Southern Pear Salad
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Pear Salad is a classic Southern dish. It might seem a little quirky with its mix of sweet and creamy, but it’s surprisingly delicious! This recipe brings back all the flavors of those old-fashioned potlucks and family gatherings.
This Southern Pear Salad Recipe is a true classic – a little quirky, a little unexpected, and a whole lot of delicious! Some outside of the South might even call it weird.
With sweet canned pears, creamy mayonnaise, and a touch of cheddar cheese, it brings a fun, retro vibe to the table. You might raise an eyebrow at first but give it a try – the mix of flavors is surprisingly delicious.
Ingredients
- Lettuce leaves
- For pear halves, I prefer using a can of pears, but you can certainly use fresh pears that have been peeled and deseeded.
- Mayonnaise
- Cheddar cheese
- Maraschino Cherries (optional)
Instructions
1 – Arrange lettuce leaves on a salad plate.
2 – Place a pear half on top of the lettuce.
3 – Add a dollop of mayonnaise (about 1 tablespoon) to the pear.
4 – Sprinkle the mayonnaise with shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 tablespoon).
5 – Finish with a maraschino cherry (optional).
What’s the Best Lettuce for the Salad?
Choosing the right type can make a world of difference to your salad. The recipe calls for lettuce leaves; we’ve given a few suggestions like butter lettuce, bibb, or romaine.
Butter lettuce, with its tender, sweet leaves, is a fantastic choice if you fancy something mild.
Bibb lettuce, often called Boston lettuce, has a sweet flavor and a slightly crunchy quality that goes well with the soft pear halves.
And then there’s romaine, crisp and sturdy; it can hold up to any dressing you throw its way.
Iceberg is also an acceptable option. Let’s face it, most people don’t eat the lettuce leaf anyway.
Remember, the best salads are all about balance, so go ahead, mix, and match until you find your perfect combination.
Substitutions and Additions
If mayonnaise isn’t your thing, try using Greek yogurt for a tangy and healthier alternative.
Blue cheese or a sharp cheddar cheese can replace regular cheddar for a kick.
If you’re not a fan of cherries, why not add a handful of pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and a sweet-tart flavor?
If you want more crunch, consider tossing in some walnuts or pecans. They’ll bring a touch of class to your salad.
And lastly, for an extra touch of sweetness, try drizzling a little honey over the top.
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Recipe Tips
- I prefer canned pears for this easy recipe, but it can be made with fresh, ripe pears; you have to ensure they are fully ripe. You don’t want hard pears that you need to use a knife to cut.
- If the thought of some tangy mayo on fruit makes you a little queasy, you can always use cottage cheese instead. My dad used to ask for a pineapple version of this salad. It was a lettuce leaf, topped with a pineapple slice, then a scoop of cottage cheese, and topped with some cheddar cheese.
Storage
If you have any leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
Can I Use a Different Fruit in This Salad?
This salad is super easy to customize! Instead of pears, try apples, peaches, or even grilled pineapple for a fun change. Just remember to adjust the other ingredients (like the sweetness of the fruit and the toppings) so everything works together.
What Kind of Dressing Would You Recommend if I’m Not a Fan of Mayonnaise?
Substitute with Miracle Whip, Greek Yogurt, or cottage cheese.
Is There a Specific Way to Serve This Salad?
This salad works for so many occasions! It’s fancy enough to be a starter before a nice dinner, but also simple enough to go with your favorite sandwich. Picnics, potlucks… this salad fits right in.
More Classic Southern Recipes You Don’t Want to Miss
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Coconut Poke Cake
- No-Fail Fruit Cobbler
- Banana Pudding
- Southern Red Velvet Cake
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Southern Pear Salad
Ingredients
- 6 Lettuce leaves butter lettuce, bibb lettuce, or romaine
- 6 Pear halves two 15.25 ounce cans
- 6 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 6 tablespoons Cheddar cheese
- 6 Maraschino Cherries optional
Instructions
- Place a layer of leaves on a salad plate.
- Top with a pear half.
- Top with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle the mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Top with a maraschino cherry if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may vary based on exact ingredients used. For accuracy, consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
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This recipe was written and tested by a human.
Editor: Oliver Baysinger
Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller
Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller is a food journalist, CEO of Pear Tree Kitchen, and co-creator of Food Blogger Help. She also has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a registered nurse licensed in the State of Oklahoma. When she has free time between writing, blogging, and cooking, she can be found volunteering as an RN with the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps.