Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Tangy: The creaminess of the cream cheese and sour cream blend beautifully with the natural sweetness of the grapes and the subtle tang from the vanilla extract.
- Crunchy Pecan Topping: The addition of brown sugar and pecans gives this dish a delicious crunch and a little sweetness, making it truly irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time, this creamy grape salad comes together in no time.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for BBQs, holidays, or as a snack on a hot day. It’s a crowd favorite at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds seedless green grapes
- 2 pounds seedless red grapes
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
- Prep the Grapes: Cut all the grapes in half (this is essential, as whole grapes could be a choking hazard, especially for younger kids).
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a separate large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended.
- Combine the Grapes and Dressing: Gently fold the halved grapes into the cream cheese mixture, making sure the grapes are well-coated.
- Chill: Transfer the grape mixture to a serving bowl and cover. Refrigerate for at least an hour or until ready to serve.
- Add Toppings: Before serving, sprinkle brown sugar and chopped pecans on top for added sweetness and crunch.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (though it mostly involves refrigeration)
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Servings: 8-10 servings
Variations
- Add Other Fruits: For a twist, you can add other fruits like apples, strawberries, or pineapple to the salad.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free versions to make it a dairy-free treat.
- Sweetener Substitutes: Use honey, maple syrup, or stevia in place of sugar and brown sugar for a different sweetening option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best served chilled, so always keep it cool before serving.
- No Reheating Needed: This dish is served cold and doesn’t require reheating, so it’s perfect for make-ahead preparation.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is great for prepping ahead. You can make it a day or two in advance. Just add the brown sugar and pecans right before serving.
2. Can I use different types of grapes?
Definitely! You can use any variety of seedless grapes you like. Red, green, or even a combination of both work perfectly.
3. Can I add whipped cream to the mixture?
Yes, if you prefer a fluffier texture, you can fold in some whipped cream along with the cream cheese and sour cream mixture.
4. Can I skip the pecans?
If you have a nut allergy or simply don’t enjoy pecans, feel free to leave them out or replace them with another topping like granola or shredded coconut.
5. How long can I store this salad?
The salad will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first 24 hours for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
This Creamy Grape Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and crunchy. With its simple ingredients and refreshing flavors, it’s a dish that will be a hit at any gathering or family meal. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a light dessert, it’s sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds and quickly become a new favorite.
Creamy Grape Salad: A Refreshing and Irresistible Side Dish
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: undefined
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This **Creamy Grape Salad** is a refreshing, sweet, and tangy dish made with fresh grapes, a creamy dressing, and topped with brown sugar and crunchy pecans. It’s a perfect side dish or light dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 pounds seedless green grapes
2 pounds seedless red grapes
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
Instructions
- Cut all the grapes in half.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended.
- Gently fold the halved grapes into the cream cheese mixture until well-coated.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Before serving, sprinkle with brown sugar and chopped pecans.
Notes
Variation: Add other fruits like apples, strawberries, or pineapple for a twist.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream to make it dairy-free.
Sweetener Substitutes: Use honey, maple syrup, or stevia as a sweetener alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side dish/Dessert
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
