Old-Fashioned Creamy Grape Salad
Buttery cream cheese, cool sour cream, juicy grapes, and a brown sugar-pecan crunch—this ultra-creamy grape salad is a vintage classic that deserves a comeback at every summer table, potluck, or brunch. Sweet, tangy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
8
servings
Ingredients
Creamy Base
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
Grapes
- 2 lb (900 g) red seedless grapes washed and patted dry
- 2 lb (900 g) green seedless grapes washed and patted dry
Topping
- 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup (60 g) pecans chopped; toasted optional
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand Mixer or Spoon
- Serving Bowl
Instructions
- Start with the cream base: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy, with no lumps remaining.
- Add the grapes: Gently fold in the red and green seedless grapes with a spatula until all are well coated in the creamy mixture.
- Chill: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and cream set.
- Finish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the salad. Scatter the chopped pecans over the sugar for a crunchy finishing touch.
Notes
For the smoothest texture, be sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If making ahead, wait to add the brown sugar and pecan topping until just before serving so it stays fresh and crunchy.
To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, add a fresh sprinkle of sugar and pecans when serving again.
Variations: Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for extra protein, use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans, add diced apples or pears, or try a drizzle of honey or maple syrup in place of sugar.
Nutrition
Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 85mg | Potassium: 318mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 460IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg