Delicious Grape Salad is amazingly fresh, sweet, and creamy with an irresistible crunchy topping! Served as a side dish or a dessert, this easy-to-make recipe is always a favorite at the holidays, potluck suppers, or when you’re entertaining.
Ambrosia Salad, Waldorf Salad, and Sunshine Fruit Salad are more fresh recipes that can be served as a side or as dessert.
In This Post
My first encounter with Grape Salad was at a church event several years ago. My Bible study group was ending the season with a covered dish luncheon, so of course, everyone was going to bring their best game.
I can’t remember all the dishes at the lunch, but I do remember that Grape Salad. Word quickly spread throughout the group that this was a MUST-HAVE recipe, which sent all of us into a tizzy. You know a recipe that good must be shared, and thankfully my friend complied, and I’ve been making it ever since!
What Is Grape Salad?
Grape salad, a beloved Southern dish, is a luscious combination of plump, juicy grapes, rich cream cheese, and sour cream, creating a creamy base that is both tangy and smooth. The mixture is then sweetened with a generous sprinkling of brown sugar, adding a caramel-like depth to the flavor profile and a healthy sprinkle of pecans.
What You Need To Make Grape Salad
- Red and Green Grapes – These are the highlight of this recipe and you’ll want to use a variation for both the taste variations and look appeal.
- Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Sugar, Vanilla – When it comes to making the creamy base, you’ll want to make sure and use these ingredients. They combine to create the perfect balance between tangy and sweet.
- Brown Sugar – The brown sugar is added right before serving to give a kick of sweetness upon the first bite.
- Pecans – This classic Southern ingredient adds the right amount of crunch without being too much.
How Do You Soften Cream Cheese Fast?
If you forgot to take your cream cheese out ahead of time, remove it from the box and wrapper and place it on a microwave-safe dish. Microwave it on high for about 15 seconds (per 8 ounce).
How Many Pounds Are In A Cup Of Grapes?
There are about 2 ½ cups of grapes in every pound. If you pick up a pound of green and purple grapes, you’ll have just enough required for this recipe.
Variations And Substitutions
- If you’re not a fan of sour cream, feel free to substitute plain yogurt.
- Feel free to exchange the pecan for walnuts if you prefer.
- You can use all green or red grapes if you can’t find both at the store. I like to use both because of the colors they bring to the dish.
- You can add all kinds of extras to this salad to make it your own. Try coconut, chocolate chips, or toffee bits. You can even add some Cool Whip if you’re feeling extra bold!
How To Make Easy Creamy Grape Salad
Grape Salad is so easy to make and comes together in about 10 minutes. Yep, it’s just that fast.
- To make the salad, wash, and pat the grapes dry. I like to cut the grapes in half so that eating them is a bit easier.
- Next, whip together the cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, and sugar until smooth.
- Fold in the grapes and chill the salad for at least 1 hour.
- When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle on the pecans and brown sugar.
How Long Does Grape Salad Last In The Refrigerator?
Make sure to chill the salad for at least an hour before serving. It gets better the longer you let it hang out in the fridge that’s why it’s a great “make-ahead” recipe. It will last about 3 days covered in the fridge.
Success Tip
If you’re making creamy grape salad in advance or taking this dish to a party or potluck, you can add the nuts and brown sugar before you pack up the salad. The brown sugar will slightly melt into the creamy dressing, which makes the salad extra yummy. Just give the salad a quick stir before everyone digs in.
What To Serve With Southern Grape Salad
Grape Salad is a great addition to any buffet and perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter with Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham, or Crock Pot Turkey Breast.
It’s ideal for Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations, with Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, Easy London Broil, or Crock Pot Balsamic Glazed Pork Roast
More Yummy Recipes Like This One
If you tried this Easy Grape Salad Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 cups red and green grapes
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block) softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup pecans – chopped
Instructions
- Wash and dry grapes. Cut in half and set aside.
- Using a hand mixer, blend together cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add in vanilla and sugar and whip until incorporated. Add in grapes and gently fold into cream cheese mixture. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Remove from refrigerator and put in serving bowl. Sprinkle on brown sugar and pecans. Serve. **Can be stored in fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
- If you’re making creamy grape salad in advance or taking this dish to a party or potluck, you can add the nuts and brown sugar before you pack up the salad. The brown sugar will slightly melt into the creamy dressing, which makes the salad extra yummy. Just give the salad a quick stir before everyone digs in.
Nutrition
Crisp & Quick: Best Air-Fryer Recipes!
FREE EMAIL Bonus
My go-to air fryer recipes....you have to try these!
Ellen Bryant
YUMMY!!!
Thanks, Ellen.
~Donya
Cheryl B.
INCREDIBLE!!! Made this for the family and it disappeared. This goes beyond anything else!
Donya
Hey there Cheryl!
Wow! My goodness, thank you so much for this phenomenal rating and your kind comment! I am thrilled to hear you and your family enjoyed this recipe, it seems like an odd recipe before you try it but it’s usually quite a hit. Thanks again for your support, if you ever have any questions about a recipe, feel free to ask! I hope you have a great rest of your day.
~Donya