Berry Cheesecake Salad

Berry cheesecake fruit salad is a delightful twist on a classic fruit salad, combining the freshness of the berries with a creamy cheesecake base that will have you wanting more.

You'll love this berry cheesecake salad, that is a dessert salad, but can also be eaten as a side dish.

This salad combines the flavors of cheesecake with fresh berries, for a delightful mix that is a crowd pleaser.

If you're looking for a special dessert or side dish for the 4th of July, Memorial or Labor day, this salad is naturally red, white, and blue, making it a festive dish.

Berry Cheesecake Salad

Everyone in my household loves this berry cheesecake salad.

I mean, with it being filled with strawberries and blueberries, it's already guaranteed to be a hit. Add in the cheesecake flavor and it's out of this world delicious!

Here are some of the reasons why we love this recipe so much:

• It's simple: Not a ton of ingredients, quick and easy to put together and it's so tasty.
• Easy to change up: If you like more berries in yours, it's simple to add more. If you want, you can easily swap out the strawberries or blueberries for another type of berry or even fruit that is in season.
• Versatile: It's perfect for the neighborhood BBQ, a summer dessert, or for a picnic.
• Everyone loves it: Kids and adults love to eat this. It's so refreshing with fresh berries or fruit.
• Fresh: Perfect way to use up berries you picked.

More Summer Salads

Creamy Cucumber Salad
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
Broccoli Salad
Coleslaw
Broccoli Slaw

Ingredients in Berry Cheesecake Salad

Whipped Cream Cheese: This is the base of your cheesecake component. It gives the salad its rich, creamy texture and adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing. Also, it's easy to use the cream cheese that you find in the 8 ounce box and whip in with a mixer to make it whipped. Just use 12 ounces of it.

Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese base, enhancing its cheesecake-like flavor. You can adjust the amount to taste, and if you prefer a healthier alternative, honey or a sugar substitute could be used.

Frozen Whipped Topping: This lightens the cream cheese base, giving it a fluffy, airy texture that contrasts nicely with the juicy fruit. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using. If you prefer, you can whip your own cream for a homemade touch.

Strawberries: These add a burst of color and a sweet-tart flavor to the salad. They're also a great source of vitamin C. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor, and cut them into quarters or smaller if you prefer bite-sized pieces.

Blueberries: These little berries pack a punch of flavor and antioxidants. They add a different texture and a slight tartness that complements the strawberries and the creamy base. Fresh blueberries are best, but you can use frozen ones if they're out of season – just make sure to thaw and drain them well.

How to Make Berry Cheesecake Salad

You'll first create the creamy base. This begins by stirring together the whipped cream cheese and sugar. You'll want to mix these two ingredients until they're well combined.

Once your cream cheese and sugar are thoroughly mixed, the next step is to fold in the thawed whipped topping. Be sure to fold gently to maintain the lightness of the whipped topping.

With your creamy base prepared, it's time to introduce the stars of the show: the strawberries and blueberries. Add these to the bowl, lightly stirring to mix them with the cream cheese and whipped topping. You'll want to make sure that the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, but be careful not to overmix as this can cause the fruit to break down and release excess juice. You'll also find that really juicy strawberries such as Hood strawberries will release a lot of juice and tint it all pink.

The final step is to let your Berry Cheesecake Fruit Salad chill. Cover your bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together. Once chilled, your Berry Cheesecake Fruit Salad is ready to be enjoyed.

Whether you're serving it at a gathering or enjoying a bowl by yourself, this is a dessert that's sure to impress.

Tips for Making the Best Berry Cheesecake Salad

Here are some tips for making this the best berry cheesecake salad!

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For a smoother and creamier base, ensure your whipped cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to mix with the sugar.
• Whip the Cream Cheese: If you can't find cream cheese, you can whip 12 ounces of boxed cream cheese to make whipped cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and mix it on medium to medium high until it's lighter and fluffy.
• Sweetness to Taste: Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your fruit and your personal preference. You can always add more sugar later if needed.
• Fresh is Best: Use the freshest fruit you can find for the best flavor. However, if fresh berries are out of season, frozen berries can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid a watery salad.
• Add a Crunch: For an added texture, consider topping the salad with some granola or crushed graham crackers just before serving. This can mimic a cheesecake crust and add a delightful crunch.
• Mix it Up: Feel free to add other fruits you enjoy. Raspberries, blackberries, or diced peaches would all be delicious additions. You can also add additional strawberries and blueberries if you prefer.
• Presentation Matters: Serve in individual dessert dishes for a more elegant presentation, especially when entertaining guests.

Other Berry Recipes

Strawberry Pretzel Salad
How to Freeze Strawberries
Blueberries & Cream Bread

Leftovers

Storing leftovers of the Berry Cheesecake Fruit Salad is quite straightforward.

Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the leftover salad into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator.

It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the berries may start to break down and release their juices over time, which could make the salad a bit more liquid.

The berries may also go bad quicker than this, so make sure to check the salad before consuming.

If you are wanting another way to enjoy this as leftovers, here are some creative ways to do so:

• Smoothie: Blend the leftover salad into a smoothie for a quick and delicious breakfast or snack. You might want to add a bit of milk or yogurt to get the right consistency. You can add additional ingredients to your smoothie as well.
• Parfait: Layer the leftover salad with granola or crushed graham crackers in a glass to create a quick and easy parfait. You could also add a layer of yogurt for extra creaminess or additional berries.
• Pancake or Waffle Topping: Use the salad as a topping for pancakes or waffles for a fruity, creamy twist on your breakfast.
• Frozen Treat: Freeze the leftover salad in popsicle molds for a refreshing, creamy berry popsicle.
• Dessert Pizza: Spread the salad over a baked sugar cookie or graham cracker crust, then cut into slices for a fun and easy dessert pizza.

Remember, the key to enjoying leftovers is creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment and find new ways to enjoy this delightful Berry Cheesecake Fruit Salad!

Alternatives and Substitutions

If you're anything like me, you like to switch things up sometimes. Here are some different ways to switch up this recipe to make it unique to you and your needs:

• Fruit Variations: You can add or substitute other fruits based on your preference or what's in season. Raspberries, blackberries, peaches, or even tropical fruits like pineapple or mango could be delicious.
• Swap Sugar: If you're watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or swap it out for honey or another natural alternative. The natural sweetness of the fruit will still make the salad taste great.
• Add a Crunch: For an added texture, consider adding some chopped nuts, granola, or crushed graham crackers to the salad.
• Greek Yogurt: For a healthier twist, you could substitute some or all of the whipped topping with Greek yogurt. This will give the salad a bit of tang and boost the protein content. Although, it won't be quite as fluffy.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for a hint of warm spice.
• Citrus Zest: Add some lemon or lime zest to the cream cheese mixture for a pop of bright, citrusy flavor.