How to Make the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese Salad in Just 10 Minutes

Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese ((room temperature, 1 block)); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 8 ounces whipped topping ((such as Cool Whip)); 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 pounds strawberries ((sliced or chopped into large pieces)); mini marshmallows ((optional))

This strawberry cream cheese salad is a creamy, sweet, refreshing treat perfect for spring and summer entertaining. Whether you’re looking for a light dessert, a side dish for a family barbecue, or something quick and delicious to bring to a potluck, this strawberry recipe is a great choice. The creamy cheese blends well with the sweet pops of strawberry, making it a favorite dish for many.

You only need cream cheese, whipped topping, powdered sugar, and fresh strawberries to make it in about 10 minutes, making it a great pick for when you’re pressed for time but still want to make something from scratch. You can serve it immediately or let it cool for a bit—it’s up to you!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Salad

An easy, sweet, and delicious side dish for spring for summer. This is ready to serve in just a few minutes, and everyone will love it.

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Serving Size servings

Equipment

Hand mixer or stand mixer
Large mixing bowl
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Serving bowl or dish

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature, 1 block)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 pounds strawberries (sliced or chopped into large pieces)
mini marshmallows (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the cream cheese mixture. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps. This should take about 2 minutes.
Fold in the whipped topping. Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, making sure everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the light texture of the whipped topping.
Add the strawberries. Carefully add the sliced or chopped strawberries to the cream cheese mixture. Reserve about 1/4 cup of strawberries to sprinkle on top for garnish. Stir gently to incorporate the strawberries without breaking them apart.
Serve or chill. You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh, creamy texture. Alternatively, cover and chill it in the fridge for a few hours before serving if you like a cooler dessert.

Notes

Choosing good strawberries is important for how the salad tastes. Go for ripe, bright red ones for the best flavor. The salad won’t taste as good if they’re not ripe or too sour.

If you leave strawberries out too long, they’ll get too juicy and make the salad soggy. It’s best to cut them before you add them, and don’t cut them too small.

Also, don’t chop the strawberries into tiny pieces because it can make your salad too soggy. Cutting them into bigger pieces is a better idea.

You can use lighter versions of cream cheese and whipped topping to reduce calories without losing flavor.

This recipe is pretty flexible! You can toss mini marshmallows, nuts, or even chocolate chips for extra crunch and taste. You can also tweak how sweet it is by adding more or less powdered sugar to suit your liking.

The salad is fine to eat immediately, but the flavors come together better if you chill it for about an hour. It also sets a bit, making it easier to serve.

For an extra nice touch, keep a few whole strawberries aside to slice up and put on top of the salad before you serve it. A little powdered sugar on top or some chocolate sauce can make it look fancier, especially if you’re making it for a get-together.

If you’re looking for something crunchy to go with it, graham crackers or vanilla wafers are a great choice. They add a nice texture contrast to the creamy and fruity parts of the salad.

This salad recipe has become my go-to because it’s so easy and delicious that I find myself making it over and over. It’s quick and simple, filled with fresh flavors, making it the perfect dish to bring to any meal or serve as a dessert, especially during the warmer months.

The combination of creamy whipped topping and cream cheese with the juicy strawberries is amazing, creating a sweet and refreshing treat that everyone loves, both kids and adults. It’s perfect for outdoor barbecues or a nice, light snack for my family. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, and it never fails to please the crowd!

For another refreshing and creamy dessert perfect for summer, check out this Key Lime Pie with Whipped Cream Topping. It’s a sweet, tangy treat that pairs perfectly with any summer meal.

blue bowl filled with cream cheese strrawberry salad.

I’m confident you’ll find it just as delicious.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese Salad

If your strawberries are juicy, put them on a paper towel before putting them in the salad. This soaks up extra juice and keeps your salad from becoming too watery.
Hard cream cheese can be tough to mix and might leave chunks in your salad. To prevent this, let your cream cheese soften before you use it. You can leave it out for around 30 minutes or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds (10-15 seconds).
Make sure not to mix too much when you add the whipped topping. Mixing it too much can make it less airy. Just use a spatula and mix everything gently.
When mixing everything, use a big bowl to have plenty of space. This way, you can mix gently and avoid spilling, making sure the strawberries aren’t squished.
It might be tempting to freeze the salad to cool it quickly, but this can mess up the texture of the cream cheese and strawberries, leaving you with a watery, less creamy salad. Cooling it in the fridge to get the best texture is better.
I do not usually add mini marshmallows to this, but my kids love it when I do. You can also add a scoop of vanilla protein powder in step one; no one will know. 😊

