Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

Featured in: Quick Snack Fixes

This creamy holiday dip combines reduced-fat cream cheese and plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy base. Mixed with dried cranberries, nuts, green onions, fresh parsley, and subtle spices, it offers a festive burst of flavor. Ready in just minutes and suitable for vegetarian and gluten-reduced diets, it’s an easy, guilt-free option for holiday snacking. Serve chilled with crackers or veggies, and garnish with extra cranberries and herbs for a seasonal touch.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:26:00 GMT
Close-up of Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, showing a creamy texture with cranberry swirls on top. Pin it
Close-up of Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, showing a creamy texture with cranberry swirls on top. | smartyskitchen.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 my favorite holiday appetizer because it balances creamy texture with fruity bursts perfectly

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 vibrant bowl of Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, ready to be scooped up with crackers. Pin it
A vibrant bowl of Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, ready to be scooped up with crackers. | smartyskitchen.com

I enjoy serving this with family during the holidays to bring everyone together around a delicious and easy appetizer

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

This Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip is a festive appetizer, garnished with fresh herbs and cranberries. Pin it
This Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip is a festive appetizer, garnished with fresh herbs and cranberries. | smartyskitchen.com

This lightened cream cheese dip is perfect for holiday gatherings and simple to prepare in under 10 minutes

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I make this dip nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the walnuts or pecans to keep it nut-free while retaining the dish's creamy texture and festive flavors.

How long can the dip be stored?

Store the dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavors.

What can I serve with this creamy dip?

Pairs well with whole grain crackers, sliced vegetables, or gluten-free options for versatile snacking.

Is this dip suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, using dairy ingredients and no meat products, it fits vegetarian diets perfectly.

Can I add any citrus flavors to the dip?

Adding a touch of orange zest introduces a bright citrus twist that complements the tangy base.

Does this dip require cooking?

No cooking needed; it's quick to prepare by mixing softened cream cheese and yogurt with the other ingredients.

Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

Creamy holiday dip with tangy cream cheese, Greek yogurt, cranberries, and fresh herbs, perfect for festive gatherings.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
1 min
Overall Time
11 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

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)

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Base: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Transfer and Garnish: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra chopped cranberries, herbs, and nuts as desired.

Step 04

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, Greek yogurt) and nuts (if using walnuts or pecans).

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 90
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 5 g