Healthy Grape Salad
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This healthy grape salad is a refreshing, sweet, and tangy side dish made with red and green grapes, Greek yogurt, and a crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a make-ahead treat!
Grape salad is one of those nostalgic recipes I grew up with. It’s sweet, creamy, and was always a hit at family gatherings. It reminds me a little of ambrosia salad, another retro classic that still shows up at parties and holiday tables.
This version keeps all the creamy, crunchy goodness I remember but is lightened up with Greek yogurt. It still has that same satisfying flavor, just with a healthier twist that makes me love it even more. Anytime I bring it to a party now, the bowl is scraped clean.
Table of Contents
Why You Gotta Try This One
This isn’t just another fruit salad. It’s the one that surprises people the first time they try it and keeps them coming back for more. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table:”
- Crowd favorite: I’ve never served this salad without someone asking for the recipe afterward.
- Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better after chilling, which makes it perfect for prepping the day before.
- Healthier twist: The Greek yogurt keeps it creamy and rich without being too heavy.
- Holiday ready: It fits right in on a Thanksgiving or Christmas table alongside classics like Waldorf salad, but it’s simple enough for everyday too.
Ingredients Needed
- red and green grapes – these make up the base of the salad. Grapes provide vitamin C, antioxidants, and hydration. Look for seedless, plump grapes for the best results. Nobody wants to bite into a seed here.
- cream cheese – acts as a creamy binder for the dressing. Use regular or reduced-fat, just make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly.
- greek yogurt or sour cream – adds tangy creaminess. Greek yogurt is my favorite for extra protein and a lighter feel, but sour cream works too if you want a more classic taste.
- sweetener – you have flexibility here! Whether it’s granulated sugar, monkfruit granulated sweetener or honey, it’s about balancing sweetness to your liking.
- nuts – chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and contrast with the creamy base.
- light brown sugar or coconut sugar – sprinkled with the nuts on top for a caramel-like finish. Coconut sugar is a nice unrefined option.
Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Grape Salad
This creamy grape salad recipe is so easy to make and requires less than 10 minutes of prep time. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill in the fridge! Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat or stir together the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and sweetener until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Gently fold in the grapes until they’re evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 3: Cover and chill the salad for at least 1 to 2 hours so the flavors can meld.
Step 4: Just before serving, mix the chopped pecans with the coconut sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over the salad for the perfect sweet crunch.
Tips for Success
A few quick tips to help your creamy grape salad turn out perfectly every time:
- Soften the cream cheese: Let it come to room temperature before mixing so the dressing blends smooth without lumps.
- Dry the grapes well: After rinsing, pat them dry so the dressing sticks and the salad doesn’t get watery.
- Pick firm grapes: Plump, crisp grapes hold up best. Soft or overripe ones can turn mushy and release too much juice.
How to Store Leftovers
This salad is great to prep ahead and keeps well in the fridge.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. For the best texture, keep the pecan-sugar topping separate and sprinkle it on just before serving.
- Make-ahead tip: Mix together the creamy base and grapes a day in advance, then chill. Add the topping right before serving so it stays crunchy.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Healthy Grape Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb red grapes, washed and stemmed (about 2.5 cups)
- 1 lb green grapes, washed and stemmed (about 2.5 cups)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (can use non-fat, if desired)
- 1 cup full fat Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 ½ Tablespoons granulated sugar, monkfruit granulated sweetener or honey (I used the monkfruit)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 3 Tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar, I used coconut sugar
- Pinch of cinnamon, optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat or stir the cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), granulated sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold the grapes into the dressing until they are well coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld.
- Combine pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle pecan mixture on top, just before serving.
Notes
- Grapes: A mix of red and green grapes looks pretty and adds variety, but using just one type works fine too.
- Sweetener: Adjust to taste depending on how sweet your grapes are. Monkfruit keeps it light, while sugar or honey give a more traditional flavor.
- Freezing: Grape salad doesn’t freeze well because the grapes lose their texture and the dressing separates. This one is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like This Recipe? Rate & Comment Below!
I love grape salad and this recipe is sooooo good…and simple!
Ah YAY! I am so glad you’re loving this grape salad recipe, Brooke. Thanks so much for giving it a try and for sharing your review & star rating, I really appreciate it!