Using a handheld mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy in a large mixing bowl.
Add the sour cream, salt, lemon zest and powdered sugar. Beat again until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through mixing.
Fold in the cool whip topping. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl as you fold it to mix all the ingredients.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the prepared crust. Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
Top pie with canned cherry pie filling topping right before serving.