Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

Featured in: Snack Laughs

This festive dip combines softened cream cheese and plain Greek yogurt for a smooth, lighter base. Dried cranberries add bursts of sweetness while green onions, parsley, and a hint of garlic powder enhance the flavor. Optional chopped nuts bring subtle crunch and extra texture. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s ideal for holiday gatherings and pairs perfectly with crackers or veggies. Nut-free and gluten-free options are easy to accommodate, making this creamy spread a versatile, crowd-pleasing choice.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:09:00 GMT
Creamy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, ready to serve with crackers, boasting vibrant red cranberries. Save
Creamy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, ready to serve with crackers, boasting vibrant red cranberries. | nachohaha.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 instantly became a favorite at family gatherings because of its bright flavors and lighter twist on classic cream cheese dips.

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.
A delightful close-up of the fresh and tangy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, perfect for any gathering. Save
A delightful close-up of the fresh and tangy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, perfect for any gathering. | nachohaha.com

Sharing this lighter dip brought my family closer during holidays as everyone loved its fresh and festive flavors.

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

90 calories, 4 g total fat, 8 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein per serving

This festive Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, garnished with herbs and nuts, is a lighter appetizer option. Save
This festive Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, garnished with herbs and nuts, is a lighter appetizer option. | nachohaha.com

This lightened holiday cream cheese dip is simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful, perfect for any festive occasion.

Recipe FAQ

What makes this dip lighter than traditional versions?

Using reduced-fat cream cheese combined with plain nonfat Greek yogurt reduces fat content while maintaining creaminess.

Can I omit nuts for allergy concerns?

Yes, walnuts or pecans are optional. Omitting them keeps the dip nut-free without compromising taste.

How should I store leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate the dip, ideally consuming within two days for freshness and safety.

What pairs well with this creamy dip?

Whole grain crackers, sliced fresh vegetables, or gluten-free crackers complement the flavors nicely.

Is there a way to add more brightness to the dip?

Adding a touch of orange zest can provide a fresh citrus twist to the flavor profile.

Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

A creamy, lighter dip with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, cranberries, and herbs perfect for holiday snacking.

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
1 min
Complete duration
11 min
Created by Carlos Vega


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary requirements 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 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)

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Prepare for serving: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with extra cranberries, herbs, and nuts as desired.

Phase 04

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains dairy and nuts; omit nuts for nut-free variation.

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