Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad: A Sweet Crunch (Print Version)

Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad brings bright fruit and a luscious vanilla dressing together. A refreshing, easy side or light dessert.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Juicy Fruit Base

01 - 2 cups red grapes, halved
02 - 2 cups green grapes, halved
03 - 2 large crisp apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and diced

→ Creamy Vanilla Dressing

04 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
06 - 1/4 cup honey (or to taste)
07 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped (optional)
10 - 2 tbsp shredded coconut (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First up, get those fruits ready. I usually wash and dry my grapes thoroughly; nobody likes watery salad! Then, slice them in half. For the apples, I core and chop them into bite-sized pieces. I like leaving the skin on for extra color and fiber, but you do you. This is where I always try to sneak a few apple slices, honestly, they're just so good! Keep them in a bowl with a little lemon juice to prevent browning while you work on the dressing.
02 - Now for the star of the show! In a medium bowl, take your softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Give them a good whisk until they're smooth and lump-free. I once tried to do this with cold cream cheese, and it was a lumpy nightmare – learn from my mistakes! Then, stir in the honey, vanilla extract, and that little splash of lemon juice. Taste it! Does it need more honey? A bit more vanilla? This is your kitchen, make it perfect for *your* palate.
03 - Time to bring it all together! Add your prepared grapes and apples to the bowl with the creamy vanilla dressing. Now, this is important: fold it gently. You don't want to smash the fruit or bruise those beautiful grapes. I use a rubber spatula and kind of scoop and turn until everything is evenly coated. It should look luscious and inviting, not like a fruit smoothie gone wrong, haha!
04 - Once everything is coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge. I usually let my Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad chill for at least 30 minutes, but an hour is even better. This time allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to firm up a bit. Trust me, it makes a huge difference. I tried to serve it immediately once, and while it was good, it wasn't *great*. Patience, my friend, patience!
05 - Just before serving, take your beautiful Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad out of the fridge. If you're using toasted pecans, now's the time to sprinkle them over the top. Sometimes I add a little shredded coconut too, just for fun! It adds a lovely texture and a touch of tropical sweetness. This step is all about presentation and that final pop of flavor. Don't be shy, make it look pretty!
06 - Spoon your gorgeous Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad into individual bowls or a big serving dish. It should look vibrant, with the creamy dressing clinging to every piece of fruit. The smell of vanilla and fresh fruit is just heavenly. Take a moment to admire your handiwork, honestly! This salad is best enjoyed fresh and chilled, so gather your people and dig in. It's a simple pleasure, but those are often the best ones.

# Notes:

01 - Always soften your cream cheese to avoid lumps in the dressing.
02 - This Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad is best chilled for at least 30 minutes before serving.
03 - For a lighter dressing, you can swap half the cream cheese for more Greek yogurt.
04 - A sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving adds a lovely warm note to this Creamy Vanilla Grape Apple Salad.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - whisk
03 - rubber spatula
04 - airtight container

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

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

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