Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this cheesecake salad for its perfect balance of creamy and fruity textures. It’s cool, refreshing, and comes together in minutes—no baking required. The red, white, and blue color scheme makes it especially fitting for the Fourth of July or Memorial Day, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser for potlucks and cookouts. Sweet, tangy, and rich, it’s a fun twist on traditional fruit salad that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to prepare.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cream cheese, softened

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Whipped topping (or whipped cream)

• Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• Fresh blueberries

• Mini marshmallows

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat again until well combined.

3. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated into the cream cheese mixture.

4. Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, and mini marshmallows to the bowl.

5. Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated in the cheesecake mixture.

6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture.

7. Serve cold, garnished with extra berries if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Banana addition: Add sliced bananas just before serving for extra fruitiness.

• Graham crunch: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for cheesecake-like texture.

• Coconut twist: Mix in shredded coconut for tropical flair.

• Yogurt substitute: Use vanilla Greek yogurt in place of whipped topping for a tangier option.

• Extra fruit: Add raspberries or blackberries to expand the red and blue color palette.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the fruit can release juices over time, softening the texture.
Do not freeze, as the dairy and fruit components do not thaw well and may become watery.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best made a few hours ahead so it can chill. Just stir again gently before serving.

What kind of whipped topping should I use?

You can use store-bought whipped topping like Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream.

Can I use frozen berries?

Fresh berries are preferred to avoid excess moisture, but frozen can be used if well-drained and thawed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the whipped topping and any optional add-ins (like graham crackers) are gluten-free.

How long does this salad last?

It stays fresh for about 2–3 days in the fridge, but is best enjoyed within 24 hours.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese works well and reduces the richness slightly.

Can I omit the marshmallows?

You can leave them out or replace with extra fruit or chopped nuts if you prefer.

Does this need to be refrigerated?

Yes, always keep the salad chilled until ready to serve due to the dairy ingredients.

How do I keep the fruit from getting soggy?

Add delicate fruits like bananas last and avoid over-mixing the salad.

What can I serve with this salad?

It’s great on its own, but also pairs well with grilled meats or picnic-style meals.

Conclusion

Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Salad is a simple, show-stopping dessert that brings creamy cheesecake flavor to your favorite summer berries. With its no-bake ease and festive colors, it’s the perfect sweet addition to your holiday table or backyard get-together. Easy, refreshing, and always a hit, this salad deserves a spot in your summer dessert rotation.

---

Print