Grape Salad

Creamy, sweet, and fruity Grape Salad is perfect for all of your summer occasions! Picnics, backyard barbecues, and everything in between is made more delicious by this easy to make fruit salad. Both red and green grapes are hold together by a mixture of cream cheese, honey, and more, then it’s all topped off with crunchy walnuts!

Grape Salad

There’s never really a bad time to serve a Grape Salad, but I know the best time – and that’s summer! Juicy, ripe grapes tossed together in a creamy, sweet concoction just sounds like bright, summery flavors in a bowl. I love serving this simple, yet flavorful salad at all summertime gatherings, but picnics might just be my favorite. Just look at that salad – doesn’t it look like it should be presented on a white and red checkered blanket?

Let’s discuss what holds the grapes together in this simple fruit salad. While the grapes are definitely the star of the show, the base of this salad is also something that keeps you digging back in for more! Cream cheese is the key ingredients that is enhanced (in both consistency and flavor) by plain greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. It’s a simple and sweet mix of ingredients that compliments the natural flavor of the grapes without overpowering them.

If you’re from the Midwest, you’ve likely had this salad before, or something similar to it! Legend has it that the first Grape Salad was whipped up in Minnesota. With that being said, it’s definitely become popular across all fifty states, so you don’t need to be landlocked to enjoy this fruity, summery salad! No matter where you live, consider bringing Grape Salad to your next potluck – it’s always a huge hit with crowds of all kinds.

How to Make It

This easy to make Grape Salad comes together in just a few minutes with a handful of simple ingredients! You’re going to love this inexpensive (and it bears repeating – EASY) salad recipe!

Create the cream cheese mixture. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, yogurt, honey and vanilla until smooth.

Add the grapes. Fold in the grapes stirring until coated.

Chill. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Enjoy! Sprinkle with the chopped walnuts just before serving.

Tips for the Best Grape Salad

• Use real vanilla extract, not imitation! Of course, imitation will work in a pinch, but pure vanilla extract is always preferred.
• Want your Grape Salad to be even sweeter? Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top with the chopped walnuts! While I personally find this salad to be sweet enough for my tastes, some people do like brown sugar on top too.
• As always, try to use a good quality honey for all of your recipes. Local, organic honey will always yield the best results! If you can head to your local farmer’s market for locally sourced honey, DO IT! The flavor will always be richer and more satisfying than what comes in the little plastic bear from the grocery store.
• Let your cream cheese fully soften prior to mixing it with the other ingredients. You’ll need to leave it on your kitchen counter for at least 30 minutes. If you try to combine it with the grapes before it’s soft, you may crush some of the grapes in your effort. Also, you don’t want any lumps of cream cheese left in the salad.

Can I make Grape Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you sure can! Once the Grape Salad is tossed together, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it stored in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, making it an awesome make ahead recipe. Just sprinkle the walnuts on right before you serve.

Keep things fresh and fruity this summer!

• Waldorf Salad
• Strawberry Arugula Salad with Spicy Blueberry Vinaigrette
• Sparkling Fruit Salad with Champagne Mimosa Dressing
• Watermelon Feta Salad with Blueberries and Cucumber

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