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- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 2 ripe bananas, sliced - 1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature - ½ cup Greek yogurt - ⅓ cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon lemon juice - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - Fresh mint leaves for garnish Fresh ingredients bring life to any dish. For this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad, the choice of fruit matters. You need ripe strawberries and bananas. Strawberries should be bright red and sweet. Bananas should be just ripe, not too soft. This way, they will hold their shape in the salad. The creamy base is key to this salad's charm. First, I use cream cheese for richness. Softening it at room temperature makes mixing easy. Then, I add Greek yogurt for that extra creaminess. This combination works well and tastes great. The powdered sugar adds the right sweetness. Vanilla extract gives a warm flavor. A touch of lemon juice brightens it all up. This creamy mix is smooth and perfect for the fruit. The crunch factor is the final touch. Graham cracker crumbs add texture that contrasts the creaminess. They give a nice crunch. Lastly, fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a fresh taste. This combination of fresh fruit, creamy base, and crunchy topping makes the salad a delight. Enjoy each bite! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine: - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - ½ cup Greek yogurt - ⅓ cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon lemon juice Using an electric mixer, blend these ingredients on medium speed. Keep mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want it lump-free for the best texture. Next, take a large mixing bowl. Gently toss together: - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 2 ripe bananas, sliced Be careful while mixing. You want to ensure the fruit is even but avoid bruising the bananas. This step keeps everything looking fresh and vibrant. Now it's time to bring it all together. Carefully pour the creamy mixture over the fruit in the large bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture into the fruit. Make sure each piece of fruit is well coated in the creamy goodness. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Chilling also makes the salad refreshing. When you're ready to serve, sprinkle 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs over the top. This will add a lovely crunch. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves. This not only looks great but adds a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad! To make your salad smooth and creamy, start with room-temperature cream cheese. This helps it blend well. Mix it with Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s lump-free. When tossing the bananas with strawberries, be gentle. Bananas bruise easily, which can make your salad look messy. Use a light hand to keep the slices intact and fresh. You can adjust the sweetness of your salad by adding more powdered sugar. Taste it as you go. If you want a lighter option, try using honey or agave syrup instead of powdered sugar. This change can add a unique flavor. If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or regular yogurt. Each option will give your salad a creamy base. Just remember, Greek yogurt offers a thicker texture. Serve your Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad in clear glass bowls. This will show off the bright colors of the strawberries and bananas. It makes the dish look pretty and tempting. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh mint leaves on top. They add freshness and a lovely green touch. You can also try adding a few extra graham cracker crumbs for a nice crunch. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Fruits: Use perfectly ripe strawberries and bananas for the best flavor and texture. Overripe fruits can make the salad mushy. Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste. Graham Cracker Variations: For a twist, try using flavored graham crackers like cinnamon or chocolate to add a unique touch to your salad. Fresh Mint Garnish: Fresh mint not only adds a pop of color but also complements the flavors of the fruits beautifully. Don’t skip this step! {{image_4}} You can switch up the fruits in this salad. Other berries like blueberries or raspberries add fun flavors. They mix well with the creamy base and give more color. If it's summer, try using peaches. They bring a sweet and juicy twist that pairs nicely with the creaminess. Want a lighter take? You can substitute low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese. It keeps the taste but cuts some fat. For sweetness, use honey or agave syrup instead of powdered sugar. This keeps it sweet and adds a touch of natural flavor. Your taste buds will still dance with joy! Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the creamy mixture. These spices give a warm, cozy feel to the salad. If you like a crunch, mix in some chopped nuts. Walnuts or pecans work great and offer a wonderful texture. Each bite becomes a fun surprise! To store leftovers of your strawberry banana cheesecake salad, first, place it in an airtight container. This keeps out air and moisture, which can spoil the salad. If you have a large batch, consider using smaller containers for easier access. Always use a clean spoon when serving to avoid introducing bacteria. To keep the salad fresh, store it in the refrigerator as soon as you finish eating. This prevents unwanted bacteria growth. Avoid leaving it out for more than two hours. In the refrigerator, your salad will taste best for two to three days. After that, the fruits may start to turn mushy, losing their delightful texture. Watch for signs of spoilage, such as off smells or a change in color. If the strawberries or bananas look brown or slimy, it’s time to toss the salad. Can you freeze strawberry banana cheesecake salad? Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended. The fruits will turn mushy when thawed. The creamy mixture may also separate, affecting its texture. If you want to prepare it ahead, consider making the creamy mixture and storing it separately. You can mix it with fresh fruits right before serving for the best taste and texture. Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad is a sweet, creamy dessert. It combines fresh strawberries and bananas with a rich cream cheese mixture. The salad has a delightful crunch from graham cracker crumbs. It’s a fun twist on traditional cheesecake. You can serve it as a treat or a side dish. To make your salad creamier, use more Greek yogurt. This adds a nice texture and taste. You can also blend the cream cheese longer. Make sure it's very smooth. If you want a lighter mix, try adding a bit more powdered sugar. Adjust to your taste. Yes, you can use different fruits! Consider adding blueberries or raspberries for a berry mix. Peaches or pineapple work well too. Just make sure to choose fruits that complement the creamy base. Keep the sweetness in mind when choosing fruits. This salad can last about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container for best results. The fruits may soften over time, so eat it fresh for the best taste. If you see any browning on the bananas, it’s time to toss it. Absolutely! This dish is great for parties. Serve it in clear bowls to show off the colors. You can also make individual servings for guests. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a nice touch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks beautiful on any table. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delightful Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad. We covered fresh ingredients, a creamy base, and tips to enhance flavor and presentation. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you achieve the perfect texture and chilling time. Remember, you can customize the salad with seasonal fruits or healthier options. This dish not only tastes great but also looks appealing on any table. Enjoy making it for yourself or at gatherings, and let your creativity shine!

Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad

A delightful and creamy salad featuring fresh strawberries and bananas, mixed with a luscious cheesecake dressing and topped with graham cracker crumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • to taste fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Using an electric mixer, blend the mixture on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
  • In a separate large mixing bowl, gently toss together the sliced strawberries and bananas, ensuring the fruits are evenly mixed without bruising the bananas.
  • Carefully pour the creamy cream cheese mixture over the fruit in the large bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture into the fruits until every piece is well coated in the luscious dressing.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  • Right before serving, generously sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the top of the chilled salad.
  • Serve the vibrant salad in individual bowls or transfer it to a large serving dish. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves on top.

Notes

Consider serving in clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the strawberries and bananas, and make the dish visually appealing!
Keyword banana, cheesecake, dessert, salad, strawberry