Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad: A Bright, Sweet Treat (Print Version)

Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad brings crisp apples, juicy grapes & a sweet vanilla dressing together. An easy, delicious side or snack youll love!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Crisp Fruit Base

01 - 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, diced
02 - 1 medium Granny Smith apple, diced
03 - 1 cup red grapes, halved
04 - 1 cup green grapes, halved

→ Creamy Vanilla Dressing

05 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
07 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
08 - 2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped (optional)

→ Optional Extras

10 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for apples)
11 - Pinch of cinnamon for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those apples and grapes ready for our Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad. Wash your grapes well; I usually just give them a good rinse under cold water. Then, slice your apples into bite-sized pieces. I like a half-inch dice, but honestly, whatever size you prefer is fine. Just try to keep them somewhat uniform so every bite is balanced. I always forget to have a bowl of lemon water ready, but a quick dip prevents browning if you're not mixing right away.
02 - Now for the star of the show – the creamy dressing! In a medium bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and your chosen sweetener (honey or maple syrup). Whisk everything together until it's super smooth and, well, creamy! No lumps allowed, friend. This is where I sometimes get impatient and don't let the cream cheese soften enough, leading to a bit of a workout. Don't be like me; let it sit out for a bit. This dressing is what makes the Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad so special.
03 - Once your dressing is perfectly smooth, gently fold in your prepared apples and grapes. You want to make sure every single piece of fruit gets a lovely coat of that vanilla goodness. Be gentle, though; we don't want bruised grapes or mushy apples. This step is where the magic really starts to happen, and you can see your Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad coming to life. It smells amazing, honestly!
04 - If you're adding pecans or walnuts, now's the time to fold them in. I like to toast mine lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes beforehand; it really brings out their flavor. Just be careful not to burn them, like I did once when I got distracted by a text. Charred nuts are not the vibe we're going for in this delightful Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad.
05 - This is a crucial step, and one I've learned the hard way not to skip. Cover your Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the salad is wonderfully refreshing. Serving it cold is key, hon. Trust me, a warm fruit salad with creamy dressing? Not the same experience at all.
06 - When you're ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir, just to redistribute that creamy dressing. You can scoop it into individual bowls or serve it family-style from a pretty serving dish. Garnish with a few extra toasted nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you're feeling fancy. The vibrant colors and sweet aroma are just so inviting. You've made a truly wonderful Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad!

# Notes:

01 - Always soften your cream cheese! Trying to mix it cold will give you lumps and a workout you didn't ask for.
02 - Chill time is non-negotiable for this Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad; it really makes the flavors sing.
03 - Don't overmix once the fruit is in, or your apples might get bruised and your grapes squished.
04 - A little lemon juice on diced apples helps prevent browning if you're making it ahead.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - whisk
03 - cutting board
04 - knife
05 - airtight container for chilling

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 5g

Back