Cheesecake Summer Berry Salad

Cheesecake Summer Berry Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup blueberries
• 2 cups strawberries, halved
• 8 ounces Cool Whip (or whipped topping of your choice)
• 8 ounces whipped cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons artificial sweetener (such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit)
• Chopped walnuts, to sprinkle on top (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Berries: Rinse the blueberries and strawberries under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut them in half. Place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the softened whipped cream cheese and Cool Whip. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
3. Sweeten the Berries: Sprinkle the artificial sweetener over the berries in the mixing bowl. Gently toss the berries with the sweetener until they are evenly coated. This will enhance their natural sweetness and create a juicy fruit mixture.
4. Layer the Salad: Take half of the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly in the bottom of a glass serving bowl or dish. You can also use individual serving cups for a more elegant presentation.
5. Add the Berries: Layer half of the sweetened berries over the cream cheese mixture in the bowl. Spread them out evenly to cover the surface.
6. Top with Remaining Cream Cheese Mixture: Carefully spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the layer of berries, creating a smooth surface.
7. Finish with Remaining Berries: Arrange the remaining sweetened berries on top of the cream cheese layer. You can be creative with the arrangement, creating a colorful pattern or simply scattering them over the surface.
8. Sprinkle with Chopped Walnuts: If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top of the salad for added crunch and flavor. This step is optional but adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy salad.
9. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to set. Serve chilled and enjoy!

This Cheesecake Summer Berry Salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day. It's light, creamy, and bursting with the fresh flavors of summer berries. Feel free to customize the recipe by using your favorite berries or adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Ingredients