Grape Salad

Looking for an easy side for a potluck, summer picnic or party? This creamy Grape Salad is a classic recipe that everyone loves. Bursting with juicy fresh grapes in a sweet and tangy cream cheese dressing that’s sprinkled with brown sugar and pecans.

 

I first made grape salad a few years ago after there was a big rage all over social media about it. As in, people were sort of losing their minds about it – a salad with cream cheese and grapes?

Like other dessert salads, it’s apparently a popular side dish here in the Midwest but at the time I had missed the boat because I had never tried it despite growing up in Minnesota. I thought I had tried all of our famous potluck dishes, but I guess I was wrong! Grape salad was a new one for me.

I’ve had my fair share of cookie salad and snicker salad, but I’d never heard about grape salad. So, of course, I had to make it myself to see what all the fuss was about!

What is Grape Salad?

I think it’s more of a cross between fruit salad and a dessert salad. Although there are variations it’s usually a combination of fresh grapes, nuts and a creamy sweet dressing.

Despite being sweet, these types of salads are usually served as side dishes at potlucks and – you know what? – it’s really, really good! Creamy, cold and sweet and I just love the juicy grapes. Since making it a few years ago, it’s been one of my favorite potluck dishes – everyone always asks me for the recipe!

With summer just around the corner, this is a great recipe to add to the list! It’s easy to make and perfect for warm weather – I think you’re going to love it!

A Few Notes about the Ingredients

I love to use a combination of green and red grapes – the color sort of peeks through the dressing and it’s so pretty.

When you make it, make sure your cream cheese is softened. It makes it so much easier to combine with the other ingredients.

I like to use sour cream for this recipe, but you can also substitute plain Greek yogurt – it’s up to you!

We recommend using the full fat versions of cream cheese and sour cream. If you use low-fat options the dressing isn’t as creamy and can get watery.

Steps to Make Grape Salad!

What I love best about this recipe is how EASY it is. You can literally prepare it in just a few minutes, pop it in the fridge and then pull it out when you’re ready to serve it.

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• First, wash and dry your grapes and make sure all of the stems are removed.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth.
• Add the grapes and toss to coat them evenly in the cream cheese mixture.
• At this point, cover the bowl and chill the salad at least one hour or until you’re ready to serve it.
• Just before serving, sprinkle the brown sugar and pecans over the top.

Can I Make it Ahead?

Yes, in fact, it needs to chill at least a hour in the refrigerator before you serve it. You can make it up to one day in advance, just don’t add the nuts and brown sugar until you’re ready to serve it. Otherwise the nuts won’t be crunchy.

If you’re in a hurry, you can let it chill for at least one hour before serving – it’s better when it’s really cold!

Thank goodness for social media otherwise, I might have missed out on this Midwestern classic! It’s the perfect side dish for all the summer potlucks, BBQs and picnics. You have to try – I think you’ll love it!

Expert Tips!

• We recommend making sure the grapes are dry after rinsing them off so the dressing doesn’t get watery. Simply wash off grapes in a colander, then spread out on paper towels and blot of excess water.
• There is about 2 1/2 c. in a pound of grapes.
• If you have young kids feel free to cut the grapes in half so it’s safer for them to eat.
• Instead of chopped pecans you can substitute another nut like walnuts or you can even use chopped candy bars like Butterfingers or Snickers!

More Potluck Recipes

I love a good potluck and these are some other recipes I love to make and share with family and friends!

• Everyone always goes crazy for deviled eggs – they’re a classic!
• Broccoli salad is a perfect summer salad that’s quick and easy – you only need 15 minutes to make it!
• Traditional 7-layer salad is always a favorite, too! With layers of chopped lettuce, peas, celery, onions, bacon, cheese, and dressing it always disappears fast!

WATCH THE STEP BY STEP VIDEO FOR THIS RECIPE BELOW:

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Try it and love it? I’d love it if you’d give it a rating below and comment. 

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