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Creamy Grape Salad with Candied Walnuts

A white bowl filled with creamy grape salad featuring green and red grapes topped generously with candied walnuts.
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You will make a classic, sweet, and refreshing cold grape salad topped with crunchy, homemade candied walnuts. This potluck favorite is simple to prepare and always a hit.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups red seedless grapes
  • 3 cups green seedless grapes
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (for walnuts)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for walnuts)
  • 1 tablespoon water (for walnuts)
  • 1 cup walnut halves or pieces
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry all grapes. Place them in a large bowl.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  3. Add the sour cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour the cream cheese dressing over the grapes. Gently fold the dressing into the grapes until they are evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill the grape salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
  6. While the salad chills, prepare the candied walnuts. In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and water. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and begins to bubble.
  7. Add the walnut pieces to the sugar mixture. Stir quickly to coat the nuts completely.
  8. Continue cooking and stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar mixture caramelizes slightly and coats the nuts. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
  9. Immediately spread the coated walnuts onto a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat to cool completely. They will harden as they cool.
  10. Once cool, roughly chop the candied walnuts.
  11. Just before serving, sprinkle the candied walnuts over the top of the chilled grape salad. Add chopped pecans if using.

Notes

  • For the best texture, make sure your grapes are completely dry before mixing them with the dressing.
  • You can substitute pecans for walnuts if you prefer, making this a grape salad with pecans alternative.
  • This creamy grape salad recipe holds well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but add the candied walnuts just before serving for maximum crunch.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/grape-salad-with-candied-walnuts/