posted by 
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 anti-inflammatory 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 healthy salad ideas? This Cabbage Poriyal with Cauliflower is delicious with the zing of spices.
Nutrition Highlights
This superfood salad is a powerhouse of health:
- Low glycemic and hydrating, thanks to pears.
- Vitamin-packed, with cilantro fighting inflammation.
- Rich in quercetin and sulfur compounds, courtesy of red onion
Ingredients
- Ripe Pears: Opt for sweet varieties like Bosc or Comice.
- 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: For maximum flavour and freshness.
- Chaat Masala: Adds a unique blend of spices including cumin and coriander.
- 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.
Food Safe Storage
To keep your salad at its freshest, enjoy it right after you make it—those ripe pears can lose their color and texture if they sit too long. If you’re looking to streamline your prep, you can chop most of your ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. When it’s time to serve, just slice your pears, toss everything together, and enjoy a crisp, flavorful salad
If you give this recipe, 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.
