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Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

Featured in: Seasonal Home Recipes

This creamy dip blends softened reduced-fat cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt for a smooth base. Dried cranberries, nuts, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper add bursts of flavor and texture. Quickly prepared and perfect for holiday gatherings, it pairs well with crackers or sliced veggies. For a twist, add orange zest or omit nuts to suit dietary needs. Keep refrigerated until serving.

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Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:59:00 GMT
Creamy, lightened holiday cream cheese dip with vibrant cranberry flecks and fresh herbs for dipping. Save
Creamy, lightened holiday cream cheese dip with vibrant cranberry flecks and fresh herbs for dipping. | toastybloom.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 brightens up our holiday parties with a fresh twist on tradition.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225 g) reduced-fat cream cheese: softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt:
  • 1/3 cup (50 g) dried cranberries: chopped
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped walnuts or pecans: optional
  • 2 green onions: thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley: finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder:
  • 1/4 tsp salt:
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper:
  • Additional chopped cranberries herbs and nuts: optional garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl beat together the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
Step 2:
Stir in dried cranberries nuts (if using) green onions parsley garlic powder salt and pepper until thoroughly combined.
Step 3:
Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra cranberries herbs and nuts if desired.
Step 4:
Serve immediately with whole grain crackers sliced vegetables or refrigerate until ready to serve.
A close-up of the lightened holiday cream cheese dip, showing its smooth texture and walnut garnish. Save
A close-up of the lightened holiday cream cheese dip, showing its smooth texture and walnut garnish. | toastybloom.com

Our family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this dip during holiday celebrations.

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

Calories 90 Total Fat 4 g Carbohydrates 8 g Protein 5 g per serving

Serving suggestion: Enjoy this tasty lightened holiday cream cheese dip alongside whole grain crackers. Save
Serving suggestion: Enjoy this tasty lightened holiday cream cheese dip alongside whole grain crackers. | toastybloom.com

This lightened holiday cream cheese dip is perfect for festive occasions and easy to prepare.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dip nut-free?

Yes, simply omit walnuts or pecans to keep the dip nut-free without sacrificing flavor.

→ How long can I store the dip?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to two days to maintain freshness and taste.

→ What are good serving options?

This creamy dip pairs well with whole grain crackers, sliced vegetables, or gluten-free crackers.

→ Can I add any citrus flavor?

Adding a touch of orange zest offers a fresh citrus twist that complements the cranberries and herbs.

→ Is this dish suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, it contains dairy and plant-based ingredients, fitting well within vegetarian preferences.

Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

Festive creamy spread with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, cranberries, herbs, and nuts—light and flavorful.

Prep Time
10 minutes
0
Complete Time
10 minutes
Recipe Creator Grace Miller

Recipe Group Seasonal Home Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 8 Portion Count

Dietary Notes Meat-Free

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 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
03 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Seasonings

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

Garnish

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

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Stir in dried cranberries, nuts if using, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Serve or Refrigerate: Serve immediately with whole grain crackers or sliced vegetables; alternatively, refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Look over every item for allergens. If unsure, check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy and nuts, omit nuts for nut-free option.

Nutrition (per portion)

For guidance only: not a replacement for professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 90
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 5 g