This Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad Recipe is a creamy, sweet, and crunchy dish made with juicy grapes, cream cheese, sour cream, brown sugar, and pecans. Perfect for potlucks, brunch, or a refreshing side dish!
You know that feeling when you take a bite of something totally unexpected and instantly fall in love? That was me the first time I had Chicken Salad Chick’s Grape Salad.
I was at a friend’s baby shower, hovering near the food table (because, priorities), when I saw this giant bowl of grapes… smothered in some kind of creamy dressing. I hesitated. I mean, grapes? In a cream sauce? That didn’t sound like my kind of thing.
But then, someone next to me—who clearly had way more grape salad experience—gave me the “Just trust me” look. And honestly? That first bite changed everything. It was sweet, creamy, a little tangy, and had the perfect crunch from the pecans. I went back for seconds… maybe thirds… and then immediately begged for the recipe.
Ever since, this easy, no-bake dish has been my go-to for family gatherings, brunches, and even holiday feasts. It’s one of those recipes that people try “just to be polite” and then completely devour. I guarantee you’ll have at least one person asking, “Wait… what is this?!” in the best way possible.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad Recipe?
- Ridiculously easy – No baking, no cooking, just mix and chill.
- A flavor + texture dream – Sweet, creamy, crunchy, juicy.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser – People who don’t even like fruit salad love this.
- Great for meal prep – Tastes even better after a night in the fridge!
- Unexpectedly addictive – Don’t be surprised when it’s the first thing gone.
Ingredient Notes:
This is one of those “Why didn’t I try this sooner?” recipes. Simple ingredients, but each one plays a key role in making it irresistible.
- Grapes – A mix of red and green gives you the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
- Cream Cheese – The creamy, tangy base that makes everything smooth and luscious.
- Sour Cream – Keeps things light while adding a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the creamy base just enough.
- Brown Sugar – Sprinkled on top, it melts slightly, creating pockets of caramel-like goodness.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, cozy depth to the creamy mixture.
- Pecans – Give you that essential crunch that keeps every bite interesting.
Pro Tip: Toast the pecans for 3-5 minutes in a dry pan to bring out a richer, nuttier flavor. Totally worth it!
How To Make Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad?
Step 1: Wash & Dry the Grapes
Rinse the grapes well and remove all stems. Pat them completely dry with a towel—this helps the creamy dressing stick better!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. No lumps, please!
Next, add the sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix until it’s silky and creamy.
Step 3: Coat the Grapes
Toss the grapes into the bowl and gently fold them into the creamy mixture. Be careful not to crush them—you want them whole and juicy!
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Want To Save This Recipe?
Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour (overnight is even better). This lets the flavors meld and the dressing firm up.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped pecans and brown sugar over the top. The brown sugar will melt slightly, creating sweet little caramelized bites of joy.
Scoop into bowls and dig in!
Pro Tip: Want to elevate this dish? Drizzle a little honey over the top or sprinkle on some cinnamon for extra warmth.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—it’ll turn watery when thawed.
- Make-Ahead: Mix everything except the toppings a day in advance, then add pecans and brown sugar before serving.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to make it your own? Try these easy tweaks:
- Greek Yogurt Swap – Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.
- Nut-Free Version – Skip the pecans or swap for toasted coconut flakes.
- Cranberry Twist – Toss in a handful of dried cranberries for a pop of tartness.
- Walnut Swap – Try walnuts instead of pecans for a slightly bolder nutty flavor.
What to Serve with Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad?
This sweet & creamy dish pairs well with:
- Savory Dishes – Serve alongside BBQ chicken, grilled pork chops, or turkey sandwiches.
- Brunch Spreads – Pairs perfectly with quiche, muffins, and fresh fruit.
- Holiday Feasts – A great side for Thanksgiving or Easter dinner.
- Light Lunches – Serve with a green salad and crusty bread for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after sitting overnight in the fridge. Just add the toppings before serving.
What’s the best way to keep it cold for a party?
If you’re bringing this to an outdoor event, place the bowl over a tray of ice to keep it chilled longer.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes! Honey or vanilla-flavored cream cheese adds a subtle sweetness.
Will This Be Your New Go-To Side Dish?
If you love easy, creamy, sweet-yet-tangy dishes that take 15 minutes flat to make, this Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad is it.
It’s refreshing, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ, planning a holiday spread, or just need a quick treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
So, what do you think? Will this be your new go-to side dish? Try it out and let me know how it turns out!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 packages 8 ounces each cream cheese, softened
- 2 1/2 c sour cream
- 1 1/4 c granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 5 lb. seedless grapes mixed red and green
- 1/2 c finely chopped pecans
- 1/2 c brown sugar
Instructions
- First make sure to wash the grapes and remove any stems. Then use a towel to pat them dry.
- In a bowl take 24 ounces of cream cheese at room temperature. Use a mixer to beat it until it becomes smooth.
- Next add 2½ cups of sour cream, 1¼ cups of sugar and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, to the cream cheese. Mix everything together well until all the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Now add 5 pounds of red and green seedless grapes into the bowl. Gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula or your hands making sure all the grapes are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill until you are ready to serve.
- Before serving take out the salad, from the refrigerator. Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans and ½ cup of sugar over the top.
- Give the salad a toss to distribute the toppings. It's ready to be served. Enjoy your delicious homemade Grape Salad from Chicken Salad Chick!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
