Grape Salad

What’s So Great About This Creamy Grape Salad

• Cool and creamy. The sweet, creamy “dressing” goes perfectly with the juicy mix of green and red grapes. The pops of fresh fruit are pure perfection.
• Quick to make. If you need something quick for a potluck or a simple side dish, this is it. You seriously just mix everything for the dressing and add the grapes!
• Make-ahead-friendly. You can serve this salad right away, but it does get better after being chilled, so I always prefer to make it a few hours ahead. After chilling, add the brown sugar and pecans on top, then dive in.

What is a Grape Salad Made Of?

You only need 7 simple ingredients to make this easy grape salad recipe. They’re easy to find year-round. Here’s a quick look with notes to get things started. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for specific amounts.

• Cream Cheese – At room temperature so that it is easier to mix with everything else.
• Sour Cream – You could also use Greek yogurt if you want to lighten it up or if you prefer the flavor.
• Sugar – Regular granulated sugar or light brown sugar.
• Vanilla Extract – A fun way to play with the flavors in this salad is to change up the extract. Try vanilla mixed with almond, lemon, or orange extract for something different.
• Grapes – I use a mix of both green and red grapes for color. You can use all of one color if you’d like. Make sure to buy seedless grapes.
• Brown Sugar – For a sweet, crunchy finish.
• Pecans – You could also use chopped walnuts or almonds. Leave out the nuts to make this dessert nut-free.

How to Make Grape Salad

Just like most salad recipes, this creamy grape salad comes together in one bowl, with quick steps.

• Make the dressing. First, add the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla to a large bowl. Mix well until it’s combined and smooth.
• Add the grapes. Next, add the grapes and fold them into the dressing until everything is well-coated.
• Chill, then serve. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and refrigerate until it’s time to serve. Just before serving, top with brown sugar and pecans.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Yes! It’s best to make this salad ahead on the same day you plan on serving it, and keep it in the refrigerator. However, you can also make it the day before. Be sure to only add the brown sugar and pecan toppings just before serving, or the brown sugar will dissolve.

Recipe Tips

• Bring the cream cheese to room temperature. To do this quickly, cut your block of cream cheese into cubes. Meanwhile, fill a ceramic or glass bowl with boiling water. After 5 minutes, dump out the water and place the warm bowl over the cream cheese cubes. They should soften up within 5-10 minutes.
• Serve chilled. Refrigerate your grape salad for at least an hour before serving. It gets even better after firming up a bit.
• Don’t let the toppings lose their crunch. Add the topping just before serving so that the brown sugar doesn’t dissolve into the cream cheese dressing.
• Feel free to cut the grapes in half. This is also a great way to serve this salad to kids.

What to Serve With a Creamy Grape Salad

Serve this easy grape salad as a refreshing side dish at potlucks with ham and cheese sliders, cheesy pepperoni rolls, or baked mac and cheese, and easy appetizers, like deviled eggs and grape jelly little smokies.

How to Store

Cover your salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. I don’t recommend freezing grape salad.

More Salad Recipes

• Easy Fruit Salad
• Three Potato Salad
• Pineapple Salsa Pasta Salad
• Classic Italian Pasta Salad