Strawberry And Cream Cheese Salad
A creamy strawberry and cream cheese salad with a graham cracker crust, perfect for gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a sweet, fruity treat with a rich texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted margarine, and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl; mix well.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Allow the crust to cool.
- Combine softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar in a bowl; beat well until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped topping.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- Chill for 1 hour.
- Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water in a bowl.
- Add frozen strawberries to the gelatin, stirring until thawed. Chill until partially congealed.
- Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill until the dessert is firm before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers. To enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have frozen strawberries, fresh strawberries can work too, but make sure to slice them thinly to mix well with the gelatin.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry and Cream Cheese Salad is a delightful dessert on its own but can also be served alongside a light meal or picnic fare. It pairs beautifully with the Quick Lime Cream Pie for a refreshing dessert spread. Consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or additional strawberries for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing the salad as the texture may become watery upon thawing. If serving later, you can keep the strawberry layer separate and pour it over the cream cheese layer just before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry And Cream Cheese Salad contains roughly 247 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just follow the recipe and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier when served the next day.
Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?
Absolutely! You can substitute strawberry gelatin with other flavors like raspberry or peach to create a unique twist. Just ensure the flavor complements the cream cheese base for the best results.
What can I use instead of whipped topping?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can use freshly whipped cream instead of whipped topping. Just whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture for a more natural and rich flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).