Sarah'S Pear-Pecan Salad
A refreshing and creamy salad featuring pears and pecans, complemented by lemon Jell-O and whipped cream, perfect for light desserts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain juice from pears, reserving 1 cup.
- Boil 1 cup of pear juice and add lemon Jell-O, stirring until dissolved.
- Chill the mixture until partially set.
- Place drained pears and cream cheese in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the Jell-O mixture and chopped pecans.
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into the pear mixture.
- Pour into a mold and refrigerate until set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the pear mixture. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer a different nut. Be sure to chill the Jell-O mixture thoroughly to ensure it sets properly before folding in the whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Pear-Pecan Salad as a refreshing side dish for holiday meals or summer picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a light dessert after a heavy meal. You could also serve it alongside Butch'S Taffy for a sweet treat combination. Garnish with extra pecans or fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can lose some of its texture over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat, allow it to come to room temperature for a short period before serving, but avoid microwave reheating as it may alter the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sarah'S Pear-Pecan Salad contains roughly 376 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 6g 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?
While canned pears provide a convenient option, you can use fresh pears for a fresher taste. Just peel, core, and chop them, then poach them briefly to soften before blending with the cream cheese. This will add a lovely texture and flavor to the salad.
How long does it take for the salad to set?
After pouring the mixture into the mold, it typically takes about 4-6 hours in the refrigerator to fully set. For best results, prepare it the night before and allow it to chill overnight, ensuring it's firm and ready for serving.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead of time. It can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent any absorption of odors from other foods in the fridge.
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).