Creamy Grape Salad with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping is a sweet, refreshing, and irresistibly creamy dessert-style side dish. Juicy red and green grapes are folded into a rich blend of cream cheese and sour cream, then finished with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar topping. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any warm-weather gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This no-cook grape salad strikes the perfect balance between fresh and indulgent. The combination of tart, juicy grapes and a smooth, sweetened cream base creates a luxurious texture and flavor, while the brown sugar pecan topping adds just the right amount of crunch and caramel-like sweetness. It’s easy to make, requires no cooking, and is ready in minutes—making it an ideal option for busy hosts and last-minute occasions.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Seedless grapes (red and green)
Cream cheese, softened
Sour cream
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract

For the Topping:

Chopped pecans
Light brown sugar

directions

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Add the washed and dried grapes to the bowl and gently fold them into the creamy mixture until evenly coated.
In a small bowl, stir together the chopped pecans and light brown sugar.
Sprinkle the pecan-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the grape salad.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to chill and allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving

Variations

Nut-Free Option: Substitute the pecans with crushed graham crackers or omit the topping entirely.
Yogurt Swap: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangier, protein-rich version.
Extra Fruit: Mix in sliced strawberries, blueberries, or chopped apples for added variety.
Cinnamon Touch: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the topping for a warm, spiced note.
Sweetened Cream Cheese: Use flavored cream cheese (like honey or vanilla) for a subtle twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. This dish is best served chilled. Freezing is not recommended, as it can negatively affect the texture of the grapes and creamy base.

FAQs

Can I make this salad the day before?

Yes, it’s actually better when made ahead so the flavors can develop. Just add the topping right before serving to keep it crisp.

Can I use only one type of grape?

Absolutely. Red or green grapes alone work fine, though the mix adds color and flavor variety.

What’s the best way to wash and dry grapes?

Rinse grapes thoroughly under cool water, then pat them dry with paper towels or let them air dry on a clean kitchen towel to prevent watering down the salad.

Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?

Yes, low-fat versions can be used, but they may result in a slightly thinner consistency.

Can I use other nuts?

Yes, walnuts or almonds are good substitutes for pecans in the topping.

How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?

Dry the grapes thoroughly before mixing and avoid overmixing once they’re added to the cream base.

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based sour cream alternative to create a similar texture and flavor.

Does this recipe freeze well?

No, freezing is not recommended as the grapes will lose their texture when thawed.

Can I serve this as a dessert?

Yes, it’s sweet and creamy enough to double as a light dessert, especially when served in individual parfait cups.

What can I serve with grape salad?

It pairs well with grilled meats, barbecue dishes, brunch spreads, or as a sweet counterbalance on charcuterie boards.

Conclusion

Creamy Grape Salad with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping is a beloved classic that’s both simple to make and incredibly delicious. With its cool, creamy base and sweet, crunchy topping, it delivers a refreshing contrast of textures and flavors that make it a standout at any event. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, potluck, or just a casual family meal, this no-fuss dish is sure to impress.

Creamy Grape Salad with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping

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Sweet and refreshing, this no-cook grape salad features juicy red and green grapes folded into a luscious cream cheese and sour cream mixture, topped with a buttery brown sugar and pecan crumble—perfect for potlucks and holiday tables.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 lbs seedless grapes (1 lb red, 1 lb green), washed and dried
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup light brown sugar

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Add grapes to the bowl and gently fold them into the creamy mixture until fully coated.
In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans and brown sugar.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the grape mixture.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to chill and set the flavors.

Notes

Toast the pecans for added depth of flavor and crunch.
Can be made up to a day ahead; add topping just before serving for best texture.
Try using flavored cream cheese like honey or vanilla for a twist.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Calories: 220
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg