Before you go all crazy on me because I'm calling this a grape salad, don't worry. I knooooooow it's actually more like a dessert. But WOW is it ever a good one. And I'm going to keep calling it a salad anyway, because besides the natural sugars in the grapes, there's really not too much extra sugar in here and I've included some tweaks to make it much healthier than the average grape salad at a potluck!
Trust me, if you want a good fruit salad recipe, this one is a hit every time. Try it and see if you have a serious problem staying out of it, too…
Grape Salad with Cream Cheese Topping
A yummy fruit salad filled with good fats too.
Servings: 1 medium bowlful
Ingredients
- 8 ounce bar of organic cream cheese, softened (here's the kind we buy) – if you like extra topping, use 12 oz. or 1 1/2 bars.
- 1 cup dairy kefir for a healthy twist and extra probiotics or just use sour cream --I love this brand because there's only cream in the ingredients, no other nasty fillers or preservatives. Either option tastes the same, no one will know the difference!
- 1/2 cup of no-GMO natural sugar + a little extra for the top, or I sometimes use real maple syrup instead for an unrefined sweetener, it's a little thinner but so good!
- I also add a splash of milk or whole cream for extra creaminess and more nutrients and enzymes (or extra dairy kefir)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Crispy pecans are optional but delicious! Even better are these easy candied pecans!
- 2 bunches of organic grapes, rinsed and dried. (Any type of fresh fruit is actually yummy in this!) Grapes are currently #3 on the dirty dozen list, so if I can't find organic, I don't buy them. (Instead try pieces of orange, apple, peaches, blueberries, etc.)
Instructions
- Mix everything but the grapes and pecans with your handheld blender until it's creamy, and then fold in the grapes.
- Sprinkle some crispy pecans or easy candied pecans on top along with a little more of your favorite sugar (optional). Easy!
Let me know if you try it!
More you might like:
- More salad ideas for everyone along with tons of healthy recipes for salad dressings too or here's a post with many options listed if you're having a salad bar
- See my new office! (Redecorating pictures, yay!)
- What you MUST know if you're taking calcium or vitamin D! (Scary my doctor didn't even know…)
Beth says
I was out of sour cream and the organic grapes I got (on clearance) were moldy when we got home, so… I used buttermilk instead of the sour cream and used some chopped plums for the fruit. It was soooo good!
KitchenKop says
Good job improvising!
Betsy says
I’ve had it with blue cheese, too. Delicious!
Pogonia says
Mmm, gonna try this!
susan says
I stopped buying the daisy brand sour cream because it wasn’t organic. but, I can’t ever find any organic sour cream at my stores. do you think the daisy is free of the bad stuff they give commercial cows? gmo, antibiotics, hormones, etc. or is this just something that even though not perfect, you use every now and then? want to make this salad for a party Saturday!!!
KitchenKop says
Good question!
Yes, since I buy most everything else organic, pastured, etc., this is one of my 20% foods (in the 80/20 plan – I try not to freak out too much since normally we eat well) since the ingredient label is SO short (one ingredient), it’s not expensive, and it’s so easy to find. It likely is from conventional cows though… 🙁
Kelly
Abby says
We buy the Daisy brand sometimes from Costco (the big 48 oz. tub)…I love that the only ingredient is cream, and also, the one Costco carries is a “Pure and Natural” branch of Daisy; made with milk from cows not treated with the growth hormone rBST.
AmandaLP says
The problem with Sour Cream is that most of them have additives (as with the cream cheese.) Organic Valley Sour Cream is basically half and half (skim milk and cream) with cultures and enzymes. Most other organic sour creams have gums n them.
But, Organic Valley cream cheese has locust bean gum, which isnt too bad 🙂 New York has “Ben’s Cream cheese” which is only pasteurized cream and enzymes, which is delicious.
Beth says
Daisy cottage cheese and sour cream are weekly staples in our house. They do not use growth hormones per their website and the sour cream is just cultured cream. Yes, they are probably from conventional cows 🙁 but I feel so much better when I have cottage cheese and fruit for lunch that I hate to give it up!
https://daisybrand.com/products/pure-natural.aspx
Azure Standard has organic sour cream.
Anna says
I thought if you buy anything from the dirty dozen it was ok as long as you wash it with a fruit/veggie cleaner? I can not always afford organic and this is what I have been doing. But if that is incorrect I would really like to know
Thanks
KitchenKop says
I just usually avoid it if I can’t find organic when it’s something on the dirty dozen list, but if you wash it well that would definitely help *lower* the pesticide exposure. That’s what I do when I need an ingredient for a recipe and can’t find the organic option.
Kelly
Rhonda says
This is also yummy with peaches! 🙂
KitchenKop says
Oooooh that sounds good, or maybe with BOTH! And other fruits too now that you mention it… Yum!
Jody says
Yikes. So, obviously, I need to update my research. Years ago, I read that imported grapes were among the top most contaminated fruits, while US grapes were among the lowest. So, I buy US grapes (currently in season), but not Chilean or other imports. The link you provide does not specify country of origin. Any thoughts on this?
KitchenKop says
Gads I hadn’t heard that one, so I don’t know, hopefully others will jump in!
Beth says
That’s what I’ve been doing. This made me go back and check and this year the EWG does not distinguish – it just says grapes. 🙁 Scroll down and the list will show.
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php
This recipe looks soooo good!