Grape and Avocado Salad

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My Grape and Avocado Salad is a refreshing mix of sweet and savory flavors, making it the perfect side dish. The juicy red grapes pair fantastically with spicy jalapeño, creamy avocado, and soft cotija cheese for a well-balanced bite. It is vegetarian, gluten-free, and ready in just 20 minutes.

I still remember the first time a colleague nutritionist suggested I try grapes and avocado together. At first, I wasn’t sure how those flavors would work, but after one bite, I was hooked. The juicy sweetness of grapes and the creamy richness of avocado create the perfect balance. That’s why I knew I had to turn them into a refreshing, flavorful salad that I could enjoy anytime. Just like my apple walnut salad, this dish is simple, packed with nutrients, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

I am totally a salad person, I could eat salad all day, every day, and never get tired of it! Ha, no joke. When I tried this one, I seriously couldn’t stop eating it. The mix of grapes, jalapeño, avocado, and crunchy pumpkin seeds makes every bite SO flavorful, and trust me, it looks just as good as it tastes.

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🥘 Ingredients

I make this easy grape salad with simple ingredients, making it the perfect last-minute side dish. These are the ingredients I use:

For The Dressing:

Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil as the base for the dressing, adding richness and depth. When I am out, avocado oil works just as well.

Lime juice: Fresh lime juice gives the dressing a bright, tangy kick. If I don’t have any, I swap in lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar.

Honey: A little honey adds natural sweetness and balances the acidity. If I need a substitute, I use agave, maple syrup, or I make my own vegan honey at home. 

For The Salad:

Grapes: Red seedless grapes add sweetness, but I sometimes use green grapes for a tangier flavor. Any seedless variety works well in this salad.

Fresh herbs and aromatics: Cilantro and green onions bring freshness, while minced jalapeño adds a little heat. For a milder option, I swap the jalapeño for bell peppers.

Avocado: Cubed avocado makes the salad creamy and balances the sweet and spicy flavors.

Crunchy toppings: Roasted pumpkin seeds add texture and a savory contrast. Sometimes, I use sunflower seeds or a mix of nuts for variety.

Cheese: Cotija cheese gives a salty, creamy bite, but I also love using goat cheese or feta. If I want to keep it dairy-free, I skip the cheese or use a vegan substitute.

🔪 How To Make

Here’s how I make the best grape and avocado salad that’s not only healthy but also easy to prepare.

Whisk Together Ingredients: I add the oil, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt to a large mixing bowl. Then, I whisk everything together.

Add the Grapes: Once well combined, I add the grapes to the bowl with the dressing and stir until everything is evenly coated. Then, I mix in the chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, and green onions for extra flavor.

Add Avocado: Next, I gently fold in the diced avocado, being careful not to mash the pieces. A light stir keeps everything well mixed while maintaining the creamy texture.

Top with Seeds and Cheese: I transfer the salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for a satisfying crunch. If I’m using cheese, I add it now for an extra creamy and savory touch. It’s ready to serve and enjoy!

📖 Variations

Feel free to mix it up with your own ingredients, or give my favorites a try:

Add nuts: I love adding a handful of toasted almonds, walnuts, or crunchy pecans for extra texture. They bring a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy grapes and creamy cheese.

Cream cheese grape salad: If I don’t have avocado or just want a change, I swap it for cream cheese. A dressing made with plain Greek yogurt, vanilla yogurt, or light cream cheese also works great.

Healthy dessert salad: To make this a sweet treat, I add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or fresh vanilla bean. For extra indulgence, I sometimes sprinkle in brown sugar, dark chocolate chunks, or a bit of whipped cream.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This avocado grape salad complements a variety of meals. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

Brunch: I love adding this avocado grape salad to my brunch spread. It pairs perfectly with a vegan frittata or a soft tofu scramble for a great mix of sweet and savory flavors.

Lunch: This salad makes a refreshing side for a protein-packed vegan chicken salad or a Panera Mediterranean veggie sandwich.

Barbecues: On a hot summer day, this salad is my go-to side for barbecues. It goes so well with grilled veggies, high protein veggie burgers, or these easy tofu skewers.

Dinner: This grape avocado salad works as a light and refreshing side for dinner. I love serving it with my vegetarian zucchini lasagna or these stuffed vegetarian peppers for a satisfying meal.

🫙 Storage Directions

Refrigerating: If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This salad stays fresh for three to four days, but I like to add the dressing just before serving for the best texture.

Freezing: This salad does not freeze well because the grapes and creamy dressing change texture when thawed. I always make just enough to enjoy fresh.

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Anjali Shah