Hey y'all! Looking for a fun, fuss-free dessert or side that's guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering? This Grape Salad with Sweet Cream Cheese Sauce is bursting with juicy grapes and covered in a luscious, creamy sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. It's perfect for potlucks, BBQs, brunches, or any time you want a refreshing, crowd-pleasing treat. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Grape Salad with Sweet Cream Cheese Sauce
- Ready in 15 minutes—no baking or fuss required!
- Creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors combine for ultimate refreshment.
- Perfect for making ahead—just chill until you're ready to serve.
- Versatile: works as a side, snack, or light dessert.
- Easily customizable with your favorite nuts or toppings.
Ingredients for Grape Salad with Sweet Cream Cheese Sauce
- 2 lbs seedless grapes (1 lb red, 1 lb green), washed and dried
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup brown sugar, for topping
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, for topping
Directions: How to Make Grape Salad with Sweet Cream Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Grapes
Remove grapes from stems, wash thoroughly, and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Slice larger grapes in half if desired for easier eating.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Cream Cheese Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Grapes and Sauce
Gently fold the grapes into the cream cheese mixture until all grapes are well coated. Be careful not to crush the grapes.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Chill
Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle brown sugar and chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes for Grape Salad with Sweet Cream Cheese Sauce
- Make sure grapes are completely dry before mixing to prevent a watery salad.
- You can make this salad up to 24 hours ahead for best flavor, just add the brown sugar and nuts right before serving for crunch.
- Curious about cream cheese nutrition? Read more at Eat This, Not That.
Variations on Grape Salad with Sweet Cream Cheese Sauce
- Greek Yogurt Swap: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier, protein-packed version.
- No-Nut Option: Leave out the nuts or use sunflower seeds for a nut-free salad.
- Fruit Mix: Add sliced strawberries or diced apples for extra color and flavor.
Required Equipment for Grape Salad with Sweet Cream Cheese Sauce
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Spatula or large spoon
- Serving dish
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Store leftover grape salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, add the brown sugar and nuts just before serving. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the grapes and sauce will change.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve chilled as a sweet side dish for BBQ, fried chicken, or holiday ham.
- Pair with savory main dishes like classic fried chicken.
- Excellent addition to brunch buffets or as a refreshing picnic treat!
Pro Tips for Grape Salad with Sweet Cream Cheese Sauce
- For extra creaminess, let the salad sit in the fridge overnight (just add toppings fresh).
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother sauce—learn why at The Kitchn.
- Taste and adjust sweetness; some grapes are naturally sweeter than others.
Grape Salad with Sweet Cream Cheese Sauce FAQ
- Can I use only red or only green grapes?
- Absolutely! Use whatever seedless grapes you prefer for this grape salad with sweet cream cheese sauce.
- Can I make grape salad in advance?
- Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours ahead—just add the brown sugar and nuts right before serving for the best texture.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your toppings if you have allergies.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Ingredients
- 4 cups seedless green grapes, washed and dried
- 4 cups seedless red grapes, washed and dried
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Instructions
-
1In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
-
2Add the green and red grapes to the bowl and gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture until all grapes are well coated.
-
3Transfer the grape salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the top evenly with chopped pecans and light brown sugar.
-
4Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!