This is one of those dishes that surprises everyone the first time they try it. It’s a sweet, creamy, and fruity treat that feels almost like dessert. And it’s made with just seven simple ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to put together.

For another fun fruit salad, try a classic Waldorf salad.

Why My Recipe

  • Made with 7 simple ingredients and ready in just 10 minutes.
  • Sweet, creamy, and fruity with a crunch from pecans. Coconut optional.
  • Perfect make-ahead side dish that’s always a hit at parties and potlucks.
Creamy grape salad in a small glass bowl.

Grape salad is one of those classic side dishes that you would always see at holiday feasts. Now, salads are not typically our thing, but don’t let the name fool you because this salad is an exception. It’s unlike any other salad you will ever eat… it’s sweet, creamy, nutty and fruity and all flavors and textures work so well together. It’s like you are eating dessert.

Ingredient Notes

  • Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it’s easier to blend.
  • Sour Cream: You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt.
  • Granulated Sugar: For a natural swap, use 3 tablespoons honey.
  • Vanilla Extract: Because you gotta add that little something extra.
  • Red Grapes: Choose seedless grapes for easy eating. Large grapes can be halved for easier eating.
  • Green Grapes: The mix of red and green gives color and the green add a pop of slightly sour.
  • Brown Sugar: Sprinkle on top just before serving for a caramel-like finish.
  • Chopped Pecans: Walnuts or cashews also work well.
  • Shredded Coconut (optional): Adds a light tropical flavor. Leave it out if you’re not a fan.

Variations

I love playing with my food, and these types of salads are so easy to modify to switch things up and never get bored. Here are some ideas of things you could try:

Nut-Free: Skip the pecans entirely or swap them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.

Fruit Swaps: Try mixing in halved strawberries, blueberries, or apple chunks along with the grapes.

Dessert-Style: Stir in a handful of mini marshmallows for a sweeter twist that kids will love.

Creamy grape salad in a large blue bowl.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy grape salad is the kind of side dish that works for just about any occasion. It’s a holiday classic because it goes well with ham, turkey, or roast beef, but it also feels right at home at summer barbecues and potlucks.

Serve it chilled in a big bowl or portion it out into small cups for easy grab-and-go servings. Some even like to treat it as a light dessert.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This salad is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

For the best texture, wait to sprinkle on the brown sugar, pecans, and coconut until just before serving. This way, you’ll keep that perfect contrast of creamy salad with a crunchy topping.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

More fruity salad goodness…

Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.