Grape Salad with Brown Sugar & Pecans

Refreshing Grape Salad with a Sweet Cream Cheese Dressing

Discover a delightfully unique side dish or dessert with this Grape Salad, beautifully finished with a topping of brown sugar and toasted pecans. This recipe combines crisp, juicy grapes in a velvety dressing made from cream cheese and sour cream, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and tangy flavors. The crunchy texture from the pecans adds a satisfying contrast, making every spoonful a treat.

Effortlessly simple to prepare and requiring no cooking, this dish is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a refreshing accompaniment to a summer barbecue.

Why This Grape Salad Recipe is a Keeper

• Incredibly Easy: With no cooking involved, this recipe is as simple as washing, mixing, and chilling.
• A Crowd-Pleaser: The unique combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy is a guaranteed hit with both adults and children.
• Versatile Dish: It serves equally well as a fresh side dish for grilled meats or as a light, fruit-based dessert.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors actually improve as it chills, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients You Will Need

(Note: Full measurements would be available on a complete recipe card.)

• Red & Green Grapes: A mix of both provides a beautiful color contrast and a balance of sweet and slightly tart flavors.
• Cream Cheese: The foundation of the dressing, creating a rich and smooth texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds a pleasant tang that cuts through the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Brown Sugar: Lends a subtle, caramel-like sweetness to the dressing and the topping.
• Pecans: Toasted pecans provide a necessary nutty flavour and crunchy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Grapes Thoroughly wash and dry the red and green grapes. You can leave them whole or slice them in half, which makes the salad easier to eat. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

2. Create the Creamy Dressing In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and airy.

3. Combine Grapes and Dressing Pour the creamy dressing over the grapes. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until the grapes are evenly coated.

4. Add the Pecans Gently stir in most of the toasted pecans, reserving a handful for the garnish.

5. Chill for Best Flavor Cover the bowl and refrigerate the grape salad for at least one hour. This chilling time is essential for the flavours to meld together and for the salad to become refreshingly cool.

6. Garnish and Serve Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved toasted pecans and an extra dash of brown sugar over the top.

Nutrition and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8

Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate):

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 2g

Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas

• Serving Suggestions: This salad is a fantastic side for brunch menus, grilled chicken, or pork. It can also stand alone as a light and satisfying dessert.
• Toast Your Nuts: Don’t skip toasting the pecans! It only takes a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat and dramatically enhances their flavour and crunch.
• For a Lighter Version: Substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and use light or neufchâtel cream cheese.
• Ingredient Variations: Feel free to swap pecans for toasted walnuts or sliced almonds. A teaspoon of vanilla extract in the dressing also adds a lovely layer of flavour.
• Add Other Fruits: Incorporate other fruits like diced apples, mandarin oranges, or fresh berries for more complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this a good recipe to prepare in advance? A1: Yes, this salad is excellent for making ahead. The flavours deepen as it sits. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q2: Can I use different nuts? A2: Absolutely. Toasted walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios would be delicious substitutes for pecans.

Q3: How long will this salad last in the fridge? A3: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pecans may soften slightly over time.

Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free? A4: Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Q5: Can I make a dairy-free version? A5: Yes. Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and sour cream alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.

Q6: What can I use instead of sour cream? A6: Plain Greek yogurt is the best substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tang and creamy texture.

Q7: Can I use only one type of grape? A7: Of course. The salad will be just as delicious with all red or all green grapes, though using both adds visual appeal.

Q8: The dressing seems too thick. What can I do? A8: If your dressing is too thick, you can thin it with a tablespoon of milk or a little bit of the juice from the grapes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Grape Salad with Brown Sugar & Pecans is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an exceptionally delicious dish. Its delightful blend of creamy, crisp, and sweet elements makes it a memorable addition to any meal. Requiring just a few minutes of prep time, it’s the perfect, stress-free recipe for any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness and a refreshing bite. Give it a try, and it is sure to become a new family favourite.

Print