In the world of desserts, finding a balance between indulgence and health can often feel like a daunting task. Yet, nestled within this spectrum lies a recipe that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but does so with a mindful approach to sugar content. The Berry and Cream Salad is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, blending the creamy textures of dairy with the fresh, vibrant flavors of berries. This dish is a celebration of contrasts—where the richness of cream meets the tartness of fruit, all while keeping health considerations at the forefront.
Why This Recipe Shines
The magic of the Berry and Cheesecake Salad lies in its ability to deliver a luxuriously sweet experience without relying heavily on added sugars. By choosing ingredients that are naturally low in sugar and high in flavor, this recipe becomes a perfect option for those looking to enjoy a dessert that aligns with a health-conscious lifestyle. The use of sugar-free cheesecake Jell-O adds a delightful creaminess and depth to the dish, while the Oikos Pro vanilla yogurt brings a rich, velvety texture along with the added benefits of lower sugar content and higher protein levels. This not only enhances the nutritional profile of the dessert but also provides a satisfyingly creamy base that complements the fresh berries. The inclusion of whipped cream introduces a light, airy quality that makes each bite feel like a celebration. When topped with a colorful mix of berries, this salad becomes a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, proving that a low-sugar dessert can indeed be vibrant, indulgent, and utterly delicious.
What You Need for Berry and Cheesecake Salad
Super easy and fast, it's perfect for when you need a dynamite salad or dessert fast!
Protein Yogurt: This makes the dish extra creamy! I prefer protein yogurt to give me some extra protein, but feel free to use your favorite kind of yogurt.
Cheesecake Jell-O: This gives the delectable cheesecake flavor to the dish! I personally like the sugar-free option, but feel free to use any variety you like.
Cool Whip: This is found in the freezer isle near the ice cream. Make sure to let it thaw before using in the cheesecake salad.
Strawberries: Slice the strawberries into fourths or long ways for bite sized spoonfuls.
Blackberries, Blueberries and Raspberries: Fresh, washed, and ripe are the best for this salad.
How to Make Cheesecake Salad with Berries
Super creamy and fresh, this is an absolute summer must make!
Creamy filling: In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold in the thawed cool whip.
Fold and refrigerate; Add strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Fold carefully into the cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate for an hour or more.
Serve; Dish into serving bowls and top with berries. Enjoy!
Berry and Cheesecake Salad Recipe
Yield: | Prep Time: |
6 servings | 5 minutes |
Cooking Time: | Total Time: |
1 hour (chill time) | 65 minutes |
Ingredients
1 small package Jell-O Zero Sugar Cheesecake Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
2 cups Oikos Triple Zero Vanilla Protein Nonfat Greek Yogurt (I prefer this brand for its low sugar content and high protein)
8oz Cool Whip Original Whipped Cream Topping or CocoWhip
A mix of berries for the topping (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are great options)
Instructions to Make the Berry and Cheesecake Salad
1. Mix the Jell-O and Yogurt: Begin by taking the sugar-free cheesecake Jell-O and combining it with the two cups of yogurt. It's important to ensure that the Jell-O is thoroughly mixed into the yogurt to avoid any lumps. The goal is to achieve a smooth, homogenous base that will serve as the creamy foundation of your salad. The Oikos Pro vanilla yogurt is recommended for its creamy texture and lower sugar content, which complements the sugar-free Jell-O perfectly.
2. Fold in the Whipped Cream: Once your Jell-O and yogurt mixture is smooth, the next step is to gently fold in the whipped cream. This step is crucial for adding lightness to the dessert. The whipped cream should be incorporated gently to maintain its fluffy texture, which adds an airy quality to the final dish. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped cream and affect the dessert's overall texture.
3. Refrigerate: After combining all the creamy elements, transfer the mixture into a serving bowl or individual serving cups, depending on your preference. Refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set, resulting in a more cohesive and enjoyable texture.
4. Serve with Berries: Just before serving, garnish the top of your Berry and Cheesecake Salad with a generous assortment of fresh berries. The vibrant hues and fresh flavors of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries not only add a burst of color but also introduce a tartness that balances the sweetness of the cream. This final addition elevates the dish, making it an enticing dessert that's as nutritious as it is delicious.
Berry and Cheesecake Salad Tips and Variations
Berry Selection and Preparation
Choose Ripe Berries: Select the ripest, freshest berries with vibrant colors and free from blemishes. Firm yet ripe berries offer the best taste and texture.
Prep Strawberries: Slice strawberries into bite-size pieces for easy eating. Other berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries can be used whole.
Handling Frozen Fruit
Avoid Frozen Fruit: Frozen berries can release too much liquid, potentially making the salad mushy. If using frozen, rinse thawed fruit until the water runs clear to remove excess liquid, though this may not fully restore firmness.
Creative Additions
Citrus Twist: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Tropical Flavors: Add diced mango and pineapple, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a tropical variation.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the salad for a rich, decadent touch.
Mint Freshness: Mix in fresh mint leaves for a cool, refreshing taste.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top for added texture and flavor.
Dessert Elements: Stir in broken-up chocolate-covered graham crackers, cookies, or chopped Snickers for a more dessert-like experience.
Flavor Enhancements: Add ½ tsp of vanilla or almond extract, or lemon/lime zest for extra flavor.
Discover More Low-Sugar Desserts
Looking for more ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without the sugar overload? Check out these tempting options:
Protein Peanut Butter Pudding: A creamy, protein-rich treat that blends the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate without the high sugar content.
Frozen Yogurt Bark: An easy-to-make, customizable treat featuring creamy yogurt and your favorite toppings, frozen into a delicious bark. Perfect for a refreshing, low-sugar snack.
Flourless Mug Brownie: Indulge in a rich, chocolatey brownie with minimal sugar, ready in minutes for a quick and satisfying dessert.
Each of these recipes offers a delicious way to enjoy dessert without compromising your health goals. Click through to find your next favorite low-sugar treat!
Conclusion
The Berry and Cheesecake Salad is a celebration of thoughtful ingredients and simple yet impactful flavors. It's a dessert that invites you to indulge without compromise, offering a sweet, creamy, and refreshing experience that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a light dessert to cap off a meal or a healthy treat to enjoy any time of day, this salad is sure to delight with its harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
This is so simple and delicious! My husband requests it regularly! :-)