Description
This Grape Salad with Brown Sugar & Pecans is a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for any gathering or as a light dessert. The juicy, crisp grapes are combined with a creamy dressing and topped with brown sugar and toasted pecans, creating a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. It’s easy to make and a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups seedless grapes (red or green or a mix)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- Optional: additional pecans and brown sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Grapes: – Wash the grapes and remove the stems. Cut the grapes in halves or leave them whole if you prefer. Set aside.
- Make the Dressing: – In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well-combined and creamy.
- Combine the Grapes and Dressing: – Gently fold the grapes into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until the grapes are evenly coated.
- Toast the Pecans: – In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Salad: – Transfer the grape mixture to a serving dish and sprinkle the toasted pecans on top. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pecans and grapes.
- Chill: – Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: – Garnish with additional pecans and brown sugar before serving, if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a lighter sour cream option.
- You can also mix in some marshmallows for added texture and sweetness.
- This salad is best served within 2-3 days of making it, as the grapes may release some moisture over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Salad, Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the salad
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg