If you’re looking for the best grape salad recipe to wow your friends and family, this is it! Whether you’re planning a holiday meal, summer BBQ, or potluck, this grape salad with cream cheese fits right in. It’s one of those easy grape salad recipes you’ll make over and over again.
Bursting with juicy grapes and coated in a luscious, tangy-sweet cream cheese dressing, this dish strikes the perfect balance between refreshing and indulgent.
This recipe is also a spot-on copycat chicken salad Chick Grape Salad, which fans of the original will instantly recognize and love. It’s the ultimate choice when you’re looking for salads for parties or BBQ cookouts that deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Just toss it together, chill, and enjoy — it’s truly that simple!
Why You Will Love This Grape Salad
Whether you’re headed to a picnic, barbecue, or potluck, this creamy grape salad recipe always disappears fast. It’s cool, creamy, and just sweet enough to pass for dessert — making it one of the best potluck desserts you can bring.
Think of it as a cross between a fruit salad recipe and a summer quick dessert. It has a nostalgic feel, yet it always surprises new tasters with just how addictive it is. That crunchy brown sugar-pecan topping? Absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds red seedless grapes, washed and dried
- 2 pounds green seedless grapes, washed and dried
- 8 oz block of cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
How to Make Creamy Grape Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Grapes
Wash the grapes thoroughly and remove all stems. Pat them completely dry with paper towels — you want them as dry as possible so the creamy mixture sticks.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer until smooth. Add in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat again until creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Mix It Up
Pour the cream mixture over the grapes in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold everything together using a rubber spatula until the grapes are evenly coated.
Step 4: Add Crunch
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with chopped pecans. Stir half of this into the salad, reserving the rest for a crunchy topping right before serving.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to let the flavors blend. Before serving, sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture over the top for the perfect sweet crunch.
How to Serve
This Grape Salad With Cream Cheese comes together in less than 10 minutes and is absolutely perfect for potlucks! It’s a refreshing crowd-pleaser that tastes best cold — just scoop and serve.
- Bring it to a picnic, BBQ, or any family get-together — especially when it’s hot out.
- It makes a great sweet side dish next to classic cookout fare like burgers, hot dogs, or grilled chicken.
- Serve it in a big bowl for scooping, or portion it into small clear cups for easy grab-and-go party servings.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle the crunchy topping just before serving so it stays crisp and irresistible.
Storage Tips
For the freshest results, enjoy this grape salad the same day it’s made. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 2 days — just note that the grapes will release more juice over time, slightly thinning the cream.
Grape Salad Variations
This Easy Grape Salad Recipe is already a hit, but here are a few creative spins if you’re in the mood to mix things up:
1. Add Pineapple or Berries
Toss in some diced fresh pineapple, strawberries, or blueberries for a juicy fruit salad twist. It turns this into more of a colorful fruit salad recipe with extra zing.
2. Use Flavored Yogurt
Swap the plain Greek yogurt or sour cream with vanilla or honey-flavored yogurt for added sweetness and a little less tang.
3. Swap the Nuts
No pecans? Try toasted walnuts, almonds, or even crushed peanuts. If you’re nut-free, granola, crushed pretzels, or sunflower seeds add great crunch, too!
4. Drizzle with Caramel or Chocolate
Want to make this a true summer quick dessert? Add a light drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup just before serving. Game-changer!
7. Lower-Sugar Option
Skip the brown sugar topping and reduce the granulated sugar in the dressing. You can also use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia.
FAQs About Creamy Grape Salad
Can I use all green or all red grapes?
Absolutely! You can mix and match or stick to one variety. Red grapes tend to be sweeter, while green grapes add a nice tart contrast.
Do I have to use cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key to that rich texture and flavor. However, you can try a whipped cream cheese or even mascarpone for a slightly different twist.
What can I use instead of pecans?
Chopped walnuts or almonds are great alternatives. You can toast them for extra flavor. Want a nut-free option? Swap in granola or crushed graham crackers!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the dressing and grapes separately a day in advance. Just mix and top it with the brown sugar pecan mixture before serving.
Is it sweet enough for dessert?
Yes — this salad totally doubles as a dessert. It’s one of those clever desserts potluck dishes that straddles the line between sweet and savory beautifully.
Creamy Grape Salad Recipe
This creamy grape salad is sweet, tangy, and packed with juicy grapes tossed in a luscious cream cheese dressing. Topped with brown sugar and crunchy pecans, it’s the perfect no-fuss side or dessert for potlucks, picnics, or summer cookouts!
10
servings10
minutes60
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2 pounds 2 red seedless grapes, stems removed
2 pounds 2 green seedless grapes, stems removed
8 ounce 8 block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 1/4 cup 1 1/4 plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tsp 1 pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup 1/2 granulated sugar
1/4 cup 1/4 brown sugar
3/4 cup 3/4 chopped pecans
Directions
- Remove the stems from the grapes, wash, and then dry well. Place into a large bowl.
- In a medium bowl and using a handheld electric mixer, beat the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), vanilla, and granulated sugar together until smooth and well combined.
- Pour over the grapes and gently fold together with a rubber spatula until all the grapes are coated.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and chopped pecans. Mix HALF into the grape salad. Use the remaining half for topping once prepared.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy cold!
Notes
- Any seedless grapes will work for this recipe. Red, black, or green. You can use one color or mix and match them.
- You can opt to slice the grapes in half if desired. I do find that the longer it sits, the juices will begin to seep out. If you do slice them, it’s best eaten the same day.
- Be sure to take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator 1-2 hours before prepping the salad so that it has time to soften. Mixing it with the yogurt, sugar, and vanilla will be much easier and less likely to have big chunks of cream cheese.
- Instead of pecans, you can use chopped walnuts. Toast them prior to adding them into the salad if desired.
Sandria J Banks
Monday 23rd of June 2025
I have made this many times. Everyone begs me to make it again. Hostess for an upcoming July 4th Barbeque called requesting my famous grape salad again. It's always a hit!