Potato Pear Salad
A fresh and flavorful potato pear salad combines tender new potatoes with sweet pears, crisp celery, and tangy capers, all coated in a creamy tarragon mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals, it offers a delightful mix of textures and herbaceous notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scrub the potatoes, then cook in boiling water until tender. Drain, peel, and dice once cool enough to handle.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of tarragon wine vinegar with oil and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the potatoes and mix lightly.
- Chill the potatoes in the refrigerator.
- In a bowl, blend the light mayonnaise with the remaining tablespoon of vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, prepared mustard, crumbled tarragon, and dill weed.
- Stir in the sliced green onion and capers.
- Shortly before serving, peel, core, and dice the pears to measure 3 cups.
- Add the diced pears and chopped celery to the potatoes.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the salad and toss lightly to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of light mayonnaise. If fresh tarragon is unavailable, dried can be used, but reduce the amount to one-third. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, for a unique flavor twist. This salad can be made a day ahead to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Potato Pear Salad as a light main dish or a side alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Slaw for a refreshing summer meal. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor, and consider serving it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad tastes best chilled. If the salad appears dry after storing, add a splash of vinegar or a dollop of mayonnaise to refresh it before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato Pear Salad contains roughly 1045 calories, with 2g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1310mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
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 make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this Potato Pear Salad vegan by substituting the light mayonnaise with a vegan mayo alternative. Additionally, check that the mustard used is free from animal products to ensure the entire dish is plant-based.
What can I use instead of Bartlett pears?
If Bartlett pears are not available, you can substitute with ripe Anjou or Bosc pears. These varieties also offer a sweet flavor and firm texture that complements the other ingredients in the salad well.
How can I enhance the flavor of the vinaigrette?
To enhance the vinaigrette, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for acidity. Adjusting these elements can create a more balanced flavor profile that complements the potatoes and pears.
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).