Creamy Grape Salad with Cream Cheese

A bowl of creamy grape salad topped with chopped pecans.

5 from 1 vote

Creamy Grape Salad with Cream Cheese

This creamy grape salad combines fresh red and green grapes with a rich cream cheese and Greek yogurt dressing, topped with crunchy pecans and brown sugar.

Prep Time10

Chill Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 234kcal

Author: Kim Schob

Equipment

Ingredients

2 pounds red seedless grapes stems removed
2 pounds green seedless grapes stems removed
8 ounce block cream cheese softened to room temperature
1 ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
¾ cup chopped pecans

Cups - Metric

Instructions

Start by removing stems from all grapes and washing them thoroughly under cold water. Pat the grapes completely dry with paper towels since excess moisture will thin out your creamy dressing and affect the salad's texture.
2 pounds green seedless grapes, 2 pounds red seedless grapes
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat the mixture until it's completely smooth and well combined with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
8 ounce block cream cheese, 1 ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ½ cup granulated sugar
Place the clean, dry grapes in a large serving bowl and pour the cream cheese mixture over them. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dressing into the grapes until every grape is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and chopped pecans. Fold half of this mixture into the grape salad, reserving the remaining half for sprinkling on top just before serving for extra crunch and visual appeal.
¼ cup brown sugar, ¾ cup chopped pecans
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together. The salad can be made up to overnight ahead of time and actually improves with chilling time.

Notes

Grape Preparation - Make sure grapes are completely dry after washing to prevent the dressing from becoming watery and sliding off the fruit.
Cream Cheese Temperature - Room temperature cream cheese is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free dressing that coats the grapes evenly.
Mixing Technique - Gently fold the dressing into the grapes, rather than stirring vigorously, to avoid breaking the fruit and creating a mushy texture.
Serving Temperature - This salad is best served chilled, so keep it refrigerated until ready to serve for optimal flavor and texture.
Fresh vs. Prepared - While the salad can be made ahead, add the reserved pecan and brown sugar topping just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.

Nutrition