If you’re looking for a sweet, creamy, and refreshing addition to your recipe collection, this Easy Grape Salad Recipe is a must-try!
This salad is the perfect dish for family gatherings, a holiday meal, or a hot summer day. It combines juicy red grapes, a tangy dressing with just a hint of vanilla
, and a crunchy walnut-brown sugar mixture is sprinkled on top of the salad.
This amazing creamy grape salad is a popular dish for a reason. Its perfect balance of sweet grapes, tangy dressing, and a crunchy walnut topping makes it a hit at every table. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the 100th, it’s a great option for any occasion.
Plus, it’s super simple to make—just mix, chill, and enjoy. This delicious recipe is a crowd pleaser. It's a vintage recipe you may have seen in summer picnics alongside other easy fruit salad side dishes like Strawberry Pretzel Salad, Watergate Salad, Ambrosia Salad, or Fruit Salad with Sweetened Condensed Milk.
Some people might consider this a dessert. Anytime I can make a no-bake dessert that is this easy, I jump at the chance. No bake desserts like Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese, Cherry Cheesecake Pie or Lemon Cheesecake Pie are some of my favorites.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Grape Salad Recipe
- Simple Ingredients - You only need a few basic ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and fresh, seedless red and green grapes to create this treat.
- Versatile - This salad makes a great side dish, dessert, or even as part of a main dish spread for a holiday meal.
- Quick and Easy - Ready in minutes with the help of an electric mixer, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.
- Great Texture - A mix of juicy grapes, creamy dressing, and walnuts (or crunchy pecans) gives this dish an irresistible texture.
Substitutions
- Plain Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt - Replace the sour cream with either of these for a tangier dressing.
- Low fat cream cheese - To make a healthier grape salad, swap out the full-fat version.
- Pecans or Cashews - Replace the walnuts with a different nut, like pecans or cashews, or skip the nuts entirely.
- Maple Syrup - For a lower-sugar version, try maple syrup or cut the white sugar and use just a little bit of sweetener.
Variations
- Green Grape Salad - Swap some of the red seedless grapes for all green grapes.
- Mixed Fruit Salad - Add fresh fruit like crisp apples or black grapes to the mix for a next-level dish.
- Savory Twist - Crumble in some blue cheese or feta cheese for a sweet-and-savory spin.
- Cool Whip Addition - Fold in Cool Whip for an extra light and fluffy texture.
Ingredients
*Please scroll down to the recipe card for specific ingredient amounts and the complete printable recipe.
How To Make Grape Salad
Step 1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Dressing. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sour cream, softened cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates a creamy dressing that ties everything together.
Step 2. Add the Grapes. Gently fold the juicy grapes into the cream cheese mixture using a wooden spoon or spatula until the grapes are evenly coated. Set aside.
Step 3. Make the Topping. In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar and chopped walnuts.
Step 4. Assemble the Salad. Transfer the grape mixture to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the walnut-brown sugar topping evenly over the top.
Step 5. Chill and Serve. You can serve immediately for a quick treat or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store the leftover salad in an airtight container or a serving bowl covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors deepen the next day, making it even more delicious.
I don't recommend freezing this salad.
Natalie's Pro Tip
For the best grape salad, make sure your grapes are thoroughly washed and dried using a paper towel or collander. Excess water can thin out the dressing. Also, letting the salad chill for at least an hour enhances the flavor!
If you are serving this salad to a group that includes children and you are worried about a choking hazard, cut the grapes in half.
Notes and FAQs
While seedless red grapes and green grapes are classic, you can use black grapes or even mix in some other fruits. Just make sure the grapes are seedless.
Yes! This is a great make-ahead dish. Just prepare the salad and refrigerate it. Add the topping just before serving for maximum crunch.
For a healthier alternative, you can use less sugar or substitute it with maple syrup or your favorite sweetener.
Although this salad is best using the full-fat version, you can substitute a low-fat version. The dressing may be slightly thinner.
Serve it cold as a delicious side dish for a family gathering or pair it with a chicken salad for a light meal.
Grape Salad
Equipment
- Colander optional
- serving bowl
Ingredients
- 2 pounds red seedless grapes
- 2 pounds green seedless grapes
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup walnuts chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold the grapes into the cream cheese mixture using a wooden spoon or spatula until the grapes are evenly coated. Set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar and chopped walnuts.
- Transfer the grape mixture to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the walnut-brown sugar topping evenly over the top.
- Serve immediately or over with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The flavors deepen the next day, making it even more delicious. I don't recommend freezing this salad. Natalie's Pro Tip
For the best grape salad, make sure your grapes are thoroughly washed and dried using a paper towel. Excess water can thin out the dressing. Also, letting the salad chill for at least an hour enhances the flavor! If you are serving this salad to a group that includes children and you are worried about a choking hazard, cut the grapes in half.
Nutrition
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