Grape Walnut Salad
A fresh, crunchy salad combining sweet grapes, toasted walnuts, creamy blue cheese, and a tangy lemon dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss the cooked pasta, halved grapes, chopped green onions, and walnut pieces in a large bowl.
- Mix the Miracle Whip salad dressing with lemon juice until well combined.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the tossed ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of Miracle Whip. You can also add diced celery for extra crunch or substitute pecans for walnuts if desired. If you prefer a sweeter salad, a drizzle of honey can enhance the flavors. Make sure to toss the salad gently to avoid breaking the pasta shells.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish at a gathering. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a more substantial offering, serve it alongside Peggy'S Scalloped Pineapple or a fresh green salad. Garnish with extra green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Grape Walnut Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can add a little more Miracle Whip or yogurt before serving. It's best enjoyed chilled, so give it a stir and check the seasoning before serving it again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grape Walnut Salad contains roughly 1074 calories, with 21g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1122mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, add the dressing right before serving to keep the pasta from getting mushy.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this Grape Walnut Salad is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or animal products aside from the blue cheese. For a vegan version, you can substitute the blue cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use a plant-based mayonnaise.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Cooked pasta shells work wonderfully for this salad due to their shape, which holds the dressing and ingredients well. However, you can also use other pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle if you prefer, just ensure they are cooked al dente.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).