Grape Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grape Salad is a refreshing and creamy dish that brings together the natural sweetness of grapes with a deliciously tangy and creamy dressing. Perfect as a side dish for a BBQ, potluck, or holiday gathering, this salad is incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor. The combination of fresh grapes, a rich cream cheese dressing, and a sprinkle of crunchy nuts and brown sugar gives this salad a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s light, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent, making it a crowd-pleaser that will surely become a staple at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 4 cups red seedless grapes, halved
• 4 cups green seedless grapes, halved
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the grapes: Wash the grapes thoroughly and remove any stems. Slice the grapes in half and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk for this step.
3. Combine the grapes and dressing: Pour the cream cheese dressing over the grapes and gently fold everything together until the grapes are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Top with nuts and brown sugar: If you’re using chopped pecans or walnuts, sprinkle them over the top of the salad. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly across the top for a bit of extra sweetness and crunch.
5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the grape salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill. Serve cold and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

1. Fruit Variations: Add other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or chopped apples to the salad for more color and variety.
2. Vegan Grape Salad: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut yogurt as a substitute for the cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a vegan-friendly option.
3. Sweetened with Honey: Instead of powdered sugar, you can sweeten the dressing with honey for a more natural, floral sweetness.
4. Citrus Zest: Add a bit of orange or lemon zest to the dressing for a fresh citrusy note that complements the sweetness of the grapes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so be sure to keep it chilled.
• Reheating: This salad is served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use only one type of grape?

Yes, you can use just red or just green grapes if that’s all you have. The combination of both adds visual appeal, but the flavor will still be great with just one variety.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this grape salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, chilling it for an hour or longer allows the flavors to blend even more. You can prepare it the night before and serve it the next day.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, regular yogurt can be used instead of Greek yogurt, though it may make the dressing a bit thinner. Greek yogurt adds a creamier texture, but regular yogurt will still work well.

Can I leave out the nuts?

Yes, the nuts are optional. If you’re not a fan of nuts or have a nut allergy, simply omit them. The salad will still be delicious without them, but you will miss out on the added crunch.

Can I make this salad without brown sugar?

Yes, you can skip the brown sugar if you prefer. If you want a little sweetness without it, you could add a drizzle of honey on top instead.

How can I make this salad sweeter?

If you like your grape salad sweeter, you can increase the amount of powdered sugar or honey in the dressing. Taste it as you go to find the level of sweetness that suits you.

Can I freeze this grape salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad. The creamy dressing may separate once thawed, and the grapes could become mushy. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or stored in the refrigerator.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can use any nut you prefer, such as almonds, cashews, or even pecans. Walnuts are a common choice, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!

Is there a low-sugar version of this grape salad?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing or substitute with a sugar-free sweetener, such as Stevia or monk fruit sweetener, for a lower-sugar version.

Can I add marshmallows to this grape salad?

Yes! Mini marshmallows are a popular addition to grape salad. They add an extra level of sweetness and texture, making the salad even more indulgent.

Conclusion

Grape Salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for almost any occasion. With the creamy dressing, sweet grapes, and crunchy nuts, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, potluck, or holiday gathering, this simple yet delicious salad is sure to be a hit. It’s versatile enough to customize with different fruits and nuts, and it’s a great make-ahead dish that can be enjoyed by everyone!

Grape Salad Recipe

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A refreshing and creamy grape salad made with red and green seedless grapes, a tangy cream cheese dressing, and topped with crunchy nuts and brown sugar for a perfect balance of textures and sweetness.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Chilled
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 4 cups red seedless grapes, halved
2. 4 cups green seedless grapes, halved
3. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
4. 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
5. ¼ cup powdered sugar
6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7. ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
8. 2 tablespoons brown sugar

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Instructions

Wash the grapes thoroughly, remove stems, and slice them in half. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

1. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Pour the cream cheese dressing over the grapes and gently fold to coat the grapes evenly.
3. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts (if using) over the salad and top with brown sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.

Notes

1. For extra flavor, add citrus zest (orange or lemon) to the dressing.
2. If you’re making a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut yogurt.
3. Feel free to add other fruits like strawberries or apples to the salad for more variety.
4. Mini marshmallows are a popular addition for extra sweetness and texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg