Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

Featured in: Party Snacks

This lightened holiday dip blends softened cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt for a creamy base. Dried cranberries and nuts add texture and bursts of flavor, while green onions, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper provide a balanced seasoning. This no-cook dip takes just minutes to prepare and is perfect served with crackers or fresh vegetables. Ideal for those seeking a festive, creamy spread with reduced fat but full of bright, tangy notes and herbal freshness.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:47:00 GMT
Creamy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, perfect with crackers, garnished with cranberries and fresh herbs. Pin
Creamy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, perfect with crackers, garnished with cranberries and fresh herbs. | grillandbites.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 has become my go-to for holiday parties because it combines festive flavors without the heaviness.

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.
This festive Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip features a swirl of cranberries in a creamy white base, ready to serve. Pin
This festive Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip features a swirl of cranberries in a creamy white base, ready to serve. | grillandbites.com

This dip always brings my family together during the holidays; everyone loves the light yet 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

Per serving: Calories 90, Total Fat 4 g, Carbohydrates 8 g, Protein 5 g

Enjoy a bowl of tangy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, with hints of green onion, and a sprinkle of nuts. Pin
Enjoy a bowl of tangy Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese Dip, with hints of green onion, and a sprinkle of nuts. | grillandbites.com

This lightened dip is perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare ahead of time for your holiday celebrations.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this dip nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the chopped walnuts or pecans to keep it nut-free without losing the creamy and tangy flavors.

How long can this dip be stored?

Store the dip in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

What can I serve this dip with?

This dip pairs well with whole grain crackers, sliced vegetables, or gluten-free options for a healthy snack.

Can I add a citrus twist to this dip?

Yes, adding a touch of orange zest brightens the flavor and complements the cranberries and herbs.

Is this dip suitable for a gluten-reduced diet?

Yes, using gluten-free crackers or vegetables for dipping keeps this option gluten-reduced and enjoyable.

Lightened Holiday Cream Cheese

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

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
1 min
Overall duration
11 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian

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 mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and plain nonfat Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.

Phase 02

Incorporate flavorings: Stir in chopped dried cranberries, nuts if using, thinly sliced green onions, finely chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully blended.

Phase 03

Transfer and garnish: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with additional chopped cranberries, fresh 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 ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains dairy and nuts (when using walnuts or pecans).

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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