Ingredients:

  • 16 oz Neufchâtel or Low-Fat Cream Cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
  • 2 cups Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, finely shredded
  • 2 tbsp Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning
  • 0.25 cup Green onions, white and light green parts only, finely minced
  • 0.5 tsp Fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro or Flat-leaf Parsley, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup Red Bell Pepper or Cherry Tomatoes, finely diced
  • 0.25 cup Yellow Bell Pepper, cut into a star shape
  • 0.25 cup Sliced Black Olives

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip the softened Neufchâtel cheese and Greek yogurt together until the mixture is velvety and completely free of lumps.
  2. Using a spatula, fold in the finely shredded sharp cheddar, taco seasoning, minced green onions, and fresh lime juice until the spices are evenly distributed.
  3. Place a small circular glass or bowl in the center of a large flat serving platter to act as a mold.
  4. Spoon the cheese mixture around the center glass, using your hands or a spatula to smooth it into a uniform ring/wreath shape.
  5. Cover the platter loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the fats to crystallize and the shape to set.
  6. Carefully remove the center glass. Pat the finely chopped cilantro or parsley onto the surface of the cheese ring until fully covered in 'evergreen' herbs.
  7. Decorate the wreath by dotting the surface with diced red peppers (ornaments) and black olives. Place the yellow pepper star at the top of the wreath and serve with crackers or vegetable crudités.