Delicious Grape Salad: A Perfect New Year’s Eve Dessert
Looking for a unique and refreshing dessert to serve at your New Year’s Eve celebration? This grape salad is the perfect choice! It’s a combination of fresh fruits, creamy sweetness, and a crunchy topping that will be a hit with guests of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a party or attending a family gathering, this dessert is sure to stand out. With its beautiful colors and delightful flavors, this fruit salad is a great way to start the new year on a sweet note!
Ingredients
For the Creamy Dressing:
16 oz cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
16 oz sour cream or plain yogurt
1 can condensed milk or 1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Salad:
3 lbs green grapes, cut in half
3 lbs red grapes (seedless), cut in half
2 Gala apples, chopped
1 Granny Smith apple, chopped
2 cups strawberries, chopped (1-2 strawberries sliced for garnish)
1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
1 cup shredded coconut (optional, but adds extra flavor)
Instructions
Prepare the Creamy Dressing
Soften the Cream Cheese
Start by ensuring your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will make it easier to mix and prevent any lumps in your dressing. Allow the cream cheese to sit out for about 30 minutes if it’s still cold.
Mix the Cream Cheese and Condensed Milk (or Sugar)
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the condensed milk or sugar. Use a spoon, spatula, or electric mixer to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
Add the Vanilla Extract and Sour Cream
Next, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or plain yogurt). Continue to mix until everything is fully incorporated, and the dressing is thick and creamy. The vanilla adds a hint of warmth, while the sour cream or yogurt balances out the sweetness of the condensed milk or sugar.
Prepare the Fruit and Other Ingredients
Chop the Fruit
Begin by washing all of your fruit thoroughly. Cut the green grapes and red grapes in half and place them in a large mixing bowl. For the apples, chop them into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on for added texture and nutrients. Add both Gala apples and Granny Smith apples to the bowl. The combination of these two apple varieties will give your salad a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries and chop them into small pieces. Set aside 1-2 strawberries for garnish, as you’ll want to top the salad with a few slices for an extra pop of color.
Add the Nuts and Coconut
Next, add your chopped nuts to the bowl. You can use pecans, walnuts, almonds, or your favorite variety. These will provide a satisfying crunch to your salad. If you’re using shredded coconut, you can also add it now. The coconut adds a tropical flair and a subtle sweetness, but it’s completely optional. If you don’t like coconut, simply skip it.
Combine the Ingredients
