Apple Grape Salad with Brown Sugar and Pecans (No Mayo Option!)

Apple grape salad in elegant glass dessert bowls with toppings.

5 from 1 vote

Apple Grape Salad with Brown Sugar and Pecans (No Mayo Option!)

Apple Grape Salad with Brown Sugar and Pecans (No Mayo Option!) is totally craveable, just like the version you’ve probably had at Southern gatherings or places like Chicken Salad Chick. It’s loaded with red seedless grapes, just one crisp apple for texture, and coated in a cream cheese dressing that’s smooth and dessert-like.

Prep Time15

Cook Time0

Chill30

Total Time45

Course: Dessert, Fruit Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Servings:

Calories: 798kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl
Stand mixer or whisk
Serving bowl or glass dishes

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese softened
1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups red seedless grapes washed and dried
1 large tart apple diced (Granny Smith or Pink Lady)
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice for tossing apple, optional
1 cup chopped pecans divided
⅓ cup light brown sugar packed (for topping)

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), white sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Dice the apple (leave the peel on) and toss with a little lemon juice if desired. Wash and dry the grapes completely.
Gently fold the grapes, diced apple, and ½ cup chopped pecans into the creamy mixture until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step improves flavor and helps the dressing firm up.
Right before serving, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup chopped pecans and the ⅓ cup packed brown sugar evenly over the top. Do not stir after topping. Serve cold with the sweet, crunchy layer on top.

Video

Notes

Tips Dry the grapes well before assembling. Chill the apple and grape salad before serving.

Storage Keep apple grape salad covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze This dish is not freezer-friendly.

Reheat: Serve chilled or at room temperature. Reheating is not required.

Substitutions

Nut-Free: Skip the pecans or sub with sunflower seeds.
Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute in the base and reduce brown sugar to 1–2 tablespoons.

Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.

Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition