this will create a lovely texture for your salad.
5. Add in the Goodies:
Fold in the drained crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, fresh cranberries, blueberries (if you’re using them), and chopped pecans. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
6. Chill Out:
Transfer your delicious mixture into a festive serving bowl. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, so all the flavors can meld together and the salad can firm up a bit.
7. Garnish and Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, remove the salad from the fridge. Garnish with extra chopped pecans and a few fresh cranberries on top for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy this delightful dish at your holiday gathering!
Enjoy this creamy, fruity, and nutty cheesecake salad—perfect for holiday celebrations!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese for This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but it might slightly alter the creamy texture. Just ensure it’s well softened to make mixing easier.
How Can I Substitute for Heavy Whipping Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping (like Cool Whip) instead. Alternatively, full-fat coconut cream works as a dairy-free substitute.
Can I Prepare This Salad the Night Before Serving?
Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better if made a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it sealed to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors.
