Pear and Apple Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
If you’re longing for a refreshing, crisp salad that combines sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors all in one bowl, then this Pear and Apple Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is your next must-make. It’s a vibrant medley of fresh green pear and honeycrisp apple, balanced perfectly by a creamy poppy seed dressing with a hint of apple cider vinegar and crunchy roasted cashews. This salad is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings a burst of color, texture, and flavor to your table in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pear and Apple Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that effortlessly come together to create something extraordinary. Each item plays a crucial role — from the crisp romaine to the juicy fruits, the tangy dressing to the crunchy nuts — ensuring every bite is a joy.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that provides richness and smooth texture to the dressing.
- Half-and-half: Adds a light dairy touch to thin out the dressing just enough.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of vinegar with a touch of sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings bright acidity and tang, elevating the flavors.
- Poppy seeds: Give the dressing a delightful nutty crunch and a beautiful visual appeal.
- Dijon mustard: Adds subtle depth and slight sharpness to the dressing.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors we love in this salad.
- Romaine lettuce: The crisp and fresh green base that holds everything together.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: Adds a mild nuttiness and creamy character in every bite.
- Roasted cashews: Provide wonderful crunch and a buttery flavor contrast.
- Green pear: Offers juicy sweetness and a soft bite that complements the apples.
- Honeycrisp apple: Bursting with crisp juice, it brings a vibrant sweetness and texture.
- Dried cranberries: Add chewy tartness and a pop of red color.
How to Make Pear and Apple Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, half-and-half, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is impeccably smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with more sugar or salt if needed—this dressing is the magic that ties your salad together.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large serving bowl, combine the crisp romaine lettuce, shredded Swiss cheese, coarsely chopped roasted cashews, sliced green pear, cubed honeycrisp apple, and tart dried cranberries. Toss gently but thoroughly so that the diverse textures and flavors start mingling.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle your freshly made poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything carefully to ensure each leaf and morsel is evenly coated with the luscious dressing. This step ensures every bite is a delightful blend of juicy fruit, crunchy nuts, and crisp greens all wrapped in creamy tang.
How to Serve Pear and Apple Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a few additional roasted cashews and poppy seeds on top. Fresh mint leaves or thinly sliced green onions can bring a subtle freshness that brightens the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch or dinner. It also complements a rich quiche or roasted pork, offering a refreshing foil to heavier main courses.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual clear glass bowls or mason jars to showcase the beautiful layers and colors. Another fun idea is making it into a composed salad on a large platter, artfully arranging ingredients before tossing at the table for a dramatic reveal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this Pear and Apple Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe, keep the salad and dressing separate in airtight containers. Store the salad base in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to maintain crispness.
Freezing
While the salad itself is best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate fruits and greens, you can freeze extra dressing in an ice cube tray and thaw small portions as needed. This keeps the flavor fresh and convenient for future salads.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, use leftovers as a refreshing cold dish or enjoy the dressing with other salads or sandwiches.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing?
Absolutely! You can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing. It will change the flavor slightly but keeps the creamy texture intact.
Which type of pears works best in this salad?
Green pears like Bartlett or Anjou are fantastic due to their firm texture and mild sweetness. They hold up well without turning mushy in the salad.
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, toasted almonds or walnuts can be excellent alternatives that provide a different but equally satisfying crunch and nuttiness.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
To veganize this Pear and Apple Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe, substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or blended silken tofu, and replace Swiss cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or simply omit it.
How long does the salad stay crisp after assembling?
Once tossed with the dressing, the salad is best enjoyed immediately or within an hour for optimal crispness and texture. Lettuce and fruit will begin to soften if left too long.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Pear and Apple Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe that makes it a go-to for fresh, flavorful meals. Quick to assemble yet packed with a symphony of tastes and textures, it’s an outstanding way to brighten your day and impress family or guests. So grab those crisp fruits and roasted cashews, whip up the dressing, and treat yourself to this deliciously vibrant salad any day of the week!
Print
Pear and Apple Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A fresh and flavorful Pear and Apple Salad tossed with a creamy poppy seed dressing, featuring crisp romaine lettuce, shredded Swiss cheese, roasted cashews, dried cranberries, and sweet, juicy fruit for a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad makes a delightful appetizer or light meal for six.
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Salad:
- 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (2 ounces)
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews, coarsely chopped
- 1 green pear, cored and sliced
- 1 honeycrisp apple, cored and cubed small
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, half-and-half, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings if necessary to suit your preference.
- Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded Swiss cheese, roasted cashews, sliced green pear, cubed honeycrisp apple, and dried cranberries. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add the dressing and serve: Just before serving, pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Divide the salad onto individual plates or bowls, ensuring each serving contains a balanced mix of all the components, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- You can replace half-and-half with milk if preferred.
- To enhance crunch, toast the cashews lightly before adding.
- This salad is best served immediately to prevent the lettuce and fruit from becoming soggy.
- Adjust the sugar in the dressing based on the sweetness of your apples and pears.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
