Last Updated on June 21, 2024 by Lisa Keys
I am taking part in the "USA Pears Blogger Recipe Challenge". The Best Warm Pear Pad Thai Salad is my entry into the side dish category.
USA Pears are at their peak of freshness right now, so I’m simply happy to accept this challenge using this beautiful versatile fruit. The fact that northwest pears come in 10 varieties and work well in both savory and sweet dishes get me excited about breaking away from the traditional side dishes I typically serve this time of year. I personally love Bosc and Anjou pears for baking, but any firm ripe pear variety works in this salad recipe. Pick your favorite.
I hope you are ready to tingle your taste buds with this warm Pear Pad Thai Salad. It’s the “pear-fect” side dish to your roasted poultry, beef tenderloin or fish and will absolutely satisfy any take-out cravings. Here is the bonus: If you just happen to have a vegetarian guest at your table this really could be their meal, so no fretting as to what to serve them.
This Thai inspired pear noodle salad checks off the boxes for authentic Asian flavors. It’s crispy, crunchy, salty, sweet and tangy. Further, in the time it takes to boil some noodles it’s ready to go.
It could be my favorite entry of all or maybe this pear poundcake is my favorite. Or, I don't know, I really liked this pear crostini and this pear dessert.
The Best Warm Pear Pad Thai Salad
Ingredients
Peanut Dressing
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter
- ¼ cup warm water
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Thai fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon Thai red curry paste
Pear Pad Thai Salad
- 2 firm ripe USA pears julienned (do not peel)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 8 ounces pad Thai noodles rice noodles or soba noodles
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 red bell pepper julienned
- 1 carrot julienned
- ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions including some of the bright green
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro plus additional for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk all the Peanut Dressing ingredients together until well blended; set aside.
- In another bowl, toss pears with lime juice; set aside.
- Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain noodles.
- In large bowl, toss noodles with sesame oil and ¼ cup of dressing. Add pears, including the lime juice, bell peppers, carrot, scallions and cilantro; toss to combine.
- Pour remaining dressing over salad; toss again. Sprinkle with peanuts and sesame seeds. Garnish with cilantro.
Nutrition
For more information and delicious recipes check out the website at USA Pears and their social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram) @usapears
Krista Skinner
Lisa, This looks so good. Any suggestions on how to get the flavor without the fish sauce? My daughter is vegan now, and I'm desperately looking for a Thanksgiving dish for her. This looks like something she would enjoy.
Lisa
No problem eliminating the fish sauce. It will still taste wonderful. You could also add some thinly sliced sautéed shiitake mushrooms for a flavor boost.
Lou
Looks delicious!
Lisa
I think everyone will love it for Thanksgiving.
Beverly
Thanks for the recipe, my Asian pear tree is full of fruit.
Lisa
You are very welcome. This recipe will be delicious with Asian pears. I love their crisp texture.