Creamy Grape & Pecan Salad
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Creamy, crunchy, and bursting with juicy sweetness, this Creamy Grape & Pecan Salad is a delightful side dish that balances freshness with indulgence. This classic recipe features crisp grapes enveloped in a luscious, tangy-sweet dressing of cream cheese and brown sugar finished with toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch. Whether served as a side dish for holiday gatherings, summer picnics, or a simple weekday treat, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that offers the perfect mix of texture and flavor.
What is GRape Salad?
Grape salad is a beloved dish with roots in the Midwest and Southern U.S., where it often graces the table at potlucks and holiday feasts. My first introduction to this dish was in my childhood at a family friend’s summer pool party. She made this all of the time, and it was easily everyone’s favorite side dish.
Traditionally, it combines red and green grapes with a creamy dressing made from sour cream and cream cheese, sweetened with a touch of brown sugar. Pecans add a delightful nuttiness, while a sprinkle of brown sugar on top caramelizes slightly, creating a rich, almost dessert-like quality. It’s a nostalgic, no-fuss side dish that rarely has leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Simple Yet Beautiful – This side salad is so simple to make, but it’s lovely appearance adds a pop of color to your table.
Perfectly Balanced – The sweetness of grapes contrasts beautifully with the tangy cream cheese dressing and crunchy pecans.
Great for Any Occasion – Ideal as a side dish, a light and healthy dessert, or a refreshing snack.
Make-Ahead Friendly – This grape salad tastes even better after chilling, making it perfect for meal prep, and it lasts for about a week in the fridge.
Gathering Ingredients:
Cream Cheese. For a more indulgent dressing, try using mascarpone instead!
Sour Cream.
Brown Sugar. You can swap the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, too.
Vanilla.
Seedless Green & Red Grapes. Any variety of grapes works well with this salad, though I tend to avoid super sweet grapes (like the candy varieties) as this salad is already pretty sweet on its own.
Toasted Pecans. You can omit the nuts, if preferred, or use a different type of nut such as toasted walnuts!
How to Make Grape & Pecan Salad:
Step One: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, brown sugar, and vanilla. With a handheld electric mixer, beat together the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and there are no longer any visible lumps of cream cheese, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step Two: To the bowl, add the grapes and chopped pecans. Fold the grapes into the cream cheese mixture with a silicone spatula, coating everything well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place the salad into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step Three: Serve the salad chilled. It will store, covered, in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days.
Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan:
Use a Mix of Grapes – Combining red and green grapes adds visual appeal and a mix of sweet and tart flavors. As this salad is already pretty sweet on its own, I try to avoid using super sweet grapes.
Toast the Pecans – Lightly toasting pecans enhances their nutty depth and prevents them from becoming soggy. If you want an even sweeter crunch, try using honey roasted pecans!
Chill Before Serving – Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Add a Crunchy Topping – A final sprinkle of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey before serving enhances texture and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions:
This salad shines as a side dish at family meals, summer barbecues, or brunch spreads. Serve it alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a cheese platter for a sweet-savory contrast. It also makes a refreshing snack on warm days or a light and healthy dessert when you’re craving something creamy but not overly rich.
Try serving this easy grape salad alongside these other potluck recipes!
Final Thoughts:
Creamy Grape & Pecan Salad is a timeless dish that brings together the best of sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just treating yourself to a delicious snack, it’s an effortless way to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors.
xoxo Kayla
Creamy Grape & Pecan Salad
This classic recipe features crisp grapes enveloped in a luscious, tangy-sweet dressing, finished with toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch. Whether served as a side dish for holiday gatherings, summer picnics, or a simple weekday treat, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that offers the perfect mix of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (226 g) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) seedless green grapes, washed
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) seedless red grapes, washed
- 1 cup (140 g) chopped toasted pecan halves
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, brown sugar, and vanilla. With a handheld electric mixer, beat together the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and there are no longer any visible lumps of cream cheese, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- To the bowl, add the grapes and chopped pecans. Fold the grapes into the cream cheese mixture with a silicone spatula, coating everything well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place the salad into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the salad chilled. It will store, covered, in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
388
