Heirloom Grape Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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This Heirloom Grape Salad is a delightful blend of sweet, crunchy, and creamy textures that make it a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any season, this salad combines fresh grapes with a creamy dressing and a nutty topping for a dish that's both refreshing and indulgent.

Ingredients for Heirloom Grape Salad

Grapes: The star of the show, providing juicy sweetness and vibrant color. Use a mix of red and green for visual appeal.

Cream cheese: Adds a rich and creamy base that complements the fresh grapes perfectly.

Sour cream: Balances the sweetness with a subtle tang, enhancing the overall flavor.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the creamy dressing just enough to bring out the natural sweetness of the grapes.

Vanilla extract: Infuses the dressing with a warm, aromatic note.

Pecans: Offer a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet and creamy elements.

Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the crunchy topping, making each bite a treat.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly washed and dried grapes to prevent any water from ruining the creamy dressing.
  • For a smoother dressing, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
  • Feel free to toast the pecans lightly to enhance their flavor before chopping.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is a versatile addition to any meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing contrast. It also pairs wonderfully with a charcuterie board, adding a sweet element to the savory meats and cheeses. For a more festive touch, consider serving it in individual cups or small bowls at gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes if you prefer them.
How long can I store the grape salad?
You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's covered to maintain freshness.

Heirloom Grape Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by washing your grapes thoroughly under running water, then spread them out on a clean towel to dry completely. This step ensures your salad stays fresh and prevents any unwanted water from diluting the dressing.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk to blend until smooth and creamy — no lumps should remain.

Once your creamy base is ready, gently fold in the grapes. Make sure all the grapes are evenly coated with the dressing. Be gentle to prevent breaking the grapes and releasing their juices too early.

In a small separate bowl, mix the chopped pecans with the brown sugar. This will be your crunchy topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of your coated grapes.

Transfer the grape salad to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to thicken slightly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for last-minute gatherings.
  • Requires minimal ingredients but offers maximum flavor and texture.
  • A versatile dish that can serve as a side, dessert, or even a snack.
  • No cooking involved — just mix, chill, and enjoy.

Ingredients

2 lbs seedless grapes (red and green)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the grapes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the grapes to the bowl and gently fold them into the mixture, ensuring all grapes are coated.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans and brown sugar.
5. Sprinkle the pecan and brown sugar mixture on top of the grape salad.
6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance the flavors.

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