Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad Recipe

Swoon-worthy layers of creamy, fluffy cheesecake filling, vibrant red strawberries, sweet blueberries, and a playful handful of mini marshmallows—this Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad is as festive as it is irresistible! Whether you need a dazzling dish for a summer cookout, a patriotic potluck, or just a little treat to make an ordinary week feel extra special, you’ll fall in love fast with how easy and delicious this crowd-pleaser is. It’s nostalgia and fun, all in one cheerful bowl!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This all-star lineup keeps things wonderfully simple, but every ingredient plays a vital role in the colorful, creamy magic of Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad. The mix of classic flavors and textures is what makes this dessert salad such an absolute favorite at gatherings!

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The backbone of that dreamy cheesecake base—make sure it’s soft for ultra-smooth mixing!
• Cool Whip (8 oz): Adds an airy, light sweetness that helps everything meld into a soft, cloudlike texture.
• Cheesecake Instant Pudding Mix (3 oz): Bold, tangy cheesecake flavor in a flash, with just the right amount of thickness for the filling.
• Milk (1 cup): Blends with the pudding mix to create the smooth, creamy base that brings this all together.
• Mini Marshmallows (10 oz): Fluffy little pillows add fun texture and just a touch of sticky, sweet nostalgia.
• Strawberries, fresh (2 cups, tops removed and quartered): Their juicy red color and tart-sweet bite are pure summertime goodness!
• Blueberries, fresh (1 cup): Bursts of bright blue with a juicy pop in every bite—don’t skip these for color and flavor.

How to Make Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad

Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese

Start by placing your softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer at medium speed, beat until the cream cheese is completely smooth and velvety. This step is key for a lump-free, creamy base, so give it a little extra attention if needed!

Step 2: Fold in the Cool Whip

Add the Cool Whip to your fluffy cream cheese, mixing gently until just combined. This keeps the texture light and airy, so try not to overmix. You want everything to feel like a whipped cheesecake cloud!

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together your cheesecake instant pudding mix and milk until the mixture is thickened and totally smooth. Let it sit for a minute so it can thicken up perfectly—no lumps allowed!

Step 4: Combine the Cheesecake Base and Pudding

Pour the thick, luscious pudding mixture into the cream cheese and Cool Whip base. Give it all a quick mix until just blended, keeping that creamy texture intact. The magic is happening right here!

Step 5: Gently Fold in Marshmallows and Fruit

Now for the best part: using a spatula, gently fold in the mini marshmallows, quartered strawberries, and blueberries. Take your time so the berries don’t burst and the marshmallows stay fluffy. You’ve just created the iconic Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad!

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a tight lid, and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. Chilling allows the flavors to blend together so every bite is refreshingly creamy, fruity, and sweet.

How to Serve Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad

Garnishes

This salad is already a showstopper, but a few strategic garnishes can make it pop even more. Try a crown of extra berries, a shower of mini marshmallows, or a little crushed graham cracker on top for a nod to classic cheesecake.

Side Dishes

Pair your Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad with grilled favorites like burgers, hot dogs, or corn on the cob. It’s a dreamy dessert that balances out any savory summer spread—and it disappears just as fast!

Creative Ways to Present

For picnics or parties, spoon the salad into clear cups or mason jars for perfectly portable, individual servings. If you’re feeling extra festive, layer the ingredients parfait-style for a pretty striped effect. Or pile it all into a big trifle dish and let everyone help themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. The Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2-3 days, though the fruit is best within the first day for the freshest taste and texture.

Freezing

While technically you can freeze this salad, the texture will change a lot—marshmallows and whipped toppings don’t always play nice with the freezer! If you do freeze it, thaw slowly in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before serving.

Reheating

No reheating necessary with this cool, creamy treat! In fact, Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad is at its best served straight from the fridge, perfectly chilled and refreshing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Fresh berries are ideal for the best texture and bright color, but you can use frozen if you thaw and drain them very well first. Keep in mind the salad may become looser and a bit more colorful as the juices release.

Is there a substitute for Cool Whip?

Absolutely! You can use homemade whipped cream to keep it old-school, just whip one cup of heavy cream with a couple tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. The texture will be a touch softer but still delicious.

Can I make Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the salad up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. For maximum freshness, fold in the fruit just before serving so it stays juicy and vibrant.

Can I add other fruits?

Go for it! Try raspberries for another red pop, blackberries for a deeper blue, or even diced bananas for extra creaminess. Just be mindful of fruits that release a lot of juice, which might thin the salad after sitting.

How do I prevent the strawberries from getting mushy?

Make sure your berries are very dry before adding, and only fold them in right before you serve. Patting quartered strawberries with a paper towel can help keep them looking and tasting their best.

Final Thoughts

I promise, one bite of this Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad and you’ll understand why it’s a party legend. Effortless, colorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, it’s the dessert that always disappears first. Give it a whirl and let your next celebration shine with red, white, and blue deliciousness!

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