Creamy Grape Salad
Whether you're making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just as a special treat to enjoy at home, this salad is sure to impress. And the best part? It takes just a few minutes to whip up!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chopping Knife and Cutting Board
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups seedless grapes red or green, or a mix of both
- 1 cup mini marshmallows optional, but adds a nice sweetness
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts or your preferred nuts
For the Dressing:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whipped topping or cool whip
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Grapes and Nuts
- Wash the Grapes: Start by rinsing your grapes under cold water. Make sure to remove any stems, and dry them gently with a clean towel or paper towels.
- Cut the Grapes (Optional): You can leave the grapes whole for a classic look, or if you prefer bite-sized pieces, slice them in half.
- Chop the Nuts: If you’re using pecans or walnuts, chop them into smaller pieces. Aim for a texture that’s not too fine but still gives a nice crunch.
- Pro Tip: Be sure to dry the grapes well before adding them to the salad to prevent the dressing from becoming too runny.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
- Mix the Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use your electric hand mixer on low speed to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Once the cream cheese and sour cream are well-mixed, add the sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated and the texture is smooth.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Now, gently fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip) until the dressing becomes fluffy and light. Use a spatula for this step to avoid deflating the whipped topping.
- Pro Tip: If the cream cheese is too hard, soften it by microwaving it for 15-20 seconds. This helps make the dressing much smoother.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Add the Grapes and Nuts to the Dressing: In a large bowl, gently fold in the prepared grapes and chopped nuts into the creamy dressing. Use a spatula or spoon to combine everything without mashing the grapes.
- Add Mini Marshmallows (Optional): If you're using mini marshmallows, now is the time to gently fold them in as well.
- Pro Tip: Be gentle when mixing the grapes with the dressing — over-mixing can cause the grapes to break apart and the salad to become watery.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Chill the Salad: Transfer the grape salad to a serving dish or keep it in the mixing bowl, then cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld and the salad become even creamier.
- Serve: Once it’s chilled, it’s time to serve! You can garnish with a few extra chopped nuts on top if you'd like. Enjoy the refreshing, creamy goodness!
- Pro Tip: This salad can actually taste even better the next day after chilling, as the flavors have more time to develop!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~220–250
- Total Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~6g
- Cholesterol: ~25mg
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Sugar: ~25g
- Protein: ~3g
- Fiber: ~1g
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.