Creamy Grape Salad
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Easy Grape Salad is the perfect summer recipe. Juicy grapes are smothered in a luscious cheesecake filling and topped with crunchy granola. Everyone is going to ask you for this dessert salad recipe!
Grape Salad
Yes, juicy grapes are delicious on their own. But make them into a dessert salad, and you’ve got something special you’re gonna want to share!
This grape salad recipe is perfect for any picnics and potlucks you attend this summer, and it’s a one-bowl-wonder to boot.
You can mix up your creamy cheesecake base, then add your grapes into the same bowl. Add some toppings and voila — you’re ready to serve grape salad to guests!
If you’ve got more fruit that’s about to turn, try my Gigi’s Apple Salad. It’s just as creamy and easy to make.
Or for a savory option, slice up extra grapes and include them in a delicious lemon chicken salad sandwich!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Grapes – Be sure to wash and dry the fruit. I like to do this ahead of time so they can dry on the counter while I do something else.
You’ll want to grab seedless varieties, and consider halving the grapes if serving grape salad with cream cheese to children. - Cream Cheese and Sour Cream – These two create the creamy, fluffy “dressing” for the grape salad. Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream if needed.
For a sweeter version, swap the sour cream with Cool Whip instead! - Lemon Juice – This is a nice complement to the sweetness of the fruit.
If you don’t have a lemon on hand, you can simply leave this out. Bottled juice is much too tart. - Granola – Use your favorite store-bought blend or try my homemade maple almond granola clusters!
Tips for Making Grape Salad with Cream Cheese
- Soften the cream cheese. It will whip up so much easier this way!
Unwrap the block and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes, or microwave it (without the wrapper!) in 15-second bursts until ready. - Keep it colorful. A combination of red and green grapes is pretty to look at and is an extra combo of sweet and tart flavors.
Feel free to try different combinations or use all of one variety in this grape salad recipe. - Try a different topping. The options for this dessert salad are endless.
Instead of the granola, try chopped walnuts or pecans, candy bar pieces, or a sprinkle of brown sugar. - Chill before serving. You can certainly serve grape salad with cream cheese right away, but it’s best when everything is at the same chilly temperature.
Just wait to add the topping, or it will soften in the fridge.
Grape Salad Recipe FAQ
Leftovers are best within a day or two but are perfectly safe to eat for up to 4 days. Just keep in mind that the granola will soften and the grape salad will start to get watery the longer it sits.
Many find that a quick rinse in cold water is enough. But since grapes can sometimes have a sticky or chalky coating, you may want to take an extra few minutes to really give them a good clean.
Be sure to let them dry thoroughly — spreading them out in a single layer on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel will speed up the process.
Baking Soda and Salt: After rinsing, transfer grapes to a bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Gently toss the grapes with your fingers for about a minute, then rinse again with cool water in a colander.
Vinegar and Baking Soda: Place grapes directly in a large bowl and cover with water. Add 2 tablespoons each of vinegar and baking soda, then swish the fruit around with your fingers. Let the fruit sit in the solution for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a colander and rinse well with cold water.
Make Ahead Instructions
Prepare the grape salad recipe as directed, but leave off the granola topping. Cover and refrigerate up to a day in advance.
Just before serving, give grape salad with cream cheese a good stir to fluff it back up and top with the granola.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Dessert Salad Recipes
Creamy Grape Salad
Ingredients
- 4 pounds seedless red or green grapes, or a combination
- 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granola
Instructions
- Wash and dry grapes, set aside. In a large bowl mix together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar with electric mixer until smooth. Add vanilla and fresh lemon juice and beat at low speed until just combined.
- Add grapes to cream cheese mixture and stir until well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, place in a large serving bowl if desired and sprinkle with granola.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published June 2018, updated and republished July 2023
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Sounds really good!!! Can't wait to try this!
This is a great combination of flavors! Sweet and refreshing with a great texture from the granola!