I enjoy making this deliciously creamy grape salad in the summer because it’s so refreshing on a hot summer day like today. It’s so EASY to make and if you like, you can sub coconut sugar for the brown sugar. We’ve tried it with coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and it tasted equally as delicious. We actually prefer to eat it with coconut sugar as it’s better for you than brown sugar and is VERY tasty! If you like this, then you’ll love my Ambrosia Fruit Salad and Watermelon Feta Salad!
This salad is one my favorite summer treats and is naturally gluten free and vegetarian. Crunchy grapes in a creamy and sweet sauce make everything better! Bring it to a summer cookout or barbecue or a potluck and watch it disappear quickly. My insanely delicious side dish recipe calls for cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, red and green seedless grapes, brown sugar, and almonds, and is done in just 15 minutes!
My husband can’t get enough of this salad and it’s summer with a lot of fruit on sale at the grocery store. I lucked out as both red and green grapes were on sale the past week and I made this three times! It’s a popular dish at potlucks, summer cookoffs, pool parties, 4th of July parties, and anything in the summer. Of course it can be made year round but is a wonderful side at a barbecue. The almonds give it just the right amount of crunch!
Pro Tips
You can make this ahead of time and chill in the fridge for up to one week. It’s very popular and when you bring it to a party or barbecue, don’t expect it to last long.
If you are running short on time, you can heat the cream cheese in the microwave for one minute. If it’s still to hard to blend, heat it in 30 second increments until it’s soft enough to mix.
Ingredients in Creamy Grape Salad
Cream cheese. Make sure to take your cream cheese out at least two hours before you start making your creamy grape salad. Alternatively, you can heat the cream cheese in a microwave until it’s soft. You want it to be soft so that it easily blends when you mix it with the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. Use full fat cream cheese for the highest quality flavor. This isn’t the time to skimp and eat a lower calorie dish.
Sour cream. Use full fat for the creamiest and best flavor. Combined with the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, the sour cream gives the dish an excellent taste. Don’t skimp and buy low-fat or non-fat sour cream this time.
Granulated sugar. Just a quarter cup of granulated sugar gives this dish an irresistible sweet flavor.
Vanilla extract. Just a tad bit of vanilla goes a long way when it’s combined with the cream cheese, sour cream, and granulated sugar.
Red and green seedless grapes. The main ingredient, grapes, are the best when both green and red are used. They’re usually on sale in the summertime, making this dish ideal for a summer cookout or barbecue.
Brown sugar. Sprinkle some brown sugar on top for some crunch and sweetness. Alternatively, you can opt for coconut sugar which is how my family prefers this recipe.
Almonds. Crunchy, tasty, and sprinkled on top, almonds are nutrient-packed and taste so heavenly on top of this creamy side dish. If you have nut allergies or just don’t like almonds, omit them. The salad will still taste delicious without chopped almonds.
How to make the best Creamy Grape Salad
STEP 1: Add the room temperature eight ounces cream cheese, one cup sour cream, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and one teaspoon vanilla in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to mix on medium until well blended.
STEP 2: Add the two pounds of red and two pounds of green grapes and stir to evenly coat.
STEP 3: Sprinkle two tablespoons brown sugar and ¼ cup chopped almonds on top before serving. Chill in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Substitutions
If you aren’t a fan of almonds, omit them. You can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. We usually eat it with coconut sugar and it tastes insanely divine! I almost prefer to eat it with coconut sugar as it tastes better and is better for you than brown sugar. If you don’t want to use brown sugar or coconut sugar, then you don’t need to. It’s still just as tasty without the brown sugar and almond toppings.
Health Benefits of Grapes
Grapes help lower blood pressure, support eye health, boost brain health, and are an excellent source of antioxidants. According to Healthline’s article, grapes are rich in copper and vitamin K. Copper is an essential mineral that helps with energy production and vitamin K is critical for blood clotting and bone health. Grapes are packed with antioxidants and may help reduce cholesterol. They contain resveratrol, which is an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and stops the growth and spread of cancer cells.
More recipes you’ll love!
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Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make this Creamy Grape Salad, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Creamy Grape Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 c sour cream
- ¼ c granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 pounds green seedless grapes
- 2 pounds red seedless grapes
- 2 tbsp brown sugar can sub coconut sugar
- ¼ c chopped almonds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. Using a hand mixer on medium, mix until well blended.
- Add the grapes and stir to evenly coat. Sprinkle brown sugar and chopped almonds on top before serving. Chill in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- If you make this, don't forget to leave a rating and comment!
Notes
Nutrition (per serving)
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