A unique, crunchy and sweet fruit salad, this naturally gluten-free apple grape salad is a favorite side dish in our home. It’s simple, refreshing, and guests often go back for seconds.
This apple grape salad has been a family favorite for years. I adapted the recipe from an old Quick Cooking magazine in the 1990s, and it’s remained a go-to ever since. I make it most often in fall and winter when berries are out of season and apples are at their best.
My children loved this salad when they were small. Back then I peeled the apples because their teeth had trouble with the skin; now I leave the peels on and simply chop the apples into bite-sized pieces.
Notes on ingredients and substitutions for this Apple Grape Salad:
- Apples: Because this salad leans sweet, use a tart apple to balance the flavors. Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Granny Smith are excellent choices. Peel them if preferred for younger eaters.
- Grapes: Use seedless grapes. I use red grapes for color and flavor, but green grapes or a mix of both work well too.
- Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel is a lower-fat alternative that works fine if you prefer lighter options. Regular cream cheese is also great.
- Brown Sugar: Any light brown sugar will do. I like a coarse organic light brown sugar for texture and appearance, but use what you have on hand.
What to serve with this apple grape salad
This fruit salad pairs well with grilled dishes and savory meats. It’s a great, no-heat side when you want to keep the oven off. It complements everything from pulled or roasted meats to fish, and makes a light contrast to richer main courses.
If you have extra apples, try other popular gluten-free apple recipes such as apple muffins, apple crisp, caramel apple crisp in jars, apple-pear tart, or a fresh apple cake. For an allergen-friendly option, apple nachos are a tasty choice.
I hope you try this salad—let me know how it turns out!
Apple Grape Salad Recipe:
Apple Grape Salad (Gluten-free)
A crunchy, sweet, and naturally gluten-free fruit salad that’s simple to make and always popular with family and guests.
15 minutes
15 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 tart apples (Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Granny Smith recommended)
- 1 lb. seedless red or green grapes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Wash grapes, remove stems, and slice each grape in half lengthwise.
- Wash and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Leave the peels on or peel them first for younger eaters.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold the grapes and apple chunks into the cream mixture until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the top with the light brown sugar and serve.
Notes
I often use light sour cream and light cream cheese and the salad still turns out delicious. You can easily double the recipe to feed a larger group.
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