Grape Salad: A classic dessert “salad” with green and red grapes, creamy dressing, and sugared pecan topping. Quick to make and goes well with so many different dishes.
Why We Love This Grape Salad
- Good with Many Dishes: Fits well with lots of meals.
- Easy to Make: Simple and quick to prepare.
- Unique Taste: Sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavor.
- Adaptable Recipe: Options for different dietary preferences.
- Suitable for Events: The perfect BBQ side dish.
Ingredients In Grape Salad
- Grapes: Gives the salad a fun, juicy crunch.
- Cream Cheese & Sour Cream/Yogurt: Create a rich, creamy dressing.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the dressing.
- Lemon & Orange Juice: Adds a fruity tang.
- Vanilla & Salt: Enhance flavor.
- Brown Sugar & Pecans (Topping): Add crunch and extra sweetness.
Quick Tip
To keep this salad fresh at outdoor events in warm weather, place the serving bowl in a larger bowl of ice. Dairy-based dressings can spoil quickly at room temperature, posing health risks.
How To Make Grape Salad
- Prepare Grapes: Wash and dry green and red seedless grapes.
- Make Dressing: Mix softened cream cheese with sour cream (or Greek yogurt), powdered sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until creamy.
- Combine: Coat grapes evenly with dressing and chill.
- Finish: Before serving, top with brown sugar and chopped pecans.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Consume Quickly: Best eaten within 1-2 days for freshness.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter texture.
Tips For Success
- Use Seedless Grapes: Or substitute with other fruits like berries or mango.
- Soften Cream Cheese: To prevent lumps in your grape salad.
- Chill Salad Thoroughly: For better flavor and texture.
- Customize Toppings: Experiment with different nuts or crunchy additions.
- Serve Immediately: Maintains freshness and optimal taste.
More Delicious Side Dishes
Grape Salad
Grape Salad: A classic dessert "salad" with green and red grapes, creamy dressing, and sugared pecan topping. Quick to make and goes well with so many different dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (5 cups) seedless green grapes
- 2 pounds (5 cups) seedless red grapes
Dressing
- 1 package (8 ounces) full-fat cream cheese softened
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream or whole-milk honey vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Tiny pinch fine sea salt
Topping
- 3-4 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- GRAPES: Thoroughly wash and dry grapes; remove from the stem.
- DRESSING: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add sour cream, powdered sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy. Fold in grapes until coated. Refrigerate covered for 1-8 hours.
- TOPPING: Just before serving, sprinkle on brown sugar and chopped pecans according to preference. We typically add 3 tablespoons brown sugar and 1/3 cup pecans.
Recipe Notes
Customize how much sugar you use IN and ON top of this salad to suit your personal taste and the sweetness of your grapes.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 511mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 336IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is my go to recipe for grape salad. My friends and grandkids absolutely love it! I made one on the 6th of November for a monthly celebration I have with my grandkids. I just made another one tonight for them per their request. The one I made tonight, I used 1/2 cup strawberry yogurt and 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt, more crushed pineapple and 1/2 Tbsp of pineapple juice in addition to the lemon juice.
For the one I made on November 6th, I added crushed pineapple, bananas (cut up in pieces), and used strawberry yogurt. I did not have fresh squeezed orange juice so I left that out. I vary the recipe each time I make it. For the topping I crumbled up some caramel cookies I had on hand. Love it! Already thinking of other fruits I can include with the grapes. I used green, red and black grapes. Thanks Chelsea!
Sounds amazing! Love your changes 🙂 Thanks Maxine!