| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 275 | 17g | 2g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 14g | 6g | 5g | 0.01g |
There’s something comfortingly familiar and uniquely inventive about this Parsnip and Pear Salad with Walnuts recipe. It echoes the innovative spirit of my hometown, New York City, where folks from all over meld their diverse gastronomic influences into a shared culinary love story. It’s a dish that simultaneously rings of grandma’s Sunday lunches and the exciting experimentation of a Manhattan chef’s table.
A Tribute to Simple Goodness
This salad, you see, is not much different from a classic Waldorf salad. It calls on the sublime interplay of fruits, nuts, and a honey-mustard dressing, just like its time-honored counterpart. But here’s where the dance steps slightly diverge. We’re trading the celery for parsnips, the apples for pears, and the mayo for a light, heart-healthy olive oil base. Is it a tribute to the Waldorf, or is it the Waldorf’s chic, urban-dwelling cousin? I like to think it’s a bit of both.
It’s a brilliant side to a hearty free-range chicken or a grilled salmon filet. You might even enjoy it with a lusciously grilled burger during those vibrant city summers. Just don’t be surprised when it charmingly steals the spotlight from the ‘hero’ of your table.
Just like in a good play, every character matters. The same goes for food.
Saluting Health and Flavor
This Parsnip and Pear Salad with Walnuts doesn’t just stand out in flavor, it’s awash in health benefits too. Parsnips, my friends, are an often overlooked source of essential nutrients. They’re low in calories yet high in fiber, aiding in digestion while curbing cravings. Pears, with their crunchy sweetness, are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. And let’s not forget the walnuts, lending their crunchy texture while serving a healthy dose of Omega-3 fatty acids, known for lowering inflammation and promoting heart health.
Our symphony of flavors carries a health-boosting rhythm, and that’s the beauty of it. Each ingredient serves a purpose – it’s just like a well-directed play, where every character, line, and pause carries meaning. It’s this marriage of taste, health benefits, and simplicity that makes this recipe a symphony to one’s palate. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 3 large parsnips
- 3 ripe pears
- 1 cup of walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of fresh parsley leaves
Method
Step One
Begin by peeling the parsnips and pears. Cut them into matchstick-size pieces and set them aside.
Step Two
Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into a frying pan and place over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped parsnips and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step Three
Add chopped pears into the frying pan with parsnips. Cook together for another 5 minutes until they are both slightly golden and soft. Then remove them from heat and let cool.
Step Four
While your parsnips and pears are cooling, toast the walnuts. Use the same frying pan, add the walnuts to the pan and toast for about 3 – 5 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from getting burnt. Once toasty, set them aside to cool.
Step Five
In a small bowl, combine the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk these together until they’re well combined. This will be your salad dressing.
Step Six
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooled parsnips and pears, the toasted walnuts, and fresh parsley leaves. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together, making sure it’s all evenly coated in the dressing.
Step Seven
Your parsnip and pear salad with walnuts is now ready to serve! Enjoy it fresh, or store it in the fridge for later.
