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This quick Indian-inspired Pear Salad is my favourite! 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, it’s perfect for those seeking nutritious options.
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.
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
- 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:
Toss & serve:
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
It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite! But here’s the best part: it’s not just delicious, it’s also packed with goodness. We’re talking about a balanced mix of carbs, healthy fats, and dietary fibre, all in one bowl.
And let’s talk about simplicity—no heavy pear salad dressing is needed here. Nope, we’re keeping it light and fresh with just the right combination of spices, fresh cilantro, and a splash of lemon juice.
Food safe storage
For optimal freshness, enjoy this salad immediately after preparing it. Ripe pears can lose their texture and colour if left sitting for too long. To streamline your prep, you can pre-chop most of the ingredients and store them separately until ready to serve. When it’s time to dig in, simply cut the pears and toss everything together for a crisp and delicious salad experience.
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!
Get the Recipe:
5-Minute Pecan & Pear Salad With Chaat Masala
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pears, medium-ripe
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup cilantro, leaves only, washed, chopped
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ¼ tsp chilli powder, hot
- 4 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup pecans, plain
Optional
- 2 cups rocket, also 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).
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 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.
Nutrition Information:
Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
