Creamy Grape Salad with Pecans and Maple Syrup Recipe
Introduction
This creamy Grape Salad is an easy and refreshing fruit salad that’s perfect for any gathering. With a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy textures, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 (8 oz) container sour cream, room temperature
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 pounds seedless green grapes, washed and dried
- 2 pounds seedless red grapes, washed and dried
- 2 cups roasted, salted pecans, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip together the cream cheese, sour cream, dry pudding mix, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Gently fold in the green and red grapes using a spatula. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad until you are ready to serve.
- Step 3: Just before serving, mix the chopped pecans and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chilled salad to add a crunchy, sweet topping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds according to your preference.
- Use fresh, firm grapes to keep the salad crisp and prevent it from getting watery.
- If you prefer a sweeter salad, drizzle a little additional maple syrup on top before serving.
Storage
Store the grape salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled and fresh. Do not freeze this salad as the texture will be compromised. Give it a gentle stir before serving again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen grapes for this salad?
Frozen grapes may release extra moisture as they thaw, which can make the salad watery. It’s best to use fresh, firm grapes for the ideal texture.
How far in advance can I prepare this grape salad?
You can prepare the salad mixture and refrigerate it for up to 2 days ahead. Add the pecan and brown sugar topping just before serving to keep it crunchy.
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Creamy Grape Salad with Pecans and Maple Syrup Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Grape Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make fruit salad that’s perfect for any party or gathering. It combines the sweetness of grapes with a tangy, creamy dressing and a crunchy pecan topping, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 (8 oz) container sour cream, room temperature
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Salad
- 2 pounds seedless green grapes, washed and dried
- 2 pounds seedless red grapes, washed and dried
Topping
- 2 cups roasted, salted pecans, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine with grapes: Gently fold the seedless green and red grapes into the creamy dressing using a spatula, ensuring the grapes are well coated but not mashed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make pecan topping: In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the roughly chopped roasted, salted pecans and packed brown sugar until the nuts are evenly coated.
- Serve: Sprinkle the pecan and brown sugar topping over the chilled grape salad immediately before serving to add a crunchy, sweet finish to the creamy fruit salad.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For a different texture, try using walnuts or almonds in place of pecans.
- Use fresh, seedless grapes for the best taste and ease of eating.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup or brown sugar amount slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy salad, dessert salad, fruit salad
