What do grapes go well with?

Grapes are a versatile fruit that can be paired with a variety of foods and ingredients. Their sweet, tart flavor lends itself well to both savory and sweet dishes. Here is an in-depth look at what grapes pair best with.

Table of Contents

Cheese

One of the most classic pairings with grapes is cheese. The sweetness of the grapes balances the saltiness of many cheeses beautifully. Some cheeses that grapes pair particularly well with include:

Brie – The soft, creamy texture of brie is nicely complemented by the burst of sweet juice from grapes.
Goat cheese – The tanginess of goat cheese is tamed by the sweetness of grapes.
Manchego – The nutty, caramel notes of this Spanish cheese pair nicely with red grapes.

Blue cheese – The bold flavor of blue cheese is softened when paired with grapes.
Cheddar – Mild cheddar allows the grape flavor to shine while still providing a creamy base.
Gouda – Salty, nutty gouda becomes more balanced and palatable with sweet grapes.

Parmesan – Hard parmesan gets a fruity lift from juicy grapes.
Feta – Salty, crumbly feta pairs nicely with sweet red and green grapes.
Mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella is the perfect light complement to grapes.

Grapespaired with cheese are a classic appetizer or dessert option. Try arranging grape bunches and cheese chunks on a platter for easy serving. Grapes also pair well with cheese as part of a charcuterie board.

Nuts

The sweetness of grapes contrasts nicely with the crunch and rich flavor of nuts. Some nut pairings to consider include:

Almonds – Sliced almonds provide texture and toasty flavor.

Walnuts – Walnuts have a slightly bitter note that grapes balance out.
Pecans – Buttery, earthy pecans complement grapes.
Pistachios – The bright green color of pistachios looks beautiful next to red grapes.

Hazelnuts – Nutty hazelnuts add even more depth.
Cashews – Mild cashews allow the grape flavor to take center stage.
Peanuts – Salt from peanuts enhances the grape sweetness.

Pine nuts – Their soft crunch adds texture.

You can serve grape and nut pairings on a cheese board, as a snack mix, or even use them to top salads. For a simple appetizer, try tossing grapes with mixed nuts and serve chilled.

Meats

Grapes provide a sweet counterpoint to savory meats in many dishes:

Chicken – Grapes add a note of freshness and acidity to rich chicken dishes.
Duck – Fruit sauces made with grapes are a classic pairing with duck.
Pork – Grapes pair well with lighter pork dishes like chops.

Proscuitto – Salty cured ham is sliced paper thin and wrapped around grapes for an appetizer.
Lamb – Grapes complement gamier meats like lamb.
Beef – The sweetness contrasts with beef’s deep, earthy flavors.

Turkey – For a twist on holiday meals, use grapes in stuffing or sauces.
Game meat – Fruit sauces made with grapes help balance out stronger-tasting game.

Some ideas for cooking with grapes and meat include making a grape chutney for chicken or duck, garnishing pork chops with halved grapes, and tossing grapes in stuffing and meat-based salads. Grapes also make tasty additions to kabobs and skewers alongside meat.

Seafood

The bright sweet-tart flavor of grapes pairs nicely with lighter seafood:

Scallops – Grapes add sweetness that complements scallops’ delicate flavor.
Shrimp – Chilled shrimp salad gets flavor and crunch from halved grapes.

Cod – Grapes make a tasty salsa or relish to top baked cod fillets.
Tilapia – The mildness of tilapia is enhanced by the sweet acidity of grapes.
Mahi mahi – Fruit salsas made with diced grapes liven up mahi mahi.

Trout – Grapes add sweetness that works well with trout’s texture.
Salmon – Red grapes provide color and flavor to balance salmon’s richness.
Crab – Grapes add crunch and sweetness to crab salad and cakes.

Grapes pair nicely with lighter preparations of seafood, especially fruit salsas, chutneys, relishes, and salads. Their juiciness and sweet-tart flavor add brightness and contrast.

Vegetables

Grapes complement many vegetables thanks to their sweet-tart flavor. Some tasty pairings include:

Carrots – Shredded carrots and halved grapes make a colorful salad.

Beets – The sweet earthiness of beets is enhanced by grapes.
Green beans – Grapes add crunch and sweetness to green bean salads.
Broccoli – Grapes add a pop of flavor and color to roasted broccoli.

Brussels sprouts – Brussels sprouts and grapes are delicious roasted together.
Asparagus – The snappy texture of asparagus complements juicy grapes.
Squash – Grapes balance out richer winter squashes like butternut.

