A Pear Salad So Good, Even Astoria Would Approve! This pear waldorf salad recipe appeared in the The Lily Wallace New American Cook book in 1953.
Pear Waldorf Salad: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Favorite
The Waldorf salad is an iconic dish that has been gracing dinner tables for over a century. Originally created at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in the late 19th century, it was a simple combination of apples, celery, walnuts, and mayonnaise. But in the world of food, classics can always evolve and inspire new variations. One delightful update to this beloved salad is the Pear Waldorf Salad—a refreshing, flavorful twist that adds a new layer of sweetness and complexity to the traditional recipe.
The History of the Waldorf Salad
Before diving into the magic of the pear version, let’s take a quick look at the origins of the original Waldorf salad. Created by chef Oscar Tschirky in 1893 for a charity ball at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, the salad was initially served without any greens. It was simply a mix of diced apples, celery, and walnuts, dressed with mayonnaise. Over time, the recipe has evolved, with various ingredients such as grapes, chicken, and even yogurt being added.
While the classic Waldorf salad is a well-loved dish, the addition of pears introduces a fresh, juicy element that works perfectly with the crunch of walnuts and the crispness of celery.
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Pears are a perfect addition to the Waldorf salad for several reasons. Firstly, their natural sweetness balances the crispness of the celery and the rich, creamy dressing. Their juicy texture adds a refreshing bite that makes the salad feel light and vibrant. Moreover, pears come in several varieties, so you can experiment with different flavors—from the crisp and tart Bosc pear to the soft and sweet Bartlett pear.
In addition, pears bring a beautiful autumnal vibe to the dish, making it ideal for seasonal celebrations like Thanksgiving, or even a refreshing summer side. Their delicate, fragrant sweetness pairs effortlessly with the other ingredients, enhancing the salad’s flavors without overpowering them.
The Perfect Pairing
A Pear Waldorf Salad pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a light and healthy meal. You can also serve it at brunch with other fresh salads, or as a side at holiday dinners for a colorful and flavorful addition.
The Pear Waldorf Salad is a beautiful, balanced dish that can easily be customized to suit your tastes. With the natural sweetness of pears, the crunch of walnuts, and the creamy dressing, this twist on the classic Waldorf salad is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing a simple lunch or impressing guests at a dinner party, this salad is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the crisp, refreshing goodness of a Pear Waldorf Salad!
Pear Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced pears
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup walnuts cut into pieces
- 1 cup celery cut into pieces
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Mix pear, celery and nuts and moisten with mayonnaise. Arrange on crisp leaves of lettuce and garnish with whole nuts and candied cherries.
- Serves 6