Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

Featured in: Quick Healthy Snacks

This lightened holiday cream cheese combines softened reduced-fat cream cheese with plain nonfat Greek yogurt for a creamy base. It is enhanced with dried cranberries, optional nuts, green onions, fresh parsley, and a touch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The mixture is smooth and flavorful, perfect for serving with whole grain crackers or sliced vegetables. It’s easy to prepare and can be stored refrigerated for up to two days, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday snacking.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:01:00 GMT
Festive Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, creamy and tangy, studded with cranberries and herbs, ready to serve. Pin it
Festive Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, creamy and tangy, studded with cranberries and herbs, ready to serve. | freshymeals.com

A festive, creamy dip made lighter for guilt-free holiday snacking, featuring tangy cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and bursts of cranberry and herbs.

This dip has become my go-to holiday appetizer because it feels indulgent without the guilt.

Ingredients

  • Reduced-fat cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened
  • Plain nonfat Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (120 g)
  • Dried cranberries: 1/3 cup (50 g), chopped
  • Walnuts or pecans: 1/4 cup (30 g), chopped (optional)
  • Green onions: 2, thinly sliced
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, finely chopped
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Additional garnish: chopped cranberries, herbs, and nuts (optional)

Instructions

Mix cream cheese and yogurt:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
Add remaining ingredients:
Stir in dried cranberries, nuts (if using), green onions, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
Transfer and garnish:
Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra cranberries, herbs, and nuts if desired.
Serve:
Serve immediately with whole grain crackers, sliced vegetables, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
A close-up of a delightful holiday spread: lightened cream cheese dip garnished with fresh cranberries. Pin it
A close-up of a delightful holiday spread: lightened cream cheese dip garnished with fresh cranberries. | freshymeals.com

My family loves gathering around this dip each holiday season for a tasty and healthy treat.

Required Tools

Medium mixing bowl, hand mixer or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, serving bowl

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cream cheese, Greek yogurt) and nuts (if using walnuts or pecans). Omit nuts for a nut-free version. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 90, Total Fat 4 g, Carbohydrates 8 g, Protein 5 g

Delicious scoopable Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, perfect appetizer with crackers, featuring fresh green onion. Pin it
Delicious scoopable Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, perfect appetizer with crackers, featuring fresh green onion. | freshymeals.com

This dip balances creamy and tangy flavors perfectly for a delightful holiday snack.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dip nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the walnuts or pecans to avoid nuts while maintaining flavor and texture.

How should I store the dip if not serving immediately?

Cover the dip tightly and refrigerate for up to two days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

What can I serve with this creamy dip?

Whole grain crackers, gluten-free crackers, or fresh sliced vegetables complement the creamy texture perfectly.

Can I add a citrus twist to the dip?

Yes, adding a touch of orange zest brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing twist.

Is this appropriate for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this blend uses dairy ingredients suitable for vegetarians and includes gluten-reduced options.

Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

Festive creamy blend of cream cheese, Greek yogurt, cranberries, and herbs for guilt-free snacking.

How long to prep
10 min
Time to cook
1 min
Overall time
11 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Quick Healthy Snacks

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 8 Serving size

Dietary details Vegetarian option

What you need

Dairy

01 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
02 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Fruits & Nuts

01 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
02 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 2 green onions, thinly sliced
02 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
03 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Seasonings

01 1/4 tsp salt
02 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish

01 Additional chopped cranberries, herbs, and nuts (optional)

Steps to follow

Step 01

Combine Dairy Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt together until smooth and creamy.

Step 02

Incorporate Fruits, Nuts, and Aromatics: Stir in dried cranberries, chopped nuts if using, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.

Step 03

Transfer and Garnish: Move the mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cranberries, fresh herbs, and nuts as desired.

Step 04

Serve or Store: Serve immediately with whole grain crackers or sliced vegetables, or refrigerate until ready to use.

Tools you’ll need

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowl

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy and tree nuts if walnuts or pecans are included. Omit nuts for a nut-free variation.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 90
  • Fat content: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Protein amount: 5 g