Pear, Cheese And Almond Salad
A delightful and elegant salad featuring sweet pears, creamy cheese, and crunchy almonds, perfect for entertaining or a light, sophisticated appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place halves of pears on lettuce leaves.
- Mix highly seasoned cream cheese with mayonnaise and chopped almonds.
- Fill the hollow of each pear with the cheese mixture and heap in a pyramid shape.
- Top with unsweetened whipped cream flavored with 1/4 teaspoon almond extract.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, and use a low-fat mayonnaise. If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. To save time, pre-chopped almonds can be used. This salad pairs beautifully with Arjer'S Scotch Shortbread for a delightful contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the salad chilled as a refreshing appetizer or light lunch. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish. This dish also complements a glass of white wine for a lovely dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat, gently warm the pears in a microwave for a few seconds, being careful not to overheat them or they may become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear, Cheese And Almond Salad contains roughly 705 calories, with 18g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pears instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pears! Just slice them in half and core them before using. Fresh pears will provide a firmer texture and a more vibrant flavor. Make sure they are ripe but still firm for the best results.
What can I substitute for whipping cream?
If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, you can use a light whipped topping or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. For a richer flavor, mascarpone cheese can also be whipped and used in place of the whipping cream.
How can I make this salad more colorful?
To add more color, consider incorporating fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. You can also sprinkle some fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of green. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute additional flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).