Indulge in the refreshing and light flavors of a Pear & Grape Salad, a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of pears with the juicy burst of seedless grapes. This salad offers a unique blend of textures and tastes, with creamy cottage cheese acting as a velvety base for the fruit. The pears, halved and cored, are placed on a bed of crisp iceberg lettuce leaves, and generously frosted with a mixture of whipped cottage cheese, skimmed milk, and a hint of granulated sugar. Finally, the salad is adorned with halved seedless white grapes, adding a burst of freshness and a touch of elegance. With its combination of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors, this Pear & Grape Salad is a perfect addition to any summer gathering, brunch, or light lunch.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 teaspoons skimmed milk
- 225g/8oz low-fat cottage cheese, whipped
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 large pears, halved, peeled, and cored
- 8 iceberg lettuce leaves
- 20 seedless white grapes, halved
PREPARATIONS:
- In a bowl, mix the skimmed milk with the whipped cottage cheese and granulated sugar until it reaches a spreading consistency.
- Place the pear halves on top of the iceberg lettuce leaves, with the cut side facing down.
- Generously frost the pear halves with the cottage cheese mixture.
- Press the halved seedless white grapes, cut side down, into the cottage cheese mixture.
- Chill the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving.
TIPS:
- Opt for ripe pears that are slightly soft to the touch, as they will be sweeter and juicier.
- Feel free to substitute the iceberg lettuce with your preferred salad greens, such as mixed greens or baby spinach, for added variety.
- To enhance the flavor profile of the salad, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a pleasant crunch.
YIELD:
- The Pear & Grape Salad serves 4.
In conclusion, this Pear & Grape Salad is a delightful combination of creamy cottage cheese, sweet pears, and refreshing seedless grapes. The creamy and slightly tangy cottage cheese serves as a velvety base for the salad, perfectly complementing the natural sweetness of the pears and the juicy burst of the grapes. The iceberg lettuce leaves provide a crisp and refreshing bed for the fruit, adding a delightful textural contrast to the creamy components.
To prepare the salad, the pears are halved, peeled, and cored, then placed on top of the lettuce leaves. They are generously frosted with a mixture of whipped cottage cheese, skimmed milk, and a touch of granulated sugar, creating a luscious coating that enhances the flavor and texture of the fruit. The seedless white grapes, halved, are pressed into the cottage cheese, adding a burst of freshness and juiciness to each bite.
Chilling the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and creates a refreshing and cooling experience. The combination of creamy cottage cheese, sweet pears, and juicy grapes makes this salad a perfect addition to any summer meal, brunch, or light lunch.
For added variety, you can experiment with different types of pears, such as Bartlett or Bosc, to introduce varying flavors and textures. Additionally, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch and a hint of earthiness.
In conclusion, this Pear & Grape Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that celebrates the flavors of summer. With its creamy and sweet components, it offers a satisfying balance of tastes and textures. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.
