If there’s one thing Southerners know how to do, it’s take a simple ingredient and turn it into something nostalgic, comforting and (sometimes) unexpected. Pear salad is exactly that. It’s one of those dishes that might raise eyebrows outside the South, but for those of us who grew up with it, one bite takes us right back to our childhood.
This recipe was shared on Southern Living's Instagram (@southernlivingmag), where editor and pear salad enthusiast Ivy Odom Aponte waxed poetic about the classic Southern recipe. Watching the video brought back so many childhood memories of eating this refreshing salad during the spring and summer.
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At its core, the classic Southern pear salad is simple: canned pear halves topped with a dollop of mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip), a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and a bright red maraschino cherry on top. It’s the kind of recipe you’d find in a church cookbook, at a family potluck or on your mamaw’s table, served on a bed of iceberg lettuce for just a touch of fancy. It doesn’t make sense to the uninitiated, but for those who grew up eating it, the balance of sweet and savory just works.
But as Aponte shows in the video, pear salad has been reinvented over the years, though, and while the classic version is still beloved, plenty of people have taken it and run with it, making versions that are more modern, more elegant or just plain different. For example, a lot of recipes use cottage cheese or Greek yogurt in place of the mayo, and some call for diced pineapple instead of a cherry, giving this salad a different flavor and texture.
A more refined take uses fresh pears, crumbled goat cheese and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze. Some versions toss in nuts like pecans or walnuts, making it feel right at home on a modern Southern table. For a sweet and spicy contrast, use fresh or canned pears, crumbled blue cheese, hot honey and a pinch of chili flakes.
For something a little more upscale, pair sliced pears with peppery arugula, toasted pecans, blue cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. It’s the kind of thing you’d see at a farm-to-table restaurant but still has some Southern flair.
Want to make this more of a meal than a side dish or snack? Dice some fresh pears and toss them into a creamy chicken salad with pecans, celery and a touch of Dijon mustard, then use this to fill halved canned pears. It’s perfect for a busy night when you need something quick but satisfying.
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Why Southerners Love Pear Salad
You know how some dishes just take you back to childhood? That’s what pear salad is for so many Southerners. It’s a staple at family gatherings, the kind of thing an aunt would whip up without a second thought.
Pear salad fits into that quirky category of Southern dishes that blend sweet and savory in a way that confounds many outsiders. The mayo and cheese balance the sugary pears, and that cherry on top? It’s just for fun!
If you love creative takes on classic recipes, pear salad is an invitation to play with ingredients. Whether you want to embrace the traditional version or put your own spin on it, it’s a dish with deep Southern roots and endless possibilities.
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