Creamy Grape Salad Recipe: A Sweet, Refreshing Treat

I recently made this delightful grape salad recipe, and it turned out to be an instant hit with everyone! The combination of creamy dressing, sweet grapes, and crunchy toasted pecans is just perfect. 

It’s super easy to make and can be served either as a refreshing appetizer or a delicious side dish. Trust me, you’ll love how this recipe balances rich flavors with freshness.

You can also pair this dish with a side of Taco Salad for an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Let me walk you through how to make it!

Ingredients You will Need for Grape Salad Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy grape salad:

• 2 lbs seedless red grapes – Rinsed and dried. These grapes add sweetness and a pop of color to the salad.
• 2 lbs seedless green grapes – Rinsed and dried. They bring a tart contrast to the sweet red grapes.
• 1 cup roughly chopped pecans – Toasted and divided. These add a crunchy texture and rich flavor to the dish.
• 1 8-ounce block Neufchatel cream cheese – Softened. This lighter version of cream cheese keeps the dressing creamy without being too heavy.
• 1 8-ounce container sour cream – Adds tanginess and a smooth texture to the dressing.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – To sweeten the dressing just the right amount.
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract – Adds a lovely, aromatic flavor to the creamy dressing.
• 2-3 Tbsp light brown sugar – For a little extra sweetness and a golden touch when serving.

Note: This recipe serves approximately 12 people.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt in place of the Neufchatel and sour cream.
• Sugar-free: Replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute, like stevia or monk fruit.
• Add-ins: Try adding a handful of toasted almonds, walnuts, or even coconut flakes for an extra crunch.

Looking for a simple and delicious lunch? Dive into our Tuna Salad recipe for the perfect balance of flavors.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Equipment You Need

Before you get started, gather these essential items:

• Large mixing bowl – For combining the dressing ingredients.
• Electric mixer – To smoothly blend the cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar together.
• Baking pan – For toasting the pecans.
• Spatula – To gently fold the grapes and nuts into the dressing.
• Airtight container – To store the salad while it chills.

How to Make Grape Salad?

Now, let’s dive into making this delicious grape salad. Follow these easy steps for a fantastic outcome!

Step 1: Prepare the Grapes

Start by rinsing and drying the grapes thoroughly. Make sure to remove all stems. The dryness of the grapes will help them hold up better when mixed with the creamy dressing.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the chopped pecans on a baking pan in a single layer. Toast them for about 6-8 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Let them cool completely, then roughly chop them to ensure that they mix well into the salad. Set aside a few tablespoons for garnishing later.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened Neufchatel cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to blend everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step ensures that the dressing is light and fluffy, giving the salad a luscious texture.

Step 4: Fold in the Grapes and Pecans

Gently fold the grapes and toasted pecans into the creamy dressing using a spatula. Make sure everything is evenly coated, but be careful not to break the grapes. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the chopped pecans for the garnish.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish

Transfer the salad into an airtight container and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight). This step allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become wonderfully chilled. Before serving, sprinkle a little brown sugar on top and garnish with the reserved pecans for that final touch.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

• Let it chill overnight: The longer the salad sits, the better the flavors mix, so don’t hesitate to make it a day ahead.
• Use fresh grapes: The freshness of the grapes makes all the difference. Fresh, crisp grapes add the perfect sweetness and texture.
• Toast the pecans well: Make sure to toast the pecans until they’re fragrant. This brings out the best flavor and gives the salad that satisfying crunch.

How to Serve Grape Salad?

This grape salad is perfect as a side dish for summer gatherings, barbecues, or even as a dessert. Serve it in a beautiful glass bowl for a visually appealing touch. For extra flair, you can garnish with fresh mint leaves or even a few extra pecans. It’s a refreshing treat that will definitely stand out on your dining table!

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 209 kcal per serving
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g

How to Store the Grape Salad

• Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad will stay fresh and delicious.
• Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this grape salad because the creamy dressing might separate when thawed, affecting the texture.
• Reheating: Since this salad is served chilled, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply take it out of the fridge and garnish before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This grape salad is an absolute crowd-pleaser! Here’s why:

• Easy to prepare: With just a few ingredients and a quick prep time, you can make this salad in no time.
• Versatile: You can tweak it to your liking, making it dairy-free, sugar-free, or adding other crunchy toppings.
• Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a holiday dinner, BBQ, or a casual get-together, this dish is always a hit.
• Refreshing and sweet: The combination of sweet grapes, creamy dressing, and crunchy nuts makes for an irresistible dish.

Get creative with your meals and check out the salad recipes on our menu for fresh and flavorful ideas.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Neufchatel?

Yes, you can use regular cream cheese if you prefer, but Neufchatel is a lighter option with the same creamy texture.

How do I make this salad in advance?

This salad actually gets better the longer it sits, so feel free to make it the night before and let it chill overnight for maximum flavor!

Can I make this salad without the brown sugar?

Yes, you can skip the brown sugar garnish if you’re looking to reduce sweetness, or you can substitute it with a sugar alternative.