Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip

Featured in: Global Heat

This lightened holiday cream cheese spread offers a creamy and tangy blend of reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt, complemented by dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and optional nuts. It’s perfect for festive gatherings and quick to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes. Serve with crackers or vegetables for a flavorful, lighter snack option that suits vegetarian and gluten-reduced diets. Variations include nut-free and gluten-free choices, plus a citrus twist for added zest.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:21:00 GMT
Creamy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, studded with cranberries, ready for dipping on crackers. Save
Creamy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, studded with cranberries, ready for dipping on crackers. | pepperplume.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 quickly became a holiday favorite in my family, loved for its creamy texture and bright flavors.

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
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): 1/4 cup (30 g)
  • 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 chopped cranberries, herbs, and nuts (optional): for 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.
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This dip always brings family together around the holiday table for tasty and light snacking moments.

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

Tangy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, garnished with fresh herbs and nuts, perfect as a holiday appetizer. Save
Tangy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, garnished with fresh herbs and nuts, perfect as a holiday appetizer. | pepperplume.com

This dip is perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout your holiday celebrations.

Recipe FAQ

What makes this spread lighter than traditional versions?

Using reduced-fat cream cheese combined with plain nonfat Greek yogurt cuts down on fat while maintaining creaminess and flavor.

Can I make this spread ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to two days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for fresh flavor and convenience.

Are there nut-free options available?

Absolutely, simply omit the walnuts or pecans to accommodate nut-free needs without sacrificing taste.

What are good serving suggestions for this spread?

Serve it with whole grain crackers, sliced vegetables, or gluten-free alternatives for a tasty and easy appetizer or snack.

How can I add a citrus twist to the spread?

Add a bit of fresh orange zest to the mix to brighten flavors and introduce a subtle citrus note.

Is this suitable for gluten-reduced diets?

Yes, the spread itself is gluten-free, and pairing it with gluten-free crackers keeps the snack gluten-reduced.

Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip

A creamy, tangy holiday spread blending cream cheese, Greek yogurt, cranberries, and herbs for light snacking.

Prep duration
10 min
0
Complete duration
10 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free

Components

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)

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Incorporate Mix-ins: Fold in dried cranberries, nuts if using, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed.

Phase 03

Prepare for Serving: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cranberries, herbs, and nuts if desired.

Phase 04

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and tree nuts if walnuts or pecans are included. Omit nuts for nut-free version.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 90
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 5 g