Sweet potatoes – Grapes pair nicely with the inherent sweetness of sweet potatoes.
Corn – Grilled corn on the cob takes well to a fresh grape salsa.
Eggplant – Meaty eggplant benefits from the sweetness of grapes.

Grapes add juicy bursts of flavor to roasted vegetable medleys. They also make great additions to fresh vegetable salads. Try simply topping cooked vegetables with halved red or green grapes for an easy side.

Grains

Grapes bring a pop of sweetness and moisture to grain dishes:

Rice – Mix halved grapes into rice pilafs and salads.

Barley – Nutty, chewy barley is complemented by sweet grapes.
Farro – Farro salad gets extra flavor from chopped grapes.
Couscous – Grapes add juiciness that works well with dry couscous.

Quinoa – Cooked quinoa pairs nicely with diced grapes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Wheat berries – Hearty wheat berries provide a neutral base for sweet grapes.
Bread – Grapes are delicious served alongside breads and rolls.

Oatmeal – Grapes make oatmeal more palatable with a pop of sweetness.

Mix grapes into grain salads and pilafs for extra flavor. They also make a tasty topping for cooked grains. The colors of red and green grapes add visual appeal as well.

Spices and Herbs

Certain spices and herbs accentuate the flavors of grapes wonderfully:

Mint – Fresh mint brings out grape’s sweetness.
Rosemary – Rosemary’s woodsy notes pair nicely with grapes.
Thyme – Thyme adds a subtle earthiness that complements grapes.

Basil – Sweet basil helps enhance the fruity flavors of grapes.
Sage – Savory sage provides an interesting counterpoint to grapes.
Lemon zest – Bright citrus flavors from lemon zest boost grape flavor.

Tarragon – Licorice-y tarragon melds well with grapes.
Ginger – The heat of fresh ginger balances out grapes’ sweetness.
Cinnamon – A dash of cinnamon enhances grape’s sweet side.

Nutmeg – Earthy, slightly sweet nutmeg accentuates grape flavor.

When cooking with grapes, consider tossing them with fresh herbs like mint and basil. Spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg also enhance grape’s natural flavors.

Sweet Pairings

Grapes pair deliciously with a wide range of sweet ingredients because of their inherent sweetness:

Yogurt – Grapes add juiciness that complements yogurt’s creamy tang.
Cream/ice cream – Sweet creaminess pairs perfectly with grape flavor.
Whipped cream – Grapes work nicely with lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Honey – Drizzling grapes with honey enhances their sweetness.
Brown sugar – A hint of brown sugar brings out grapes’ sweet side.
Vanilla – Subtle vanilla flavor complements grapes’ fruity sweetness.

Almonds – Sliced almonds add crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Dark chocolate – The mild bitterness of dark chocolate balances the sweet grapes.

Grapes mixed into yogurt make a tasty breakfast or snack. They also work nicely in fruit salads with a sweet cream dressing. For dessert, roast grapes with a drizzle of honey and serve over ice cream. Grapes dipped in melted chocolate make an easy candy-like treat as well.

Beverages

Grapes pair nicely with a range of beverages thanks to their sweet, refreshing flavor:

Wine – Grapes are one of the main ingredients in wine.
Champagne – Bubbly champagne complements their delicate sweetness.

Cider – Grapes add fruity sweetness that enhances cider’s apple flavor.
Sangria – Grapes are nearly always added to sangria mixes.
Fruit juice – Grapes work well in juice blends and smoothies.

Lemonade/limeade – For a twist, add grapes to lemonade or limeade.
Iced tea – Grapes make flavorful additions to chilled herbal teas.
Hot tea – Steep grapes in hot black or herbal tea to infuse flavor.

Muddle grapes into lemonade, sangria, or tea for extra sweetness. You can also freeze grapes and use them as flavorful ice cubes in beverages. For parties, float grapes in punch bowls for visual appeal and flavor.

Conclusion

As you can see, grapes pair flexibly with a wide variety of foods and ingredients. Their versatility stems from their sweet, tart flavor and juicy texture. Grapes work nicely with other fruits, cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, grains, spices, herbs, sweets, and beverages. They add pops of flavor, moisture, color, and visual appeal. Keep these diverse pairing possibilities in mind and experiment with grapes to enhance dishes across the culinary spectrum. With a bit of creativity, you can find endless ways to incorporate grapes into delicious meals, snacks and drinks.