Pear Salad Or Pineapple Salad
A fresh and creamy fruit salad featuring pear or pineapple halves filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture, topped with cherries and crunchy pecans, perfect for light desserts or brunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the pear or pineapple halves on a bed of lettuce.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, light mayonnaise, and chopped pecans until well combined.
- Fill the cavity of each fruit with the cream cheese mixture.
- Place cherries on top of the filled fruit halves for garnish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese for a tangy flavor. If you want a crunchier texture, substitute walnuts for pecans. Fresh fruit can also be used if canned options are unavailable, but adjust the sweetness accordingly. This salad is versatile and can be served as a side dish or a light dessert option.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a brunch spread alongside dishes like Egg-Cheese Bake. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light soup or a refreshing beverage. Garnish with additional cherries or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the freshness of the fruit, it's best to keep the cream cheese mixture separate until ready to serve. Reheat any leftovers gently in the microwave if desired, but note that the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear Salad Or Pineapple Salad contains roughly 571 calories, with 7g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 7g 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 or pineapples instead of canned?
Yes, fresh fruits can be used! Just make sure they are ripe and sweet. You'll want to cut them into similar sizes as the canned halves or slices for even filling. Adjust the cream cheese mixture's sweetness if using less sweet fresh fruit.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the salad right before serving to keep the fruit fresh and avoid sogginess.
What can I use instead of light mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can use plain yogurt, sour cream, or even avocado for a creamy texture. Each alternative will bring its unique flavor, so choose one that complements the other ingredients in your salad.
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).