Description
Indulgent Strawberry Crack Salad is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for summer gatherings. This creamy, sweet, and slightly crunchy salad combines fresh strawberries, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and a smooth blend of whipped topping and cream cheese. It’s easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and is ideal for serving chilled at picnics, potlucks, or family celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (washed and dried)
Dairy & Creamy Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (can use dairy-free alternatives)
- 8 ounces whipped topping (consider sugar-free versions)
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (for chewy texture)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (can substitute with sunflower seeds)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice them into bite-sized pieces and set aside to keep them fresh and ready for mixing.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and whipped topping. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a creamy base for the salad.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the creamy mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed without breaking them down.
- Incorporate Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the bowl and fold them in gently, preserving their chewy texture.
- Add Pecans: Carefully fold the chopped pecans into the mixture to add a crunchy contrast to the creamy and chewy ingredients.
- Chill the Salad: Transfer the completed mixture to a serving bowl. Cover it securely and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the salad chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the salad from the refrigerator, give it a gentle stir, and serve it cold for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether.
- Consider using sugar-free whipped topping to reduce sugar content.
- Dairy-free cream cheese alternatives can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Ensure strawberries are fully dried after washing to prevent dilution of the creamy mixture.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
