Sweet and Salty Frozen Grapes

Name: Sweet and Salty Frozen Grapes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 h 10 min
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds red or green seedless grapes off the stem, washed and dried; 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (optional), plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 teaspoon Aleppo chile flakes or other mild chile flakes like Urfa (See Tip); Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)

By Zaynab Issa

Updated Aug. 7, 2025

Sweet and Salty Frozen Grapes — Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.

Total Time: 15 minutes, plus 6 hours’ freezing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes, plus 6 hours’ freezing
Rating: (0)
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This snack draws on the South Asian and Mexican culinary traditions of serving ice-cold fruit seasoned with spices and salt. Here, grapes get tossed in a punchy combination of lemon juice, lemon zest, chile flakes, sugar and salt, then frozen solid for a refreshing treat. The lemon zest is optional, but the flecks add a bright, citrusy note.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings

1½pounds red or green seedless grapes off the stem, washed and dried
1tablespoon grated lemon zest (optional), plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
2teaspoons sugar
1teaspoon Aleppo chile flakes or other mild chile flakes like Urfa (See Tip)
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

Step 1
Add grapes to 1-gallon zip-top bag (1½ pounds of loose grapes fit perfectly in a gallon-sized zip-top bag, allowing them to freeze in a single, even layer—no need to transfer them from a baking sheet to a storage container).
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine lemon zest (if using), lemon juice, sugar, chile flakes and 1 teaspoon salt, and whisk very well to combine.
Step 3
Pour the lemon mixture over grapes, seal the bag, and shake well to thoroughly coat each grape.
Step 4
Lay the zip-top bag flat in the freezer and freeze for at least 6 hours (ideally overnight), until grapes are frozen solid. Remove from the freezer and toss around to loosen them in the bag before tipping them into a bowl. Serve immediately. (Frozen grapes can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 weeks.)