This grape salad recipe features a creamy dressing, a blend of luscious green and red grapes, and a delightful crunch from pecans. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to fit dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Serve it as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert at your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. sour cream (use low-fat if preferred)
- 16 oz. cream cheese, softened (use low-fat if preferred)
- 1 cup sugar (or equivalent Splenda for a sugar-free option)
- Vanilla extract, a couple of squirts (pure vanilla recommended)
- 4 lbs. green seedless grapes
- 4 lbs. red seedless grapes
- 4 cups pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 quart strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Brown sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Cream Cheese Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the sugar until the mixture is smooth. If you’re using a sugar substitute like Splenda, adjust the quantity to your taste.
- Add the sour cream and a couple of squirts of pure vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Prepare the Fruit:
- Wash the grapes thoroughly and pat them dry. Ensure that the grapes are completely dry before folding them into the cream cheese mixture to prevent watering down the dressing.
- If you’re using apples or any other additional fruits, prepare them as necessary (e.g., cut and bathe apple slices in lemon water to prevent browning).
- Assemble the Salad:
- Gently fold the grapes into the cream cheese dressing, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
- If adding strawberries or other fruits, fold them into the mixture as well. Be gentle to avoid crushing the fruit.
- Add the Pecans:
- Reserve some pecans for garnishing and fold the remaining pecans into the salad until they’re evenly distributed.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad until it’s chilled and you’re ready to serve. This also allows the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Finish:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the top of the salad with the reserved fruit and pecans for a beautiful presentation.
- For an extra touch of sweetness and texture, lightly sprinkle brown sugar over the salad.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the grape salad as a cool and refreshing side dish or a sweet end to a meal. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing treat.
This Grape Salad is not only pleasing to the palate but also a feast for the eyes, with its mix of vibrant grapes and strawberries and the rich texture of pecans. Its versatility also makes it suitable for those who prefer low-fat or sugar-free options. Enjoy your delightful creation!