Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

Featured in: Fast & Flavorful

This lightened holiday dip combines softened reduced-fat cream cheese and plain nonfat Greek yogurt for a creamy base. Chopped dried cranberries and nuts add bursts of flavor and texture, enhanced by fresh green onions, parsley, and a hint of garlic powder. Perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper, it’s an easy, quick appetizer that can be served immediately with crackers or veggies. Nut-free or gluten-free variations make it versatile for all occasions.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:34:00 GMT
Creamy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, perfect for dipping, packed with cranberries and fresh parsley. Save
Creamy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, perfect for dipping, packed with cranberries and fresh parsley. | tastychuck.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 creamy dip has become a staple at our holiday parties since it balances flavor and lightness perfectly

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.
Festive Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, beautifully garnished with cranberries, served with crackers, and ready to go. Save
Festive Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, beautifully garnished with cranberries, served with crackers, and ready to go. | tastychuck.com

This dip always brings smiles around our family gatherings and sparks conversations about healthy holiday treats

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

A bowl of delicious Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, with visible herbs alongside the cream cheese and cranberries. Save
A bowl of delicious Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, with visible herbs alongside the cream cheese and cranberries. | tastychuck.com

This lightened dip is the perfect balance of festive flavor and health consciousness to enjoy all season long

Recipe Guide

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to 2 days in advance and keep refrigerated, covered until ready to serve.

Are there any nut-free options?

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

What can I serve this dip with?

Serve with whole grain crackers, sliced vegetables, or gluten-free crackers for a light snack or appetizer.

How can I add a citrus twist?

Incorporate a touch of orange zest to brighten and enhance the dip’s festive flavors.

Is this dip suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it fits a vegetarian diet with dairy ingredients and fresh herbs.

Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

A creamy holiday dip with tangy cream cheese, Greek yogurt, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs.

Prep duration
10 min
0
Full duration
10 min
Created by Chuck Harrison


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free

What you'll 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 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)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains dairy and nuts (if walnuts or pecans are included).

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 90
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 5 g