Creamy Grape Salad

Name: Creamy Grape Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 130 min
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)

By Brittany Mullins

Published Oct 10, 2023, Updated Oct 19, 2023

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This grape salad is sweet and creamy with fresh, juicy grapes and crunchy pecans. It’s so easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

We’re going down memory lane at EBF this week. Yesterday I shared an ambrosia salad and today I’m sharing another classic recipe that I grew up with… creamy grape salad.

It’s always such a hit whenever I make it for friends and family so I know you’re going to love it too.

Creamy grape salad topped with sugar and crushed pecans in a large bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy indulgence: The blend of softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt or sour cream offers a velvety backdrop to the crunchy and juicy.
Sweet and crunchy: The sprinkle of pecans and brown sugar brings a caramelized nutty touch to each bite, contrasting the grapes beautifully.
Easy preparation: Besides waiting for the cream cheese to soften this salad is really quick and easy to throw together. You don’t even have to chop the grapes!

Ingredients measured out to make Creamy Grape Salad: vanilla, coconut sugar, sugar, Greek yogurt, green grapes, red grapes, cream cheese and pecans.

Ingredients Needed

red and green grapes – these form the juicy base of the salad. Grapes provide vitamin C, plenty of antioxidants and hydration! Aim for fresh, plump grapes for the best results. Just be sure to look for seedless green grapes and seedless red grapes; you don’t want to be biting into a seed with this salad!
cream cheese – this acts as a creamy binder for the salad. It can be regular or non-fat, depending on your preference. Just be sure it’s softened so it will easily blend with other ingredients to make the creamy dressing.
greek yogurt or sour cream – this adds a tangy creaminess to the mix. Either works, depending on the flavor profile you’re aiming for. I like using Greek yogurt as it offers more protein.
sweetener – you have flexibility here! Whether it’s granulated sugar, monkfruit granulated sweetener or honey, it’s about balancing sweetness to your liking.
vanilla extract – a dash of vanilla elevates the flavor, giving the salad a hint of aromatic sweetness.
nuts – chopped pecans or walnuts offer a delightful crunch, contrasting with the soft grapes and creamy dressing.
light brown sugar or coconut sugar – this brings a deeper, caramel-like sweetness, especially when combined with the nuts. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, coconut sugar is a great choice.
cinnamon – an optional pinch can introduce a warm, spicy sweetness to the salad. I love cinnamon so I’m all about adding it in.

Three photos showing the steps to make Creamy Grape Salad: mixing the creamy dressing, tossing with grapes and mixing coconut sugar with pecans.

How to Make

This 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:

Make dressing: Using a hand mixer beat together the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), your chosen sweetener and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can combine the dressing with a whisk.

Add grapes: Once your dressing is prepared, fold in both red and green grapes, ensuring each grape is nicely coated with the creamy dressing.

Chill: This step is essential! Cover your salad and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. This not only ensures the flavors meld together but also makes the salad refreshing.

Make topping: While the salad is chilling, mix together the chopped nuts (either pecans or walnuts), with your brown or coconut sugar, and if you’re using it, a pinch of cinnamon.

Serve: Before serving this delicious recipe, sprinkle the nutty topping over the salad for a sweet, crunchy contrast. Dive in and enjoy!

A serving of creamy grape salad on a spoon above a large bowl of the salad.

Substitutions & Notes

Different Fruits: While grapes are the star here, consider adding in small chunks of apples, bits of pineapple, or slices of strawberries for a varied texture and flavor.
Whipped Topping: For a fluffier texture, fold in some whipped cream or a dairy-free alternative into the creamy dressing.
Pudding Mix: Incorporate a packet of instant vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix to the dressing for added sweetness and flavor.
Add-ins: Consider adding miniature marshmallows or shredded coconut for additional sweetness and texture.
Cheese: For a richer taste, mix in chunks of cheddar or feta cheese.
Spices: Boost the flavor profile by adding a hint of nutmeg or cardamom to the creamy dressing.

How to Store Leftovers

Add any leftovers to an airtight sealed container and place in the fridge. Properly stored, it will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

More Fruit Salad Recipes

Be sure to check out all of my dessert recipes here on EBF!

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5 from 2 votes