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Quick and Easy Asian Pear Salad Recipe
As the days grow warmer and spring begins to bloom, there’s nothing quite like a crisp, refreshing salad to brighten up your meal. This Asian Pear Salad recipe brings together a delightful combination of crunchy pears, cool celery, and a kick of jalapeño, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that feel both light and satisfying. With the added freshness of lime and a touch of ginger, this salad is the perfect dish to enjoy as the seasons change. Paired with our Pinot Gris, with its bright acidity and fruit-forward notes, this salad becomes an elevated yet simple way to celebrate the season. Whether as a side dish for grilled seafood or a standalone delight, it’s a springtime favorite that’s both refreshing and full of flavor.
The Flavor Profile of Asian Pears
Asian pears bring a unique combination of crisp texture and subtle sweetness to this salad, making them the perfect star ingredient. Unlike traditional pears, which tend to be softer and more aromatic, Asian pears have a firmer, apple-like crunch that adds a refreshing bite to every mouthful. Their mild sweetness balances beautifully with the tang of lime, the slight heat from jalapeño, and the richness of the olive oil dressing. Compared to other fruits, their refreshing crispness and light flavor make them an ideal complement to the salad’s fresh vegetables and nuts, adding both texture and a touch of natural sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.Asian Pear Salad
Author: La Crema Culinary Team
Serves: 8 as a side dish
Ingredients
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 Asian pears, julienne
- 2 celery stalks, julienne
- 2 tsp. jalapeño, minced
- 2 scallions, bias sliced
- 2 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 C. cashews, toasted and chopped
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the lime zest, lime juice and olive oil. Add the pear, celery, jalapeño, scallions, cilantro and ginger and toss gently. Salt to taste and top with toasted cashews. This salad pairs wonderfully with poached shrimp or any firm white fish.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Asian Pear Salad is how versatile it is. If you’re looking to change things up, there are plenty of easy substitutions and variations to make it your own.- Nuts: If you’re not a fan of cashews, feel free to swap them out for other crunchy options like toasted almonds, peanuts, or even sunflower seeds. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture to the salad.
- Herbs: While cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy kick, you can easily swap it for mint for a more refreshing, aromatic note. Alternatively, basil or parsley could also work well, depending on your preference.
- Fruit: Asian pears are wonderfully crisp and mildly sweet, but if you want to experiment, try swapping them for other fruits like thinly sliced apples, juicy mango, or even a combination of both. These fruits will add their own sweetness and texture to the salad.
- Heat: If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of jalapeño or leave it out altogether. For a different kind of heat, try adding a small amount of sliced red chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Greens: While celery is a great crunchy addition, you could also try using thinly sliced fennel for a slightly aniseed flavor or even arugula for a peppery bite.
- Dressings: If you're in the mood for a change, try swapping the lime juice and olive oil dressing for a tangy sesame dressing or a light vinaigrette with rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
