Updated: Feb. 13, 2023
There's a lot more to grapes than an obligatory spot on a fruit tray.
If you thought the only way to eat grapes was fresh off the stem (or perhaps in a chicken salad), turns out there’s a lot you’ve been missing out on. With their natural sweetness and juicy bursts of flavor, grapes can be delicious in all kinds of preparations and recipes. From roasting ’em up to serving them on a stick, the possibilities are endless.
Follow along as we show you some of the best and most unusual options for making the most of grapes this season.
1. Cool Off with Frozen Grapes
Forget ice cream or Popsicles. Here’s a quick and easy snack for hot days: frozen grapes. All you have to do is pull grapes off their stems, rinse, dry and stick them in a bag in the freezer. Once frozen, they’re a ready-made treat you can grab on the go. Enjoy as is, or stick them in your kid’s lunchbox and they’ll thaw slightly for snack time. Psst! They’re one of our favorite low-calorie snacks.
2. Create an Icy Slushie
Graduate from simple frozen grapes with an icy slushie. All you need are seedless grapes, grape juice and ice. Blend the ingredients at high speed and serve. Switch it up by adding another frozen fruit, such as blueberries or blackberries into the mix. Experiment with different combinations to see what flavors you (and your family!) like best.
3. Turn Up the Flavor with Roasted Grapes
If you thought fresh grapes were a treat, wait until you try them roasted. Toss with oil, salt and pepper and roast in a 425° oven for about 30 minutes. The grapes will soften and intensify in sweetness. Think jammy globes of decadence. Eat roasted grapes on their own, alongside a hearty entree, tossed into a salad, on top of toast or over homemade ice cream-the choice is yours.
4. Get Creative with Your Kabobs
Serve grape kabobs for a fun, finger-friendly snack that everyone will love. Spear grapes onto skewers alongside chunks of melons, pineapple, berries, bananas or whatever you like. Then, create a complementary dip to serve. (This lemony fruit dip is a superstar!)
5. Give Salsa a Fresh Twist
Take your traditional salsa to a new level by incorporating chopped grapes into the mix! Combine grapes with chopped onions, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice, oil and salt to create a winning combination that celebrates the beauty of grapes. Serve this salsa alongside your favorite chips or atop crostini as a fun appetizer.
6. Top Your Salad with a Homemade Dressing
You’ve heard of using grapes in salad, but what about using grapes in the dressing that tops it? Turns out you can make your own grape salad dressing by blending together fresh grapes and olive oil with salt, pepper and your choice of fresh herbs. (We like rosemary!) Play around with flavor combinations to create the dressing you like best. Unsure of where to start with homemade salad dressing? Read our easy, breezy guide here.
When it comes to grapes, there are so many ways to enjoy their sweet and tart flavor, even beyond the classic fruit salad or tray. So when you’re looking to up your grape game this season, we hope you try some of these ideas. You’re sure to find a new combination to love.
1 / 15 Taste of Home Roasted Grape CrostiniA trip to Spain introduced me to its culinary treasures, like Manchego cheese and sherry. This appetizer always impresses folks who’ve never tasted roasted grapes. They're amazing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina Go to Recipe Orange-Drizzled Grape Tartlets Recipe photo by Taste of Home Orange-Drizzled Grape TartletsSugar cookie dough and cream cheese make it easy to build a crunchy, tangy tartlet featuring lush seasonal grapes. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri Go to Recipe Cashew-Chicken Rotini SaladI’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews—and ( always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah Go to Recipe Spiced Cran-Apple and Grape Conserve Recipe photo by Taste of Home Spiced Cran-Apple and Grape ConserveFaced with an abundance of grapes from my garden, I wound up using them in various ways. This conserve was an afterthought, but I received so many great compliments from family and friends that I made sure to write down the recipe. I served it with crackers and Brie cheese, but it would be great with pork, chicken, ham and cheesecake, too. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California Go to Recipe Chimichurri Shrimp Skillet Recipe photo by Taste of Home Chimichurri Shrimp SkilletFresh fruit adds sweetness to this bright southwestern shrimp entree. “The contrast of colors, flavors and textures in this dish is wonderful!” —Susan Riley, Allen, Texas Go to Recipe Taste of Home Brussels Sprouts and Grapes au GratinRed grapes add pops of sweetness to this bubbly, cheesy veggie side. I make mine with Swiss, but if you're feeling fancy, try Gruyere. And if you have one on hand, toss in a sliced apple. —Lorie Durrant, Nashville, Tennessee Go to Recipe Balsamic Steak with Red Grape Relish Recipe photo by Taste of Home Balsamic Steak with Red Grape RelishI love how steak marinated in balsamic vinaigrette goes so well with a relish of red grapes and blue cheese. Everything looks gorgeous on the plate. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida Go to Recipe Taste of Home Most people don't think about grapes when creating a canned pickle recipe. The pickling liquid for these grapes includes red wine, vinegar and common pickling spices like coriander, mustard seeds and hot pepper; it also contains warm spices like cinnamon and star anise along with brown sugar. These flavor-packed grapes are unique and delicious on a fab antipasto, pickle or cheese tray. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina Go to Recipe Cheese/Grape Appetizers Recipe photo by Taste of Home Cheese/Grape AppetizersThese small bites are well worth the time they take. Serve them as part of an antipasto platter or as a cheese course alongside your favorite wine. —Eleanor Grofvert, Kalamazoo, Michigan Go to Recipe PBJ on a StickTake the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the go with these skewers. They also make easy snacks. —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin Go to Recipe Sangria Gelatin RingThis gelatin is enjoyed by everyone because you just can't go wrong with fresh berries. —Nicole Nemeth, Komoka, Ontario Go to Recipe Broccoli Salad SupremePeople can't get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, Oregon Go to Recipe Waldorf Turkey PitasLiving in New York City means not having a lot of time to prepare meals. This recipe is quick, easy and healthy, making it perfect for my lifestyle. —Kevin Sobotka, Staten Island, New York Go to Recipe Chicken Salad Croissant SandwichesParmesan cheese and dill make this the most incredible chicken salad I’ve ever tasted. These sandwiches are a simple entree to serve at parties, showers or picnics.—Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah Go to Recipe
