In Season Now: Grapes

Crisp, juicy, and naturally sweet, grapes are one of the season’s easiest pleasures. They’re perfect for snacking straight from the stem, but they also shine in salads, pair beautifully with cheese, and can even be roasted or frozen for something unexpected. Late summer and early fall bring out their peak flavor, making now the best time to enjoy them in both simple and creative ways.

Here’s how to choose the best grapes, keep them fresh, and use them in recipes that go beyond the snack bowl.

Buying & Storing: Do’s and Don’ts

DOs	DON’Ts
Pick plump grapes. Look for firm grapes that feel heavy for their size and are firmly attached to the stem.	Don’t buy grapes that are wrinkled, sticky, or falling off their stems.
Notice the “bloom”. A powdery coating on the skin is natural and protects freshness—it’s a good sign.	Don’t but grapes with dried or brittle stems. Stems should be green and flexible.
Refrigerate promptly. Store unwashed grapes in a breathable container or perforated produce bag in the fridge.	Don’t leave grapes out on the counter for more than a day; they soften and lose flavor quickly.
Wash before eating. Rinse only when ready to use to keep them from spoiling too quickly.	Don’t wash grapes before refrigerating, since moisture accelerates mold.

General Uses

Snack time staple. Enjoy fresh grapes by the handful or freeze them for a naturally sweet, icy treat.
Salad addition. Halved grapes add freshness and crunch to chicken salad, grain bowls, or green salads.
Cheese board partner. Their sweetness balances salty cheeses, cured meats, and nuts.
Cooked dishes. Roasted grapes take on a jammy richness that pairs well with chicken, pork, or crostini.
Frozen and blended. Grapes can be blended into smoothies, churned into sorbet, or even used as “ice cubes” in drinks.

Recipes

Chicken Salad with Grapes & Almonds

Makes 4 Servings

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup seedless grapes, halved
¼ cup toasted almonds, chopped
2 green onions, sliced
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, combine chicken, grapes, almonds, and green onions.
Stir in mayonnaise and Dijon until coated.
Season with salt and pepper.
Chill before serving on bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.

Roasted Grape & Goat Cheese Crostini

Make 12 Crostini

2 cups seedless grapes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces
4 oz goat cheese, softened
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Pinch of salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss grapes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 20 minutes, until softened and caramelized.
Toast baguette slices until golden.
Spread goat cheese on crostini, top with roasted grapes, and sprinkle with thyme.

Grape & Arugula Salad with Parmesan

Makes 4 Servings

4 cups arugula
1 ½ cups seedless grapes, halved
½ cup shaved Parmesan
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine arugula, grapes, Parmesan, and pine nuts in a large bowl.
Whisk olive oil, balsamic, honey, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle over salad and toss gently before serving.

Frozen Grape Sorbet

Makes 4 Servings

4 cups seedless grapes, frozen
2 tbsp honey (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice

Place frozen grapes in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
Add honey and lemon juice, blending until creamy.
Serve immediately for soft sorbet, or freeze for a firmer texture.

Skillet Chicken with Roasted Grapes & Rosemary

Makes 4 Servings

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups seedless grapes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
½ cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, sear on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
Add grapes and rosemary to skillet, sauté 3–4 minutes until grapes blister.
Pour in broth, scraping browned bits. Return chicken to skillet and simmer until cooked through (about 10 minutes).
Serve with pan sauce and roasted grapes spooned over the chicken.

Grapes are more than just a quick snack. When they’re in season their flavor is at its peak, making them worth using in both everyday and special dishes. From refreshing salads and frozen treats to elegant appetizers and hearty mains, grapes bring sweetness, texture, and freshness wherever they land on the table.