Key Ingredients and Tools

Here’s everything you need to make this recipe a success:

Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s at room temperature so it mixes smoothly without any lumps. Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well and can make the texture uneven. If unavailable, go for light cream cheese to reduce calories, but it might not be as creamy.
Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): This gives the salad a light and airy feel, balancing out the creaminess. This is usually found in the freezer section near frozen desserts. You can whip up your cream, but the store-bought kind is just as good and more convenient.
Powdered Sugar: It mixes in well without making the mixture grainy, keeping the salad creamy. Always choose powdered over regular sugar to avoid a gritty texture. You can also use stevia or monk fruit for a less sugar option. They’re much sweeter, so start with a little and adjust according to your taste.
Greek Yogurt: Mixing Greek yogurt with the cream cheese makes the salad lighter and adds a fresh tang. It’s a great way to tweak the creaminess.
Fresh Strawberries: They’re the main attraction, bringing sweetness and moisture. Always go for fresh, ripe strawberries because frozen ones can make the salad too watery.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for getting the smooth cream cheese and sugar. It’s possible to mix by hand, but an electric mixer does the job faster and better.

Keeping these ingredients and tools ready will help you smooth the recipe and make sure it turns out tasty and enjoyable.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp, a fresh fruit salad, BBQ ribs, a light cucumber salad, or homemade dinner rolls.

You can also try this No-Bake Vanilla Cream Pie for another creamy dessert.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I wouldn’t recommend using frozen strawberries for this. They release a lot of water as they thaw, which would make the salad too runny. Fresh strawberries work best here!

Can I add other fruits?

Definitely! You could mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even pineapple. Be careful with anything too juicy since it could water down the salad. Keep the fruit pieces on the larger side to help with that.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese or whipped topping?

Absolutely! You can use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping to lighten the recipe. The texture might be slightly less rich, but still tastes great.

What’s the best way to keep the salad from getting watery?

The key is to avoid chopping the strawberries too small, as this can release more juice. Also, make sure you add the strawberries right before serving, if possible. If you notice extra liquid, gently stir the salad and drain any excess juice before serving.

Can I make this without a mixer?

You can, but it might take a little extra elbow grease! If you don’t have a mixer, make sure the cream cheese is soft, and use a sturdy spoon or whisk to mix it until smooth. It will take a bit more time, but it’s doable.

How sweet is this salad?

It’s fairly sweet but not overly so. The powdered sugar and whipped topping add enough sweetness to balance the cream cheese. If you like your desserts less sweet, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can! It’s a great recipe to make a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge and gently stir it before serving. However, I wouldn’t recommend making it the day before, as the strawberries might release too much juice and make the salad watery. This Cucumber Chicken Salad is another perfect option for warm weather, offering a fresh, savory contrast to this sweet salad.

Let me know if you have any other questions—I’m happy to help!

Storage Instructions

After making the salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a day, but it’s best to serve it within a few hours of making it. If you’re storing it overnight, gently stir before serving to mix everything back together and make sure the texture is smooth.

Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well. The texture of the cream cheese and whipped topping will change when frozen and thawed, and the strawberries can become mushy, releasing too much liquid. For the best results, it’s better to enjoy this recipe fresh.

Just refrigerate any leftovers and try to eat them within a day to maintain the best taste and texture.

To keep this salad fresh and safe to eat, store any leftovers properly. For guidance on safely storing leftovers, check out these USDA food safety tips to make sure everything stays fresh and delicious.

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Salad is an easy yet tasty choice for any event. Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a community potluck, or a simple family dessert, this recipe is perfect. It’s easy to prepare, and the combination of fresh strawberries and the creamy texture feels special without being complicated. You can also prepare it in advance, adding to its convenience. After making it once, you’ll understand why it’s a keeper. Don’t be shocked if it soon becomes a hit with your family and friends, and you make it over and over!

How to Make the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese Salad in Just 10 Minutes