Description
Cool summer grape salad brings refreshing Mediterranean flavors to any table. Sweet grapes dance with creamy dressing, creating a simple yet irresistible side dish perfect for picnics and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Grapes:
- 2 lbs (900 g) seedless red grapes, washed and halved if large
- 2 lbs (900 g) seedless green grapes, washed and halved if large
Creamy Dressing Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
- ⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
- ½ cup (50 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse the grapes under cool running water, meticulously removing any attached stems. For larger varieties, slice them in half to create uniform bite-sized morsels, ensuring an even distribution of flavor and texture.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate softened cream cheese, velvety Greek yogurt, powdery vanilla pudding mix, and golden honey. Whisk the components vigorously until the mixture transforms into a silky, homogeneous blend with a luxurious sheen.
- Gently introduce the prepared grapes into the creamy concoction, using a delicate folding motion to ensure each grape is lavishly enrobed in the luscious dressing without bruising the delicate fruit.
- Enhance the salad’s complexity by generously scattering toasted pecans (or alternatively, robust walnuts) across the surface. For an exotic touch, sprinkle shredded coconut and dust with a whisper of ground cinnamon, creating a multi-dimensional sensory experience.
- Seal the salad in an airtight container and nestle it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the flavors to harmonize and intensify, resulting in a more profound and refreshing culinary creation.
Notes
- Customize grape selection by mixing red, green, and purple varieties for a vibrant, colorful presentation that adds visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt entirely to create a lighter, lower-fat version that’s equally delicious and more diet-friendly.
- Choose toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios as alternative toppings to enhance crunchiness and introduce different nutritional profiles.
- Prepare this salad ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, allowing flavors to intensify while maintaining grape texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg