Grape Salad

         This is a decades old recipe. You know if it lasted this long, it must be a great one. It is definitely one of my favorites. Well, to be honest, all these recipes that are older than me are my favorites. They sure knew how to cook back then. It is my job to take their recipes and tweak them so that they are easier for us to make today. Decades ago, the women were at home all day.

Some of them had plenty of time to create delicious recipes that took all day to cook. We are so lucky to have slow cookers and crock pots that we can load up and let them do the cooking for us.

            I thought that I knew it all when I was in my 20’s and my early 30’s. I realize that I knew next to nothing. So I am on a learning curve along with all of you.

It is definitely not fair that this is called a Grape Salad. I take offense at the salad label. Desserts of all types should not be called Salads. Okay, rant over!

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Is this a healthy salad?

It is a delicious and creamy dessert that does not deserve to be called a salad.

            Can I cut the grapes in half?

That will take more work but of course you can slice your grapes.

            How long will this salad last?

When made the day before and left in the refrigerator, the grapes will begin to get soggy. I do not advise making it in advance.

            Can I freeze this dessert?

This dessert will not thaw well. The dairy will end up curdling.

            Can I substitute the Sour Cream?

Sour cream is easily substituted with Greek yogurt. If you want, use a light cream cheese to cut back on some of the calories.

What do you need to make Grape Salad

            2 cups chopped pecans

            2 pounds strawberries cut in half

            2 pounds green grapes, cut in half

            2 pounds red grapes, cut in half

            16 ounces sour cream

            16 ounces softened cream cheese

            1 tsp vanilla

            1 cup sugar

How to make Grape Salad

FIRST STEP:

Cut the fruits in half if you prefer.

Using a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and the sugar together until it is creamy and free of lumps

a)

b)

c)

SECOND STEP:

Beat in the sour cream and the vanilla until well combined

THIRD STEP:

Fold in the fruit and half of the chopped pecans

Until well combined

FOURTH STEP:

Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining chopped pecans

Notes:

It is best to serve this in a shallow serving dish. The ratio of grapes and strawberries is more even in this manner. Whereas when you serve it in a large and deep bowl, your guests will fight over the crunchy topping and dig deep for the items they want. Save yourself the hassle and purchase a shallow serving dish for items like this. You know this is exactly what happens and then you have a huge mess on the table.

Crushed Graham Crackers can also be used as a topping instead of the chopped pecans.