Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

Featured in: Quick Everyday Meals

This creamy holiday dip blends softened cream cheese with nonfat Greek yogurt for a lighter texture. Tangy dried cranberries and fresh herbs add flavorful bursts, while optional nuts provide a satisfying crunch. Seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, it’s an easy, no-cook option perfect for festive gatherings. Serve chilled with vegetables or crackers for a guilt-free, vibrant appetizer everyone will enjoy.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:40:00 GMT
Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, a creamy appetizer, speckled with red cranberries and green herbs. Save to Pinterest
Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, a creamy appetizer, speckled with red cranberries and green herbs. | messlitreats.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 at our family gatherings thanks to its creamy texture and bright flavors.

Ingredients

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

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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| messlitreats.com

This dip always brings smiles during holiday celebrations at home with family and friends.

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, ready to serve with crackers, a perfect party snack. Save to Pinterest
Tangy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, ready to serve with crackers, a perfect party snack. | messlitreats.com

This lightened holiday cream cheese dip is a quick and easy appetizer that will brighten any festive table.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made up to two days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.

How can I make the dip nut-free?

Simply omit the walnuts or pecans to keep it nut-free without sacrificing flavor.

What can I serve this dip with?

This dip pairs well with whole grain crackers, sliced vegetables, or gluten-free options for varied snacking.

Is there a way to add a citrus twist?

Adding a touch of orange zest brightens the flavor and complements the cranberries beautifully.

What makes this dip lighter than traditional versions?

Using reduced-fat cream cheese alongside plain nonfat Greek yogurt reduces richness while maintaining creaminess.

Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

A creamy holiday dip with tangy cranberries, herbs, and lighter cream cheese for festive snacking.

Prep Duration
10 min
0
Overall Duration
10 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Portion Yield 8 People served

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

List of Ingredients

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)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Combine dairy base: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Transfer and garnish: Place the mixture into a serving bowl and garnish with extra cranberries, herbs, and nuts as desired.

Step 04

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

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains dairy and tree nuts if walnuts or pecans are included. Omit nuts for nut-free adaptation.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 90
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 5 g