Elegant Pear and Cheese Salad
This Elegant Pear and Cheese Salad is a delightful dish that's perfect for any meal. With its beautiful presentation and harmonious flavors, this dish will surely impress your family and guests. The combination of sweet pears, creamy mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese provides a lovely contrast that enhances any main course. Serve it as a light side salad, a refreshing appetizer, or a simple quick meal. This salad is versatile—feel free to substitute pears with pineapple for a tropical twist! Easy to prepare and always a hit at the table, this recipe carries on the tradition of my mother’s beloved creations.
3
Servings
117
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
canned pears
1 (15 ounce) (drained)
mayonnaise
1/4 cup
shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup
lettuce leaves
2-3 leaves (washed)
maraschino cherries
4-6 (for garnish)
pecans
2 tablespoons (optional) (toasted if desired)
Instructions
1
Start by washing and placing the lettuce leaves on a serving plate to create a bed for the salad.
2
Drain the canned pears thoroughly and arrange them neatly on top of the lettuce leaves.
3
Spoon mayonnaise generously over the pears, ensuring they are well-covered.
4
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mayonnaise-coated pears.
5
Garnish with maraschino cherries and toasted pecans, if using, for added flavor and texture.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
7g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elegant Pear and Cheese Salad?
It is a delightful dish featuring sweet pears, creamy mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese served on a bed of lettuce.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include canned pears, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce leaves, maraschino cherries, and optional pecans.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 3 servings.
Is this a low protein dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a Low Protein dish with approximately 1g of protein per serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 117 calories.
Can I substitute the pears with another fruit?
Yes, you can substitute pears with pineapple for a tropical twist.
What type of cheese is recommended for this salad?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended to provide a sharp contrast to the sweet pears.
Do I need to wash the lettuce leaves?
Yes, you should start by washing the lettuce leaves before creating the bed for the salad.
Should I drain the canned pears?
Yes, ensure the canned pears are drained thoroughly before arranging them on the lettuce.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10g of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this salad?
Each serving contains 7g of carbohydrates.
How do I assemble the salad?
Place lettuce on a plate, top with pears, spoon over mayonnaise, sprinkle cheese, and garnish with cherries and pecans.
Can I use fresh pears instead of canned?
While canned pears are traditional for this recipe, you can use ripe fresh pears if preferred.
Is the pecan garnish required?
No, the pecans are optional but add a nice flavor and texture.
How much mayonnaise should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of mayonnaise distributed among the servings.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It is best served immediately, though you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble right before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How many maraschino cherries are needed?
The recipe suggests 4 to 6 cherries for garnish.
What type of lettuce is best?
The recipe suggests 2-3 large leaves like iceberg or butter lettuce to create a stable bed.
Should I toast the pecans?
Toasting the pecans is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, light mayonnaise can be used to reduce the fat content if desired.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is a very quick and easy recipe with simple preparation steps.
What makes this salad 'elegant'?
Its beautiful presentation and harmonious balance of sweet, creamy, and sharp flavors give it an elegant feel.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended, you can experiment with other shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss.
How much cheese is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Is there any fiber in this salad?
The fiber content is negligible for the ingredients used in these amounts.
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, if you prefer the tangier taste of Miracle Whip, it can be substituted for mayonnaise.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is a tradition based on the creator's mother's beloved kitchen creations.
What meal is this salad best for?
It works well as a light side salad, a refreshing appetizer, or even a simple quick meal.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a day.