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Creamy, crunchy and perfectly sweet, this grape salad is a refreshing side dish or dessert that’s always a hit at gatherings. It’s made with juicy seedless grapes folded into a smooth mixture of cream cheese and Greek yogurt or sour cream, sweetened with vanilla and sugar. Chopped pecans and brown sugar add texture and a touch of richness. This simple recipe comes together quickly and tastes even better after a short chill, making it an easy prep-ahead dish for parties, potlucks or barbecues.
This grape salad combines juicy grapes, sweetened cream cheese and a nutty, crunchy brown sugar pecan topping. It’s creamy, refreshing and so easy to whip up.
You might also like BBQ grape jelly meatballs, homemade hot honey, a passion fruit martini, honey lime fruit salad, or mixed berry parfait.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to prepare: A quick recipe with simple steps and no cooking involved.
Great texture: Creamy base with juicy grapes and crunchy pecans.
Gluten-free: There’s no gluten in this grape salad recipe.
Perfect for gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that fits any occasion, from picnics to potlucks.
Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after a short chill.
Versatile: Works as a sweet side dish or a light dessert.
Red and Green Grape Salad Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and creaminess to the base. You can use sour cream instead.
Green and red seedless grapes: Provide juicy bursts of sweetness and a colorful presentation.
Cream cheese: Creates a rich, smooth texture when blended with the yogurt.
Pecans: Add crunch and nutty flavor to balance the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the creamy base.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth when mixed with the pecans.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
How to Make Grape Salad
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Prepare the grapes: Remove the stems, then rinse and dry grapes thoroughly.
Make the cream base: Add cream cheese to a large bowl and use an electric mixer to beat it with the Greek yogurt or sour cream, white sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Combine the salad: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the grapes and gently stir to coat evenly.
Add pecan topping: Mix chopped pecans and brown sugar, then stir half this brown sugar mixture into the salad.
Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for an hour if possible, then sprinkle on the remaining brown sugar topping when you’re ready to serve it.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap the nuts: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. You could try candied pecans if you don’t mind the extra sweetness (maybe reduce the amount of white sugar in the recipe if you choose to use these).
Cream cheese: Use low fat cream cheese or change the ratio of cream cheese and sour cream for a different flavor and/or consistency.
Add a citrusy tang: A squeeze of lemon juice adds a zesty taste.
Use different grapes: Try all red, all green or a mix of black and red. I used half red and half green seedless grapes to contrast the colors and flavors.
Include other fruits: Include strawberries, peach, apple, banana, pear, or any other fruits you like. If doing this, it’s best to serve the dish as soon as possible before the fruits get mushy.
Adjust sweetness: Reduce sugar or use honey instead for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
As a side dish: Serve it up family-style to pair with anything from lemon herb chicken patties to smoked meatloaf. Grape salad is a perfect side dish if you’re looking for something a bit different to serve up.
For brunch: Have some with your crispy bacon and eggs benedict.
For dessert: Enjoy the grape salad as a light, healthy dessert. You could add a scoop of blueberry cheesecake ice cream on top to make it more indulgent!
For picnics: Pair your creamy grape salad with Italian pressed picnic sandwiches and garlic puff pastry twists.
How to Store Grape Salad
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 2 to 3 days.
Freeze: This isn’t suitable for freezing.
Top Tips
Soften the cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth texture.
Dry the grapes thoroughly: This helps the creamy mixture stick better and avoids watering it down.
Slice grapes only if serving immediately: Halved grapes release more juice, which can thin the salad over time. Use whole grapes if not serving this the same day.
Toast the nuts: Toasted pecans are more flavorful, so give them a few minutes in a dry skillet, shaking often, to toast them.
Green and Red Grape Salad FAQs
Yes, the salad will still be creamy and flavorful without them.
Yes, but keep in mind it will add extra sweetness and may change the flavor slightly.
Easy Grape Salad Recipe
Grape Salad
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ Cup Greek yogurt, plain, or sour cream
- 2 Pounds green grapes, seedless, stems removed
- 2 Pounds red grapes, seedless, stems removed
- 8 Ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¾ Cup pecans, chopped
- ½ Cup white sugar
- ¼ Cup brown sugar
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Discard the grape stems, then wash and dry well. Put them in a large bowl.
- Beat the Greek yogurt or sour cream with the granulated sugar and vanilla in a large bowl using an electric mixer.
- Pour this mixture over the grapes and use a rubber spatula to gently combine.
- Mix together the pecans and brown sugar and add half of this mixture to the grape salad.
- Cover and chill overnight, or for at least an hour, so the flavors can meld. You can skip this step if you want to serve it immediately.
- Sprinkle the remaining pecan brown sugar mixture on top just before serving.
Notes
Dry the grapes thoroughly: This helps the creamy mixture stick better and avoids watering it down.
Slice grapes only if serving immediately: Halved grapes release more juice, which can thin the salad over time. Use whole grapes if not serving this the same day.
Toast the nuts: Toasted pecans are more flavorful, so give them a few minutes in a dry skillet, shaking often, to toast them.
Nutrition
Grape salad is a delicious, creamy, crunchy, and fruity dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks or any time you want something sweet and simple. It comes together in minutes and can be made ahead for convenience. The combination of juicy grapes, rich cream base and crunchy pecan topping makes each bite irresistible. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a dessert, this grape salad is bound to be a hit.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
