Description
A refreshing and vibrant Pistachio-Pear Cucumber Salad combining crisp cucumbers, sweet pears, tart cranberries, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy pistachios, tossed in a light red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing—perfect for a light appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced thin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 medium red onion, sliced thin
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 red pears, ripe but firm (such as Starkrimson), sliced
- 1/2 cup bleu cheese, crumbled
- 2/3 cup pistachios
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Salt the Cucumbers: Place the thinly sliced cucumbers into a colander and sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir gently to distribute the salt. Let them sit in the sink for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to help release excess liquid and prevent sogginess.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the red wine vinegar and olive oil. Add the thinly sliced red onions and stir to coat them thoroughly with the dressing, allowing the onions to soften slightly and blend flavors.
- Combine Cucumbers and Onions: After the cucumbers have released their liquid, add them to the bowl with the onions and gently stir to mix all the ingredients together evenly.
- Add Fruit and Cranberries: Incorporate the dried cranberries and sliced pears into the salad. Stir gently to combine, taking care to preserve the delicate texture of the pears and cranberries.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled bleu cheese and pistachios on top of the salad just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best taste and freshness.
Notes
- Salting the cucumbers helps to draw out excess moisture, keeping the salad crisp.
- Use firm pears to prevent them from becoming mushy in the salad.
- If you prefer, substitute bleu cheese with feta for a milder flavor.
- For added crunch, lightly toast the pistachios before adding.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.