Description
The “Creamy Grape Delight” is a sumptuous salad that marries the natural sweetness of grapes with a luxuriously creamy dressing. This dish stands out as an ideal choice for social gatherings or as a light, refreshing dessert. With its simple preparation steps and delightful combination of flavors and textures, it promises to be a favorite among both children and adults, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds grapes (green, red, or a mix), cold from the fridge
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (approximately ½ block of Philadelphia cream cheese)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prep the Grapes
Begin by washing the grapes thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a towel, and if necessary, slice each grape in half or quarters. This is especially important if the grapes are large or if serving to young children under 5 years old.
2. Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Grapes and Dressing
Fold the prepared grapes into the creamy dressing, ensuring they are evenly coated. Once mixed, transfer the mixture into a serving dish if desired.
4. Add Toppings and Chill
In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar with the chopped nuts. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the creamy grapes. Cover the dish loosely and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people as a side dish. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with an additional chilling time of 1-2 hours before serving.
Tips for Storage & Serving
- Refrigeration: Store the Creamy Grape Delight in a covered container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best taste and texture.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch of elegance, serve the salad in individual dessert glasses or bowls.
- Alternative Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans or walnuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
The Creamy Grape Delight is a delightful recipe that offers a unique twist on the traditional fruit salad. Its combination of creamy texture and the pop of juicy grapes provides a perfect balance that will please any palate. Easy to prepare and equally easy to love, this dish makes an excellent addition to any menu, whether you are hosting a summer picnic, a casual gathering, or simply looking for a refreshing dessert option. Enjoy its sweet richness and the pleasant crunch of nuts in every bite.
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Creamy Grape Delight
- Total Time: 1-2 hours
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
The “Creamy Grape Delight” is a sumptuous salad that marries the natural sweetness of grapes with a luxuriously creamy dressing. This dish stands out as an ideal choice for social gatherings or as a light, refreshing dessert. With its simple preparation steps and delightful combination of flavors and textures, it promises to be a favorite among both children and adults, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds grapes (green, red, or a mix), cold from the fridge
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (approximately ½ block of Philadelphia cream cheese)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Prep the Grapes Begin by washing the grapes thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a towel, and if necessary, slice each grape in half or quarters. This is especially important if the grapes are large or if serving to young children under 5 years old.
- Make the Dressing In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Grapes and Dressing Fold the prepared grapes into the creamy dressing, ensuring they are evenly coated. Once mixed, transfer the mixture into a serving dish if desired.
- Add Toppings and Chill In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar with the chopped nuts. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the creamy grapes. Cover the dish loosely and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes