This Creamy Grape Salad, popularized by Trisha Yearwood, is a delightful mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing dessert or side dish during warm weather. Here’s how you can make this delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds seedless green grapes
- 2 pounds seedless purple grapes
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 (8 oz.) container sour cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Grapes:
- Wash the grapes thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure the cream mixture adheres well to the grapes.
- Mix the Cream Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the cream cheese until it’s smooth and free of lumps.
- Add the sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Grapes and Cream Mixture:
- Add the grapes to the bowl with the cream mixture. Gently fold the grapes into the cream using a spatula, ensuring they are fully coated. Be careful not to burst the grapes as you mix.
- Chill:
- Transfer the grape mixture into a serving dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and finely chopped pecans together.
- Serve:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the brown sugar and pecan topping evenly over the chilled grapes.
- Serve the salad chilled to maintain the freshness and crisp texture of the grapes.
Tips:
- For Best Results: Make this salad at least 2 hours before serving to ensure it is thoroughly chilled.
- Variations: You can add other fruits like sliced strawberries or blueberries for additional colors and flavors.
- Nut Options: If you’re allergic to pecans, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
Conclusion:
Trisha Yearwood’s Creamy Grape Salad is a simple yet delicious recipe that combines the natural sweetness of grapes with a rich, creamy dressing and a crunchy nut topping. It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to be a hit whether as a dessert at a summer barbecue or as a special treat during the holidays. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this unique salad.