Get ready to wow your crowd with this incredibly simple yet show-stopping Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad! Bursting with fresh berries, fluffy marshmallows, and a dreamy cheesecake dressing, this dessert is a guaranteed hit for any patriotic celebration like the 4th of July or Memorial Day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration in a bowl! Here’s why this Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad will become your new favorite:
- Effortless & Quick: Seriously, you can whip this up in under 10 minutes! Minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike adore the creamy texture and sweet fruit medley. Those mini marshmallows are always a fan favorite!
- Festive & Vibrant: The patriotic colors of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries make it perfect for any summer gathering.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it up to 48 hours in advance, freeing you up to enjoy the party.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your masterpiece:
- Cheesecake Flavored Instant Pudding: A 3.4 oz box is all you need for that signature tangy-sweet base. If you can’t find cheesecake flavor, vanilla instant pudding works well, though the cheesecake notes won’t be as pronounced.
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened to room temperature. This is key for a smooth, lump-free dressing.
- Whipped Topping: An 8 oz container.
- Milk: 1 cup. Whole milk is recommended for the creamiest dressing, but 2% milk works too.
- Mini Marshmallows: 10 oz. Avoid full-sized marshmallows, as they will alter the salad’s consistency.
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 cup, sliced.
- Fresh Blueberries: 1 cup.
- Fresh Raspberries: 1 cup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this delightful salad is a breeze!
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix, softened cream cheese, whipped topping, and milk until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Add Marshmallows: Gently fold the mini marshmallows into the prepared cheesecake dressing, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Incorporate Berries: Carefully add the fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, one type at a time, to the cheesecake mixture. Mix very slowly and gently to avoid crushing the delicate berries, especially the ripe strawberries and raspberries.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
You Must Know
- No Frozen Berries! This is crucial. Frozen berries release water as they thaw, making your beautiful cheesecake salad watery and soggy. Always use fresh berries for this recipe.
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth dressing.
- Patience with Mixing: When adding the berries, be as gentle as possible. Ripe berries can break apart easily, affecting the salad’s appearance.
Make Ahead and Storage
This salad is a fantastic make-ahead option!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad up to 48 hours in advance. This gives you ample time to focus on other party preparations.
- Storage: Keep the salad covered tightly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Seasonal Variations
While perfect for patriotic holidays, you can easily adapt this “salad” for other seasons:
- Spring Fling: Use sliced kiwis and mandarin oranges for a bright, fresh twist.
- Fall Harvest: Incorporate diced apples, cranberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon into the dressing.
- Tropical Paradise: Mix in diced mango, pineapple, and shredded coconut for a taste of the tropics.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish can be served in many ways:
- Standalone Dessert: It’s rich enough to be a fantastic dessert on its own.
- Side Dish: A delightful, lighter alternative to heavier side dishes at a potluck or BBQ.
- Parfait Layers: Layer it in individual glasses with crumbled graham crackers or shortbread for a more elegant presentation.
- Topping: Serve it over pound cake or angel food cake for an extra decadent treat.
No-Bake Alternative
This recipe is the no-bake alternative! With no oven time required, it’s the perfect cool and refreshing dessert for warm weather.
Pro Tips
- Full-Fat for Flavor: For the richest and creamiest dressing, stick with full-fat cream cheese and whipped topping. While low-fat options exist, they can compromise the texture and richness.
- Adjusting Consistency: The cheesecake dressing thickens quickly. If it becomes a little too thick to work with, simply whisk in an additional tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Berry Freshness: Always use the freshest berries you can find for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen berries if I thaw them first? A: We strongly advise against using frozen berries, even if thawed. They release excess water, which will make your salad runny. Stick to fresh for the best results.
Q: How long does this salad need to chill? A: A minimum of one hour is recommended to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to set properly.
Q: Can I use a different flavor of instant pudding? A: Yes, vanilla instant pudding is a good substitute if you can’t find cheesecake flavor. However, the cheesecake pudding provides a richer, more authentic “cheesecake” taste.
If you’ve tried this Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad or any other recipe from Cheese Curd In Paradise, please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment. I love hearing from you!
Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad: Your Go-To Festive Dessert!
Get ready to wow your crowd with this incredibly simple yet show-stopping Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad! Bursting with fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, fluffy marshmallows, and a dreamy, creamy cheesecake dressing, this dessert is a guaranteed hit for any patriotic celebration like the 4th of July or Memorial Day. It’s effortless to make, a total crowd-pleaser, and perfect for making ahead.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 3.4 oz Cheesecake flavored instant pudding
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature
- 8 oz whipped topping
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix, softened cream cheese, whipped topping, and milk until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Add Marshmallows: Gently fold the mini marshmallows into the prepared cheesecake dressing, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Incorporate Berries: Carefully add the fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, one type at a time, to the cheesecake mixture. Mix very slowly and gently to avoid crushing the delicate berries, especially the ripe strawberries and raspberries.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Notes
- No Frozen Berries! This is crucial. Frozen berries release water as they thaw, making your beautiful cheesecake salad watery and soggy. Always use fresh berries for this recipe.
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth dressing.
- Patience with Mixing: When adding the berries, be as gentle as possible. Ripe berries can break apart easily, affecting the salad’s appearance.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the dressing gets a little too thick, whisk in an additional tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Keywords: Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad, Cheesecake Salad, Fruit Salad, 4th of July, Memorial Day, Patriotic Dessert, No-Bake Dessert, Easy Dessert, Summer Dessert, Fruit Dessert, Cheesecake Pudding, Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Mini Marshmallows, Creamy Dessert
I made this recipe! Absolutely delicious. I added angel food cake to it as an extra ingredient and it turned out wonderful!