Description
This refreshing Grape Salad with Brown Sugar & Pecans is a creamy and sweet side dish perfect for gatherings and potlucks. It combines fresh seedless grapes coated in a rich cream cheese and sour cream dressing, topped with toasted pecans and a crunchy brown sugar sprinkle. Chilling the salad enhances the flavors, making it a delightful treat that balances sweetness with a nutty crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 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
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- Optional: additional pecans and brown sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Grapes: Wash the grapes thoroughly and remove all stems. Depending on your preference, cut the grapes in halves or leave them whole. Set them aside in a bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well combined and fluffy.
- Combine the Grapes and Dressing: Gently fold the prepared grapes into the cream cheese mixture, mixing just until all grapes are evenly coated without crushing them.
- Toast the Pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn lightly golden and release a fragrant aroma. Remove the skillet from heat and let the pecans cool.
- Assemble the Salad: Transfer the grape mixture into a serving dish. Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the top, followed by an even dusting of brown sugar to add sweetness and texture.
- Chill: Place the assembled salad in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up for the best taste and texture.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with extra pecans and a sprinkle of brown sugar for presentation. Serve the salad chilled as a sweet and creamy side or dessert.
Notes
- You can use a mix of red and green grapes for color variety or stick to one type based on your preference.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese to room temperature to ensure a smooth dressing without lumps.
- To toast pecans evenly, keep stirring to prevent burning.
- Chilling the salad for the full 2 hours or longer enhances the flavor and texture.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
- For a lower sugar version, reduce the brown sugar or omit the topping.
