Southern Pear Salad

Pear Salad on a platter with lettuce leaves.

5 from 1 vote

Southern Pear Salad is an old-fashioned recipe combining simple ingredients—canned pears, mayo, and cheddar cheese—to create something truly remarkable.

Prep Time5

Cook Time0

Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Servings: servings

Calories: 125kcal

Author: Gina Abernathy

Ingredients

1 (29 oz.) can Bartlett Pears or 2 (15 oz.) cans
⅓ cup Mayonnaise
½ cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
1 jar Maraschino Cherries optional
Lettuce Leaves optional

Instructions

Drain pears and pat dry with a paper towel. Line the platter with lettuce leaves, or use a rimmed platter to set pears on the dish.
Add a small spoonful of mayonnaise into the hollow of each pear half.
Sprinkle each pear with shredded cheddar cheese.
If you’re feeling fancy, crown each pear with a maraschino cherry. Chill for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Notes

Pears: Choose a good brand of pears. I recommend Bartlett Pears for the best shape and size.

Drain Pears: Drain the canned pears well and pat dry with a paper towel to prevent soggy pears.

Use Real Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayo for the best flavor.

Grate Your Cheese: If time allows, grate your cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded. It seems to stick better to the mayo.

Serve on Lettuce Leaves: This step is optional. It makes a pretty presentation and keeps the pears from sliding.

Assemble Before Serving: Although you can make this pear salad beforehand, it is simple enough to assemble about 30 minutes before serving.

How To Store Leftovers

Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They'll stay suitable for up to 2 days.
Don't freeze: This salad doesn't freeze well—the mayo and cheese don't hold up in the freezer.
Freshen up before serving: If serving these again as leftovers, add a fresh sprinkle of cheese before serving.

Nutrition