Grape Salad Recipe

This creamy grape salad recipe is an easy fruit salad you can make in summer with fresh grapes, cream cheese, pecans, and a sweet sugar topping. A popular dish for summer gatherings!

Usually, the grape salad recipe is made with cream cheese and sour cream, but I prefer using Greek yogurt in mine! My little tip is to always let the salad chill properly; it will bring out so much flavor!

If you need something fruity for your next gathering, try my easy fresh fruit salad, Ambrosia salad, juicy peach caprese, bright and zesty Orange fluff, or watermelon goat cheese salad recipe.

Where Did Grape Salad Originate?

Did you know that Grape salad is from the Midwest, particularly Minnesota? 

It started there as a potluck-style comfort food made with grapes, a creamy dressing, and a brown sugar-pecan topping. 

It gained national attention in 2014 when The New York Times controversially named it Minnesota’s signature Thanksgiving dish, surprising many locals who had never heard of it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect treat for a hot summer day. It just tastes great! But I love using grapes even in my Christmas salad!
• A delicious recipe to enjoy fresh grapes besides just eating them straight.
• A great recipe for friends and family gatherings, and potlucks, as it has a real crowd-pleasing appeal (colors, textures, and flavors, of course!) and works as a side dish.
• It is a super easy recipe you can make one day ahead.

Ingredients Notes

Skip to the recipe card to find all the exact quantities and a printable recipe.

• Seedless red grapes and green seedless grapes (stems removed). Any seedless grapes will work for this recipe. Red, black, or green. You can use one color or mix and match varieties. Note that this recipe usually calls for the whole grapes; that’s why we need to go for seedless grapes.
• Cream cheese. Regular brick-style full-fat cream cheese or low-fat cream cheese for a healthier salad recipe.
• Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. I use plain yogurt, but you can use vanilla yogurt in a pinch.
• Pure vanilla extract for a little sweet flavor. It is optional, but I love to add it and urge you to try making it for the first time with high-quality vanilla extract.
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar. For salads, I prefer light brown sugar to keep it sweet but not overpowering. Brown sugar adds a light caramel flavor to the creamy goodness. You can also completely skip white sugar and use only brown sugar.
• Chopped pecans or pecan halves.

Kitchen Equipment

• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (regular hand mixer is fine)
• Paper towel
• Serving bowl

How To Make Grape Salad

1: Prep The Grapes

Pull the grapes off the stems. Wash the grapes well and then pat dry. They can sit in the colander to continue to dry while you make the sauce.

2: Make Cream Cheese Dressing

Combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), vanilla, and white sugar in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until the creamy mixture is smooth and well combined. 

3: Add Grapes

Gently fold in the grapes using a rubber spatula, working until the grapes are thoroughly coated.

4: Prep Pecan Mixture

1. Combine the brown sugar and chopped pecans in a small bowl, and toss until all nuts are evenly coated.
2. Stir half of the pecan mixture into the grape salad. Use the remaining half to sprinkle on top of the grapes.

5: Chill & Serve

1. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together. 
2. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Serve chilled.

Storage

This grape salad recipe is best enjoyed the same day for freshness. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Grape salad doesn’t freeze well – it will alter the texture.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use chopped walnuts or slivered almonds in place of the pecans. You can use toasted pecans, too, for extra crunch and deeper nutty flavor.
• Skip sugar and use pure maple syrup or honey to keep it all natural. You can also add chopped candy like snickers to add sweetness!
• Add more fruits like mandarin oranges, chopped apples, pineapple chunks, or fresh berries are great pairings for crisp grapes.
• Use mascarpone in place of the sour cream or cream cheese.
• For extra creamy sauce, add marshmallow cream and/or Cool Whip to the cream cheese mixture.
• Try the Mediterranean Grape Salad recipe; it is a bit different. It calls for cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, and feta, and doesn’t use a cream cheese mixture for dressing, but balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
• Crispy sugar topping. You can assemble the salad and let it broil for just about 5-7 minutes to let the sugar caramelize.

Popular Questions

How Long Will Grape Salad Last In The Refrigerator?

Grape salad can last in the fridge for 2-3 days. Beyond that grapes will make grape salad watery and start losing the texture.

Can Grape Salad Be Made Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can combine all the grape salad ingredients the night before and leave it in the fridge overnight to chill. But I don’t recommend making it more than 24 hours ahead to keep the flavors fresh.

Is Grape Salad Healthy?

My version of the grape salad recipe is relatively healthy. You can use less sugar (or natural type), and choose low-fat and non-dairy sour cream and cream cheese.

What Is A Good Combination With Grapes?

Other fruits, honey, maple syrup, marshmallow creme, cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and even olive oil pair well with fresh grapes.

If you love this summer salad recipe, you’re going to love these other cold side dish recipes, too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Recipes with Grapes

Christmas Fruit Salad

Champagne Grapes

Easter Charcuterie Board

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