Fresh, creamy, lightly spiced, and incredibly satisfying, Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad is one of those recipes that fits effortlessly into almost any occasion. Whether served as a refreshing side dish for dinner, a sweet addition to a family meal, or a light dessert salad for gatherings, this dish delivers balance, texture, and comforting flavor in every bite.
Combining crisp apples, juicy grapes, and a smooth cinnamon-infused dressing, Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad is quick to prepare, requires no cooking, and can be made ahead—making it a favorite for busy households and special occasions alike.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to prepare the perfect Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad, along with helpful tips, variations, nutritional insights, and serving ideas.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad
This recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find and affordable, yet they come together beautifully.
Main Ingredients
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Apples – 3 medium (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), chopped
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Red grapes – 1½ cups, halved
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Green grapes – 1½ cups, halved
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Vanilla yogurt or Greek yogurt – 1 cup
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Cream cheese – ½ cup, softened
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Honey or maple syrup – 3–4 tablespoons (to taste)
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Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
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Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Optional Add-Ins
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Chopped walnuts or pecans
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Raisins or dried cranberries
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A pinch of nutmeg
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Lemon juice (to keep apples fresh)
Each ingredient in Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad plays a role in balancing sweetness, creaminess, and texture.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe is simple and doesn’t require special equipment.
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Large mixing bowl
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Medium bowl (for dressing)
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Spoon or spatula
That’s it—no oven, no stove, no hassle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear steps to achieve the perfect Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Wash and dry the apples and grapes thoroughly.
Core and chop the apples into bite-size pieces. If desired, toss them lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Slice the red and green grapes in half.
Transfer all fruit to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cinnamon Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine:
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Softened cream cheese
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Yogurt
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Honey or maple syrup
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Ground cinnamon
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Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or cinnamon as needed.
Step 3: Combine and Fold
Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture.
Gently fold until all apples and grapes are evenly coated. Take care not to mash the fruit.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and enhances the texture.
Pro Tips
Choose Crisp Apples
Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Gala hold their texture better and provide the best crunch.
Balance the Sweetness
Taste the dressing before mixing—adjust honey or maple syrup depending on how sweet your fruit is.
Chill for Best Flavor
While it can be eaten immediately, Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad tastes best after chilling.
Make It Lighter
Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter version.
Prevent Browning
A small squeeze of lemon juice keeps apples fresh without affecting the taste.
Serving Ideas
One of the strengths of Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad is its versatility.
As a Dinner Side Dish
Pairs beautifully with:
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Roasted chicken
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Grilled meats
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Casseroles
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Holiday dinners
As a Light Meal
Serve chilled with:
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Toasted bread
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Cottage cheese
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A handful of nuts
As a Dessert Salad
Perfect for:
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Potlucks
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Family gatherings
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Holiday tables
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Summer meals
This salad easily adapts from sweet side to refreshing dessert.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving.
Make-Ahead
You can prepare Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad up to 12 hours in advance. Add nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Not Recommended for Freezing
Due to the fresh fruit and creamy dressing, freezing is not advised.
Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Estimates based on standard ingredients.
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Calories: 210–250 kcal
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Protein: 4–6 g
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Fat: 8–10 g
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Carbohydrates: 32–36 g
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Fiber: 3–4 g
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Sugar: 22–26 g
This makes Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad a balanced option when enjoyed in moderation.
Variations to Try
Healthier Version
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Use low-fat Greek yogurt
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Reduce honey
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Skip cream cheese
Vegan Option
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Plant-based yogurt
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Maple syrup
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Dairy-free cream cheese
Extra Crunch
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Add toasted pecans or almonds
Holiday Style
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Add dried cranberries and extra cinnamon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad the night before?
Yes, it’s actually better after chilling. Just stir gently before serving.
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala are ideal.
Is this salad more sweet or savory?
It’s lightly sweet with a creamy cinnamon flavor—perfectly balanced.
Final Thoughts
Simple, refreshing, and comforting, Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad is one of those recipes that earns a permanent place in your rotation. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and loved by both kids and adults. Whether you serve it as a dinner side, a light meal, or a sweet salad for gatherings, it always delivers fresh flavor with minimal effort.
