My grape salad recipe is loved by my whole family and has become a staple at my family parties! All you need to do is toss, mix, and chill it!

The Best Recipe for Grape Salad

My grape salad recipe came about when we had a crazy amount of grapes in my house, but my kids decided they didn’t like grapes anymore (funny how that changes overnight).

I decided to put this recipe together to mix up my normal everyday grapes dipped in fruit dip and make a side dish I could serve at a family event we had the next day.

Well, I can confidently say I’ve now made this recipe about 50 times because it was such a hit. I even got my hesitant daughter Leah to try it, and she is now first by the bowl when I make it to help and get a few bites in before anyone else.

And, if you love this grape salad recipe, you’ll love my watergate salad, frog eye salad, fruit cocktail salad, fruit salad dressing, fruit salad with cool whip, fall fruit salad, and orange dreamsicle salad!

Creamy Grape Salad Ingredients

• Green grapes and red grapes – I love to use a combination of the two grapes because the sweetness complements each other, and it’s a nicer presentation.
• Cream cheese – This helps add some richness to the grape salad.
• Sour cream – I use sour cream in addition to the cream cheese to balance the flavors and give it a little tanginess. I’ve also used plain Greek yogurt in place of it.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness to the salad to match and enhance the sweetness of the grapes.
• Vanilla extract – Gives the salad some added flavor.
• Brown sugar – Used in the topping to add some sweetness to the crunch.
• Pecans – I use pecans to add a little crunch to the salad. I’ve also used almonds and walnuts as a substitute.

How to Make Grape Salad with Cream Cheese

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Wash and dry the grapes thoroughly so the cream cheese mixture will stick. 

STEP TWO: Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl with a hand mixer.

STEP THREE: Add the grapes to a large bowl and fold in the cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

STEP FOUR: This is optional, but I encourage you to make a yummy pecan brown sugar topping! Toast the pecans at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle some brown sugar along with the toasted pecan pieces on top just before serving your recipe for grape salad. Enjoy!

Grape Salad Recipe with Cream Cheese Variations

• Use a different type of cheese or cream. I’ve used Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream and it’s delicious! Goat cheese and mascarpone would taste great too.
• Substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. I’ve used honey in the past and loved it.
• Instead of using pecans, try chopped almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to add a different nutty flavor and texture. 
• Switch up the flavor profile and incorporate another type of fruit. Strawberries, apples, blueberries, or pineapple chunks have all worked wonderfully in my grape salad.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Grape Salad

This recipe works best when chilled for a least a few hours, but I like to leave it overnight. It really helps meld the flavors together. When I’m ready to serve, I just put the bowl out and top it with the brown sugar and pecans.

Storing Creamy Grape Salad

Cover it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. I find it’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. I’ve noticed if I wait any longer, the grapes start to break down, making the salad watery.

 I don’t suggest freezing grape salad, as it will mess with the texture.

Easy Grape Salad Recipe FAQs

Do grapes turn brown after cutting?

Yes, grapes can turn brown after cutting as fruit becomes brown when exposed to oxygen. That is why I prefer to keep my grapes whole in this recipe.

How much sugar is in grape salad?

There is ⅓ cup of granulated sugar in the cream cheese mixture, plus ¼ cup of brown sugar as a topping (if you decide to use it). As a note, this recipe yields 24 servings, meaning there are about 7.15 grams of sugar in each serving.

Can I use less sugar in this grape salad recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar you use if you’d like. Start with a few tablespoons or so, taste, and adjust as needed. I find in-season grapes need a little less sugar than the out-of-season ones.

How do you cut grapes for salad?

I use whole grapes in this grape salad recipe, but you can cut them in half if you would like too. If you do cut them, I recommend making the salad the day you are serving it or tossing a little lemon juice with the grapes after cutting.

More Sweet Side Dishes

• Cool Whip Fruit Dip
• Jello Salad
• Baked Beans Recipe
• Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
• Cranberry Jello Salad
• Thanksgiving Fruit Salad