Chilled Pear and Walnut Salad with Apricot Dressing
Delight your taste buds with this refreshing Chilled Pear and Walnut Salad, featuring ripe pears drizzled in a tangy apricot nectar dressing. Complemented by the crunch of toasted walnuts and a bed of crisp salad greens, this vibrant dish is perfect as a light lunch or a stunning side for dinner parties. The fresh mint adds an aromatic twist, making every bite a delightful experience. Serve it chilled for an invigorating flavor sensation that is both healthy and satisfying.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apricot Nectar
1/3 cup (none)
Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Cider Vinegar or Red Wine Vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Fresh Mint (chopped) or Dried Mint Flakes
1 teaspoon (fresh) or 1/4 teaspoon (dried) (chopped if fresh)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Ground Mustard
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Medium Pears
3 (peeled, halved, and sliced)
Salad Greens
8-10 cups (washed and dried)
Chopped Walnuts (toasted)
1 cup (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine apricot nectar, olive oil, cider vinegar, chopped mint, salt, and ground mustard. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined.
2
In a large serving bowl, combine the sliced pears and the dressing. Gently toss to coat the pears evenly.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
4
When ready to serve, remove the salad from the refrigerator. Add the salad greens to the bowl with the pears and dressing. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the greens are coated with the flavorful dressing.
5
Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top just before serving for an added crunch and nutty flavor. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Chilled Pear and Walnut Salad with Apricot Dressing.
What are the main ingredients in the salad?
The main ingredients include medium pears, toasted chopped walnuts, salad greens, and a homemade apricot nectar dressing.
How do I make the apricot dressing?
Combine apricot nectar, oil, cider vinegar, mint, salt, and ground mustard in a jar and shake vigorously until well combined.
What type of oil can I use for the dressing?
You can use either olive oil or vegetable oil.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using either cider vinegar or red wine vinegar.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped mint with 1/4 teaspoon of dried mint flakes.
How many pears do I need?
The recipe calls for 3 medium pears.
How should the pears be prepared?
The pears should be peeled, halved, and sliced before being combined with the dressing.
How long should the pear and dressing mixture chill?
The mixture should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
When should I add the salad greens?
Add the salad greens to the bowl with the pears and dressing just before you are ready to serve.
How many cups of salad greens are required?
The recipe requires 8 to 10 cups of washed and dried salad greens.
Should the walnuts be toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of toasted chopped walnuts for better flavor and crunch.
When do I add the walnuts to the salad?
Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top of the salad just before serving.
What makes this salad a good choice for dinner parties?
It is described as a vibrant and stunning side dish that is refreshing and healthy.
How much apricot nectar is used in the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/3 cup of apricot nectar.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
What type of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground mustard.
Can this salad be served for lunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a light lunch.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad offers a mix of soft pears, crisp greens, and crunchy toasted walnuts.
Is the salad served warm or cold?
This salad is served chilled for an invigorating flavor sensation.
How do I ensure the greens are well coated?
Toss the greens gently with the pears and dressing just before serving to ensure even coating.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is noted as being a healthy and satisfying dish.
What is the aromatic twist in this salad?
The addition of fresh mint provides an aromatic twist to the salad.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, pear recipe, walnut salad, healthy salad, and summer salad.
How do I mix the dressing ingredients?
Use a small jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake it vigorously.
What is the preparation for the salad greens?
The greens should be thoroughly washed and dried before use.
Does the recipe specify a serving size?
The exact serving size is not specified, but it uses 8-10 cups of greens and 3 pears.
Is this a good summer recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer salad and is served chilled.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can I use red wine vinegar if I don't have cider vinegar?
Yes, red wine vinegar is an acceptable substitute for cider vinegar in this dressing.