Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Salad is a delightful no-bake dessert salad featuring fresh strawberries folded into a creamy cheesecake mixture made with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and vanilla. Topped with a buttery graham cracker and pecan crumble and optionally drizzled with honey, this salad is a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures served chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Crust Topping
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Incorporate Strawberries: Gently fold the sliced fresh strawberries into the cheesecake mixture, coating them evenly to infuse the flavors without breaking the berries.
- Make the Crust Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and chopped pecans if using. Stir thoroughly until the crumbs are well-moistened and clump slightly.
- Assemble the Salad: Spoon the creamy strawberry cheesecake mixture into individual serving bowls or a large serving dish. Evenly sprinkle the graham cracker and pecan topping over the top.
- Add Honey Drizzle (Optional): Drizzle honey over the assembled salad to add a touch of extra sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a refreshing and creamy dessert experience.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream.
- Chilling the salad helps it set and improves the taste.
- Chopped pecans are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best taste and texture.
- This dessert is best served cold and within 1-2 days for freshness.
