Creamy Pear, Celery & Walnut Salad with Dried Cranberries
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Pear, Celery & Walnut Salad—a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will brighten your brunch table. The sweetness of ripe pears is paired with crunchy celery and walnuts, complemented by the tartness of dried cranberries. Tossed in a creamy dressing with a hint of lemon, this salad is not only a visual feast when served on a bed of fresh greens but also a refreshing treat for your palate. Perfect for gathering with friends and family, this dish adds a touch of elegance and healthiness to any meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
Lemon
1/2 (juice only)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Fresh Parsley
2 sprigs (chopped)
Celery
3 stalks (diced)
Pears
2 (peeled, cored, and diced)
Red Pepper
1/3 cup (diced)
Frozen Baby Peas
1/3 cup (none (not canned))
Dried Cranberries
1/3 cup (none)
Walnuts
1/3 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended to create a creamy dressing.
2
Add the chopped parsley, diced celery, diced pears, diced red pepper, frozen baby peas, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts to the bowl with the dressing.
3
Gently mix all the ingredients together until the salad is well coated with the dressing, being careful not to mash the pears.
4
To serve, create a bed of fresh greens on each plate. Spoon the salad mixture generously on top.
5
For an extra touch of sweetness and crunch, garnish with candied walnuts before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pear, Celery & Walnut Salad?
It is a refreshing brunch salad featuring ripe pears, crunchy celery, walnuts, and dried cranberries tossed in a light, creamy lemon-mayonnaise dressing.
What kind of pears are best for this salad?
Any ripe but firm pear like Anjou, Bartlett, or Bosc works well. Ensure they are not too soft to avoid mashing them while mixing.
Can I use canned peas for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends frozen baby peas rather than canned ones to maintain a bright color and firm texture.
How do I prevent the diced pears from browning?
The lemon juice in the dressing acts as an antioxidant. Tossing the diced pears into the dressing immediately helps prevent oxidation.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed (pears, celery, walnuts, cranberries, mayo, peas, and spices), this salad is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based vegan mayo and ensure your sugar is vegan-processed.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
Pecans or slivered almonds make excellent substitutes if you do not have walnuts or prefer a different nut flavor.
How should I serve this salad for a party?
For an elegant presentation, serve the salad on a bed of fresh mixed greens or arugula and garnish with candied walnuts.
Do I need to peel the pears?
The recipe calls for peeled, cored, and diced pears for a smoother texture, though you can leave the skin on for extra color if preferred.
Can I use dried cherries instead of cranberries?
Yes, dried cherries or even raisins can be used as a substitute for dried cranberries for a slightly different sweetness.
How do I make the dressing?
Combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, the juice of half a lemon, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl and stir until smooth.
Do I need to cook the frozen peas first?
No, you can simply thaw the frozen baby peas; they provide a nice pop of texture without being cooked.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it is best to toss them together shortly before serving to keep the pears and celery crisp.
How long do leftovers stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh for about 1 to 2 days, though the pears may soften over time.
What is the best way to chop the walnuts?
Roughly chop them with a chef's knife to maintain some chunky pieces for a satisfying crunch.
Is there a low-fat alternative for the mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise to reduce the fat content, though the flavor profile will be slightly tangier.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Adding grilled chicken or chickpeas would turn this side salad into a more substantial main dish.
What are candied walnuts?
Candied walnuts are nuts that have been toasted with a sugar coating; they are used as a garnish for extra sweetness and crunch.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but 1 to 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
What type of red pepper should I use?
Use a sweet red bell pepper, finely diced, to add color and a mild sweetness to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a brunch?
Yes, it is specifically described as a delightful addition to a brunch table due to its sweet and savory flavor balance.
How many stalks of celery do I need?
The recipe requires 3 stalks of celery, diced.
Can I omit the sugar?
Yes, if your pears are very ripe and sweet, you can omit the 1/2 teaspoon of sugar from the dressing.
What greens work best for the base?
Butter lettuce, spinach, or a spring mix provide a soft texture that complements the creamy salad well.
Can I use dried parsley?
Fresh parsley is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but if using dried, use about 1/3 of the amount (roughly 1/2 teaspoon).
Should I toast the walnuts?
Toasting the walnuts for 3-5 minutes in a dry pan before chopping can enhance their nutty flavor significantly.
Does this salad contain any allergens?
Yes, it contains nuts (walnuts) and eggs (in the mayonnaise).
Is the salad spicy?
No, it is a mild, creamy salad. The pepper added is for seasoning, not heat.
Can I use different types of nuts?
Absolutely; pecans, cashews, or even sunflower seeds can be used for different textures.
How many pears are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 pears, peeled, cored, and diced.