US Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Salad – Fresh, Patriotic Dessert

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I. Recipe Card

✨ Recipe Name & Tagline
Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Salad – A refreshing, no-bake dessert featuring creamy cheesecake-flavored fluff and vibrant berries. Perfect for summer celebrations!

Servings & Timing

  • Yield: ~8 servings

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Chill Time: Optional (up to 2 hours)

  • Total Time: ~15 minutes

  • Dietary Tags: Vegetarian | Make-Ahead Friendly | W-W SmartPoints Adaptable

🛒 Ingredients Checklist

Cheesecake Fluff

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

  • 3.4 oz instant cheesecake pudding mix (unprepared)

  • 1 cup liquid French vanilla creamer *OR substitute below

Fruit Mix

  • 1 lb strawberries, bite-sized

  • 12 oz blueberries

  • 4 bananas, sliced

  • ¼ cup lemon juice (~1 large lemon)

🔪 Quick Instructions

  1. Make cheesecake fluff: Beat cream cheese until smooth, add pudding mix, then slowly stream in creamer until fluffy. Chill.

  2. Prep fruit: Toss bananas with lemon juice; drain excess. Add strawberries + blueberries, gently combine.

  3. Fold together: Fold cream cheese mixture into fruit until evenly coated.

  4. Serve: Right away or chill until ready to serve.

Notes:

  • Substitute heavy cream + powdered sugar + vanilla for creamer

  • Prep ahead by making components separately; fold together before serving

II. Brief Introduction

This Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Salad is my go-to for summer cookouts, Memorial Day, July 4th, or whenever I want a light, crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s everything you love about cheesecake without the baking and heaviness—and feels much fresher and fun with a burst of fruit and color. This one is definitely a Kristy staple and makes everyone smile!

III. Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Make the Cheesecake Fluff

  • In a tall bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth.

  • Add 3.4 oz instant cheesecake pudding mix and beat until fully combined.

  • With mixer on low, slowly drizzle in 1 cup French vanilla creamer (or substitute) 1 Tbsp at a time until the mixture is silky smooth.

  • Chill in the fridge while prepping fruit.
    Tip: Don’t pour in all creamer at once—it can clump. Add a splash extra if needed to loosen.

2. Prep the Fruit

  • In a bowl, toss 4 sliced bananas with ¼ cup lemon juice. Drain excess juice.

  • Add 1 lb cut strawberries and 12 oz blueberries, stirring gently to keep berries intact.

3. Fold and Finish

  • Fold the chilled cheesecake mixture into the berry-banana mixture gently until everything is coated.

  • Serve immediately, or refrigerate, covered, until ready—drain off any excess liquid before folding in the fluff.

IV. Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

  • Creamer Alternative: Use 1 cup heavy cream + ¼ cup powdered sugar + 2 tsp vanilla if needed.

  • Fruit Variations: Add raspberries, blackberries, or juicy peach slices.

  • Lighten It Up: Use sugar-free pudding mix and sugar-free creamer or light cream.

  • Banana Tip: Coat bananas in lemon to prevent browning and add zing.

V. Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Add-Ons:

  • Cherry twist: Swap strawberries for cherries or add them in

  • Tropical flair: Add diced mangoes and sprinkle with shredded coconut

  • Lime riff: Use lime juice and zest on bananas for zing

Serve With:

  • Mini graham cracker cups or waffle bowl cups

  • Yogurt dip or dollop of light whipped topping

  • As a fruit topping over angel food cake

VI. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Make-Ahead Strategy:

  • Mix fluff and fruit separately and store, chilled. Combine just before serving.

  • Keeps in fridge up to 2 days—drain fruit before folding fluff.

Serving Tip:

  • For best appearance, fold just before serving to avoid soggy fruit and flattening fluff.

VII. Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories Carbs Protein Fat
141 19g 2g 7g

W-W Smart Tips:

  • Use light cream or sugar-free creamer

  • Choose reduced-fat cream cheese

  • Add more berries and fewer bananas for fewer carbs

VIII. FAQs

Q: Can this be made vegan?
A: Try dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream + vanilla extract, and fruit.

Q: What if the mixture becomes too thick?
A: Stir in a splash more creamer or cream until smooth.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: I recommend against freezing—fruit texture changes. Enjoy fresh!

Q: Is it okay to prep a day ahead?
A: Yes! Just mix fruit and fluff separately and fold together before serving.

IX. Kristy’s Note

One bite of this salad and—you feel summer. The cream cheese fluff gives it just enough sweetness, the berries bring freshness, and the bananas balance it out. It’s simple, beautiful, and brings smiles every time. What’s not to love?

X. More Festive Fruit Desserts

  • 🍓 W-W Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad

  • 🍉 Watermelon Feta Mint Salad

  • 🍑 Peach & Berry Yogurt Parfaits

  • 🧊 Frozen Banana Berry Nice Cream

XI. Call to Action

Made this Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Salad? Tag me @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram, or hop in the comments and let me know what fruit swap you made! This summer dessert is all about fresh flavor and fun memories—can’t wait to hear what you think! 💙❤️💛

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