Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

This Strawberry Cheesecake Salad is kind of like a dessert pretending to be a fruit salad. It’s super creamy, sweet, and packed with juicy strawberries. Imagine chunks of fresh strawberries folded into a fluffy mixture of yogurt, whipped topping (like Cool Whip), and maybe a splash of vanilla or some pudding mix for extra flavor. Sometimes people throw in mini marshmallows or bits of graham cracker to give it that full cheesecake vibe. It’s cold, dreamy, and basically tastes like summer in a bowl!

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If you’ve ever needed a quick dessert that tastes like you spent all day on it, this Strawberry Cheesecake Salad is your new best friend. Creamy, fluffy, tangy, and bursting with fresh strawberries—it’s basically strawberry cheesecake without the hassle of baking. It takes 10 minutes (yes, really), uses just five ingredients, and disappears at potlucks faster than you can blink.

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What Is Strawberry Cheesecake Salad?

It’s exactly what it sounds like: all the flavors of a creamy cheesecake turned into a light and fluffy dessert salad. Think of it like the sweet version of a creamy fruit dip—but thick enough to eat with a spoon and indulgent enough to call dessert. It combines Greek yogurt, cheesecake pudding mix, whipped topping, and fresh strawberries for a tangy, sweet, and totally satisfying treat.

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When to Serve

This is the kind of dessert you’ll want to whip up on:

• Busy summer nights
• Backyard BBQs and holiday cookouts
• Baby or bridal showers
• Easter, Mother’s Day, or Sunday brunch
• Or honestly… right now, just because it’s that easy

I made this on a whim after dinner while my husband wrangled the kids, and we both sat down with a bowl and devoured it in complete silence. Which—if you’re a parent—feels like a five-star moment.

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Troubleshooting Tips

Too runny?
Make sure your yogurt is thick and you’re using dry pudding mix — not prepared pudding.

Fruit too watery?
Dice strawberries and blot with paper towels before folding in to prevent extra moisture.

Want it thicker?
Chill it longer or fold in some mini marshmallows to help absorb moisture.

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Why You Will Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

This dessert hits that perfect sweet spot between indulgent and refreshing. It’s:

• Creamy and comforting – like classic cheesecake, but way easier to make.
• Fruity and fresh – thanks to all the strawberries, it feels lighter and a bit more summery.
• Quick and no-bake – no oven, no stress, just mix and chill.
• Crowd-pleasing – it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at potlucks or BBQs.
• Customizable – you can toss in extras like bananas, blueberries, marshmallows, or graham cracker crumbs to make it your own.

Basically, it’s a dessert that’s easy to love and hard to mess up.

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Ingredients Needed for Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

• Fresh strawberries – the star of the show! Hulled and sliced.
• Greek Yogurt – plain or vanilla for a little extra flavor.
• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip) – makes it light, fluffy, and easy to mix.
• Vanilla pudding mix – adds sweetness and thickens things up nicely.

Yes! Only four ingredients, that’s it! This is the kind of dessert you can throw together last minute and still impress everyone. As a mom of two, I am all for easy to throw together recipes!

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This Strawberry Cheesecake Salad is one of those back-pocket recipes every mom needs. It’s ridiculously easy, tastes like a dream, and you don’t even have to turn on the oven. My kids kept sneaking spoonfuls out of the fridge, and my husband actually asked if we had more (which never happens with anything that doesn’t involve chocolate). It’s officially earned a spot in our permanent dessert rotation.

So go ahead and make it. Just… maybe hide a bowl in the back of the fridge for yourself.

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Speaking of kids, this recipe is super kiddo friendly! I love getting my kids involved in the kitchen as often as I can. Call them into the kitchen and have them help you stir all the ingredients together and make some lifetime memories! Set up a “toppings station” and let them go crazy with toppings like chocolate chips, fruit, or graham crackers!

AND…. It’s a healthier option for dessert (but they don’t have to know that..). Healthy dessert? What else could you ask for?

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This recipe is basically effortless comfort food. You don’t need to bake anything, there’s no complicated technique, and it still tastes like you put in way more work than you actually did!

Plus, it’s super forgiving. If it’s a little too thick, add a splash of milk. Too sweet? Throw in more fruit. Want it to feel extra dessert-y? Sprinkle on some graham cracker crumbs. It’s customizable, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for when you want to bring something yummy without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep it a few hours in advance, but it’s best enjoyed the same day. If making ahead, wait to add the strawberries and any watery fruits until closer to serving so it doesn’t get runny.

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2. Can I use frozen strawberries?

You can, but fresh strawberries are best. Frozen ones tend to release too much liquid and can make the salad watery and mushy.

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3. Do I have to use Cool Whip?

Not necessarily. You can use homemade whipped cream instead—just whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla. Just know it might not stay as fluffy for as long.

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4. Can I add other fruits?

Totally! Bananas, blueberries, or even pineapple work great. Just be mindful of fruits that brown quickly or release a lot of juice.

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5. How long does it last in the fridge?

It’s best within 24 hours, but it can last 2–3 days covered in the fridge. After that, it may separate or get too watery.

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Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are some ways to switch it up:

• Mixed Berry Cheesecake Salad: Add blueberries and raspberries
• Tropical Version: Fold in crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, or coconut
• Extra indulgent: Mix in mini marshmallows or crushed graham crackers
• Healthier twist: Use plain yogurt and reduced sugar whipped topping

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How To Store

• Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.
• It’ll stay fresh for about 2–3 days, but it’s definitely best within the first 24 hours.

Tips for Storing:

• If you haven’t added the strawberries yet, wait to mix them in until right before serving—they can release juice and make the salad a bit watery over time.
• If it starts to separate or look a little runny after sitting, just give it a quick stir to bring it back to life.

Can You Freeze It?

Not really recommended. The texture changes a lot when frozen and thawed—the creamy part can get grainy, and the fruit gets mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

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Weight Watchers Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff (Low-Point Version!)

Trying to keep things light? You can easily make a sugar-free, Weight Watchers-friendly version of this Strawberry Cheesecake Salad—and it still tastes just as dreamy!

Here’s what you’ll need for the lightened-up “fluff” version:

🧾 Ingredients:

• 1 (8 oz.) container fat-free whipped topping (like Cool Whip Free), thawed
• 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 1 (1 oz.) package sugar-free Jell-O cheesecake pudding mix
• 2 cups diced strawberries

🍽️ Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the Greek yogurt and dry pudding mix until smooth.
2. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
3. Add the strawberries and gently mix to incorporate.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor and texture.
5. Serve cold and enjoy every guilt-free bite!

💡 Pro Tip:
Use plain Greek yogurt to keep it tangy or vanilla for added sweetness with no extra sugar. This version is zero-bake, high-protein, and surprisingly satisfying for being so low in points.

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Blueberry Fluff Salad

Cherry Fluff Salad

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