This Mediterranean-Inspired Grape Salad is a fresh twist on a classic that brings the bright flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. The combination of sweet grapes with creamy mascarpone and tangy Greek yogurt creates an unforgettable side dish or dessert that’s perfect for any gathering.
Table of Contents
What is Mediterranean-Inspired Grape Salad?
Mediterranean-inspired grape salad takes a traditional American dish to the next level! We’ve transformed the classic salad by swapping cream cheese and sour cream for rich mascarpone and Greek yogurt while replacing pecans with crunchy walnuts for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
This elevated version maintains the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess while introducing a more complex flavor and textural profile. The mascarpone adds a subtle richness that pairs perfectly with the fresh burst of grapes, while Greek yogurt brings a pleasant tang that cuts through the sweetness.
Ingredients You Need
- Green Seedless Grapes – The crisp texture and mild sweetness provide a perfect foundation for this salad. Washing and drying them thoroughly ensures the dressing adheres to the grapes.
- Red Seedless Grapes – We like to use both colors of grapes to create a visually stunning presentation.
- Mascarpone – This Italian cream cheese adds an incredible silky texture to the dressing. Bringing it to room temperature before mixing helps it to blend smoothly with other ingredients.
- Greek Yogurt – The thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor of the yogurt adds complexity to the dressing. Full-fat varieties will give you the best texture and richness.
- Powdered Sugar – The fine texture dissolves perfectly into the creamy mixture. Sifting it before adding prevents any lumps from forming in the dressing.
- Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the creamy dressing.
- Brown Sugar – The molasses content adds a caramel note to the topping. Light or dark brown sugar both work beautifully in this recipe.
- Crushed Walnuts – The nutty crunch adds wonderful texture contrast.
- Salt – A pinch of salt brings out all the flavors in this dish. We like fine sea salt because it blends seamlessly into the topping.
How to Make Mediterranean-Inspired Grape Salad
- Prepare the fruit. Clean and dry the grapes thoroughly, removing any stems.
- Create the dressing. Blend the mascarpone and yogurt mixture with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Combine gently. Fold the grapes into the creamy mixture.
- Make the topping. Mix the brown sugar and walnuts until well combined.
- Finish and chill. Add the topping and let the flavors come together in the refrigerator.
Variations
- Honey – Replace some of the brown sugar with local honey for layers of flavor.
- Citrus – Add orange zest to the cream mixture or top with candied orange peel.
- Nuts – Swap walnuts for toasted pine nuts or pistachios.
- Spices – Add cinnamon and cardamom to the brown sugar topping.
- Berry Blend – Mix in fresh blackberries and raspberries for extra color and flavor.
Can I Store Leftovers?
The nutty topping can become slightly soft when stored, so it’s best to add it just before serving.
Keep the grape mixture refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
This dish doesn’t freeze well since the texture of the grapes and creamy mixture will change significantly when thawed.
Common Questions about Mediterranean Inspired Grape Salad
You can prepare the grape and cream mixture up to 24 hours ahead, but add the topping just before serving to maintain its crunch.
Make sure to dry the grapes completely after washing, and avoid cutting them which will cause them to release their juices.
While you can use low-fat Greek yogurt, we love the richer, creamier texture that full-fat yogurt gives the dressing.
Serve it chilled in a clear glass bowl to show off the beautiful colors, and keep it cold by placing the serving bowl on ice if it will be sitting out for more than an hour.
More Fruity Recipes
On the search for more recipes that make fruit the star of the show? Check out some of our other popular fruity dishes!
Fakhfakhina (Egyptian Fruit Salad)
Mango Chia Pudding with Fruit Salad
Mediterranean-Inspired Grape Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Grape Salad
- 2 pounds green seedless grapes
- 2 pounds red seedless grapes
- 8 ounces mascarpone
- 8 ounces full fat plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup crushed walnuts to taste
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Wash and stem grapes. Set aside.2 pounds green seedless grapes, 2 pounds red seedless grapes
- Mix mascarpone, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla with a hand mixer until blended.8 ounces full fat plain Greek yogurt, 8 ounces mascarpone, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Stir grapes into mixture, and pour in large serving bowl.
- For topping: Combine brown sugar, crushed walnuts, and salt.¾ cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup crushed walnuts, Pinch of salt
- Sprinkle over top of grapes to cover completely.
Equipment
Notes
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is a fun twist on a summer staple that’s perfect for parties and afternoon snacks!