If you’re looking for a dish that’s part mouthwatering dessert and part vibrant fruit salad, Strawberry Cheesecake Salad is your ticket to pure delight. Imagine creamy cheesecake filling folded with juicy strawberries and pillowy mini marshmallows, finished with the irresistible crunch of graham crackers. This recipe captures the essence of summer in every irresistible spoonful, making it perfect for potlucks, backyard barbecues, or just a cozy treat at the end of a long day. Bursting with colors and flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to assemble as it is to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Strawberry Cheesecake Salad has its own job to do, bringing contrasting textures and layers of flavor to the bowl. These pantry and fridge staples combine with minimal effort but maximum taste—get ready for a creamy, dreamy treat!
- Cream Cheese (8 oz package, softened): For that signature tang and smooth, cheesecake-like texture, be sure it’s soft so it mixes easily.
- Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix (3.4 oz box, unprepared): Don’t mix it with milk—add it dry, for an ultra-rich cheesecake flavor without the fuss.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the mixture without any grittiness; powdered is key for the silkiest finish.
- Milk (1 cup): Loosens the filling so it becomes creamy and luscious, not heavy or dense.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and amplifies the dessert’s overall flavor profile—don’t skip it!
- Whipped Topping (8 oz tub, like Cool Whip): Folds into the mixture to make the salad light and airy; you want those cloud-like swirls.
- Fresh Strawberries (1 lb, hulled and sliced): The heart of the salad; juicy, sweet, and vibrant, these turn every bite into a summer celebration.
- Mini Marshmallows (1 cup): Add a sweet, bouncy texture and just a touch of whimsy. Kids and adults love them!
- Crushed Graham Crackers (1 cup, optional for topping): Sprinkle on at the end for that perfect cheesecake “crust” crunch—totally optional, but highly recommended.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Salad
Step 1: Cream the Cream Cheese
Start by placing your softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat it until it’s completely smooth, making sure there are no lumps left behind. This creates the creamy base that makes Strawberry Cheesecake Salad so irresistible.
Step 2: Add Pudding Mix and Sugar
Next, sprinkle in the dry instant cheesecake pudding mix along with the powdered sugar. Continue mixing until everything is nicely combined. The pudding mix brings that unmistakable cheesecake flavor while the sugar adds the perfect level of sweetness.
Step 3: Gradually Add Milk and Vanilla
Slowly pour in the cup of milk and vanilla extract while continuing to beat the mixture. Don’t rush this step—adding the liquids gradually helps keep the filling smooth and creamy, not runny.
Step 4: Fold in Whipped Topping
With a spatula, gently fold in the whipped topping. You’ll see your filling get lighter and fluffier by the second. Gentle folding ensures a mousse-like texture that makes this salad so special.
Step 5: Add the Strawberries and Marshmallows
Now comes the show-stopper moment: fold in the fresh sliced strawberries and mini marshmallows. Mix just until they’re evenly distributed—you want those delicious pockets of fruit and fluffy marshmallow in every scoop.
Step 6: Chill and Top with Graham Crackers
Cover the bowl and refrigerate your salad for at least an hour. This lets the flavors meld and the filling set up perfectly. Right before serving, sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the top for that irresistible cheesecake “crunch.” Now your Strawberry Cheesecake Salad is ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Salad
Garnishes
If you want to take your presentation up a notch, scatter a few extra sliced strawberries or even a handful of fresh mint leaves right on top. A final dusting of graham cracker crumbs makes every serving feel like a slice of classic cheesecake.
Side Dishes
This salad is a hit all on its own, but for a festive dessert table, try pairing it with chocolate-dipped pretzels, lemon bars, or even a platter of fresh fruit. Its creamy, sweet profile balances out richer or citrusy treats beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve Strawberry Cheesecake Salad in individual parfait cups, mason jars, or even mini waffle bowls for a playful twist. For a summer brunch, spoon it into hollowed-out pineapple halves for a showy, tropical vibe. Kids absolutely love this salad as a fruit dip, too—just set it out with extra fresh fruit for dipping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Strawberry Cheesecake Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours, as the strawberries will continue to release moisture over time, potentially making the salad a bit runny.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, since the creamy base and fresh strawberries can lose their texture when thawed. You’ll end up with a less-than-pleasing consistency, so whip up a fresh batch for any occasion.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Strawberry Cheesecake Salad is meant to be served gloriously cold, straight from the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir if it’s been sitting for a while to redistribute any settled liquid.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While frozen strawberries are convenient, they will release a lot of moisture and can make your Strawberry Cheesecake Salad watery and less appealing. Fresh strawberries truly provide the best texture and flavor.
Is there a substitute for the instant cheesecake pudding mix?
If you can’t find cheesecake pudding, use instant vanilla pudding as a backup. Add a little lemon juice or more vanilla to boost that cheesecake vibe, but the original pudding gives the truest flavor match.
Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Salad dairy-free?
Yes! Look for plant-based cream cheese, nondairy milk, and a coconut whipped topping. Just make sure your substitute products are unsweetened or adjust the sugar so your salad isn’t too sweet.
What other fruits work well in this salad?
Blueberries, raspberries, or banana slices can all play well with the cheesecake base. Add them right before serving to avoid sogginess or browning. Mix and match to suit your taste (and what’s in your fridge)!
How far in advance can I make this salad?
The best window for preparing Strawberry Cheesecake Salad is about 1 to 4 hours in advance. This gives the flavors time to meld but prevents the fruit and marshmallows from losing their shape.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cool, creamy, and downright show-stopping treat, you can’t go wrong with Strawberry Cheesecake Salad. It’s effortlessly impressive, easy to whip up in a flash, and brings out smiles every single time. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and let this salad become a new favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries with this easy-to-make Strawberry Cheesecake Salad. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a sweet treat any time!
Ingredients
Cheesecake Salad:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix (unprepared)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Add-Ins:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the dry cheesecake pudding mix and powdered sugar, and mix until combined.
- Blend Ingredients: Slowly add the milk and vanilla extract while beating, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping until well incorporated.
- Incorporate Fruits and Marshmallows: Stir in the sliced strawberries and mini marshmallows.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers just before serving for added crunch.
Notes
- For best results, serve within 24 hours of preparing.
- You can substitute other fruits like blueberries or bananas, but add them just before serving to avoid browning or excess moisture.
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