Old-Fashioned Creamy Grape Salad
Bold, juicy grapes folded into a creamy mix of tangy sour cream, sweet vanilla, and toasty brown sugar. Pile on pecans for crunch! This retro potluck favorite is creamy, lightly sweet, a textural dream, and builds addictive layers with every bite. Serve it chilled for a unique side alongside barbecue, holidays, or as a treat on its own.
8
people
Ingredients
Creamy Dressing
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
Fruit Base
- 3 cups (450 g) seedless red grapes washed and dried
- 3 cups (450 g) seedless green grapes washed and dried
Toppings
- 1/4 cup (55 g) light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped pecans toasted if desired
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Serving Bowl with Lid
Instructions
- Make the creamy base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth, fluffy, and fully combined—no lumps! Scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed.
- Add the grapes: Gently fold both the red and green grapes into the creamy mixture, stirring until every grape is evenly coated.
- Chill the salad: Transfer to a clean serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours) for best texture and flavor.
- Top and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad generously with brown sugar and chopped pecans. Don’t stir—leave the crunchy topping right on top. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
• For best results, use well-dried, firm grapes.
• Wait to add the pecans and brown sugar until just before serving to keep their crunch.
• Make ahead: The flavor improves as it chills. Mix the base and fruit up to a day in advance.
• Variations: Try Greek yogurt for a tangier kick, swap nuts or add coconut for crunch, or try honey/cinnamon cream cheese for a twist!
• Wait to add the pecans and brown sugar until just before serving to keep their crunch.
• Make ahead: The flavor improves as it chills. Mix the base and fruit up to a day in advance.
• Variations: Try Greek yogurt for a tangier kick, swap nuts or add coconut for crunch, or try honey/cinnamon cream cheese for a twist!
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 305mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 0.5mg