Enjoy a burst of flavour with this quick Indian-inspired Pear Salad. Sweet, ripe pears mingling with a captivating blend of chilli, cumin, and chaat masala, complemented by a refreshing hint of lemon, all nestled amidst crunchy pecans. Ready in just 5 minutes, this simple pear salad is perfect for those seeking nutritious options.
Experience the anti-inflammatory benefits of a Fruit and Nut Salad, featuring fresh pears and crunchy pecans.
As a Desi dietitian, I’ve woven my childhood flavours into this diabetes-friendly and heart-healthy salad. Growing up, I cherished fruit and nut salads with a kick—whether it was guava and pineapple dusted with chilli powder or Pakistani mangoes sprinkled with tangy chaat masala. Even watermelon was elevated with chaat masala on sweltering summer afternoons.
Looking for more nutritious salad recipes? This Cabbage Poriyal with Cauliflower is delicious with the zing of spices, offering a flavorful twist on traditional salads. Alternatively, try out this Air Fryer Eggplant and Chickpeas Salad bursting with Mediterranean flavours and crunchy textures. My favourite, though, is the Quinoa Kale Salad with Mung Beans, a satisfyingly wholesome and vegan option packed with protein and nutrients.
Why you’ll love this anti-inflammatory salad recipe
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and support your health goals effortlessly with this anti-inflammatory recipe:
Pears: Help manage blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance, thanks to their low glycemic index. Plus, they are hydrating and perfect for Ramadan.
Red Onion: Offers potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, rich in quercetin and sulphur compounds.
Cilantro Leaves: Add freshness while bursting with vitamins and antioxidants, fighting inflammation.
Spices: Chili, cumin, and coriander contribute zest and anti-inflammatory properties to the dish.
Ingredients
To maintain optimal texture, avoid using overly ripe pears as they may become mushy.
Cut the pear into medium-sized chunks, finely chop the onion, and keep the cilantro leaves roughly chopped for a rustic touch.
Ripe Pears: Opt for sweet varieties like Bosc or Comice for a naturally sweet flavour profile.
Red Onion: Finely chopped ensures every bite incorporates a bit of onion for a balanced flavour and texture.
Plain Pecans: Use unsalted and unflavored pecans to let their natural nuttiness shine through.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for maximum flavour and freshness, avoiding the diluted taste of bottled varieties.
Chaat Masala: Adds a unique blend of spices including cumin and coriander, elevating the salad with vibrant flavours.
Optional: Mixed Greens: Provide a nutritious and fresh base for the salad, enhancing its visual appeal and texture. Rocket (arugula) is a beautiful pairing!
How to make it
Combine ingredients:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, toss together pear chunks, onion, pecans, cilantro, spices and lemon juice.
Toss & serve:
Step 2: Toss to ensure an even distribution of spices throughout the salad. Serve immediately.
For a complete list of ingredient measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, you can find everything you need in the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Nutrition note
By combining the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the crunch of pecans and the zing of spices, this diabetes-friendly salad provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and dietary fibre. Additionally, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; there’s no need for a heavy pear salad dressing. The combination of spices, fresh cilantro, and a splash of lemon juice provides just the right amount of flavour and acidity, keeping the salad light and refreshing while still bursting with deliciousness.
Food safe storage
To keep this pear salad at its freshest, it’s best enjoyed immediately after preparation. Ripe pears can start to break down and change colour over time. To simplify prep, you can chop most of the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply cut the pears and toss everything together for a crisp and tasty salad.
If you give this Indian salad with fruit a try, I’d love to hear from you! Share your rating, leave a comment, and be sure to tag me on Instagram @DesiliciousRD! Seeing your creations makes my day!
Desi~liciously Yours, Shahzadi
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5-Minute Pecan & Pear Salad With Chaat Masala
Enjoy a burst of flavours with this quick Indian-inspired Pear Salad. Sweet, ripe pears mingling with a captivating blend of chili, cumin, and chaat masala, complemented by a refreshing hint of lemon, all nestled amidst crunchy pecans. Ready in just 5 minutes, this simple pear salad is perfect for those seeking nutritious options.
Health Benefit Anti-Inflammatory, Immune Supporting
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Total Time 5 minutesminutes
Servings 2servings
Calories 209kcal
Author Shahzadi Devje
Cost $4
Ingredients
2pearsmedium-ripe
¼cupred onionfinely chopped
⅓cupcilantroleaves only, washed, chopped
1tspchaat masala
½tspcumin powder
¼tspchilli powderhot
4tsplemon juicefreshly squeezed
¼cuppecansplain
Optional
2cupsrocketalso known as arugula
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the pears, onion, spices, lemon juice, pecans and cilantro. Gently toss until well combined. Serve immediately and enjoy!
For an optional variation, consider serving the pear salad on a bed of rocket (arugula).
Video
Notes
Nutrition note
By combining the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the crunch of pecans and the zing of spices, this salad provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and dietary fibre. Additionally, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; there’s no need for a heavy pear salad dressing. The combination of spices, fresh cilantro, and a splash of lemon juice provides just the right amount of flavour and acidity, keeping the salad light and refreshing while still bursting with deliciousness.
Food safe storage
To keep this pear salad at its freshest, it’s best enjoyed immediately after preparing. Ripe pears can start to break down and change color over time. To simplify prep, you can chop most of the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply cut the pears and toss everything together for a crisp and tasty salad.
