Hearty Roast Beef, Pear and Pea Pod Salad

Hearty Roast Beef, Pear and Pea Pod Salad Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Hearty Roast Beef, Pear and Pea Pod Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of tender roast beef, sweet pears, crunchy pea pods, and tangy vinaigrette creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic beef and pear salad. The combination of beef and fruit in salads has been popular for centuries, with variations found in cuisines around the world. This particular recipe adds a unique twist with the addition of pea pods and a zesty mustard vinaigrette.

Ingredients

1 head of lettuce
10 oz (283 g) roast beef
2 carrots
3 fresh California bartlett pears
1 small red onion
10 oz (283 g) fresh Chinese pea pods
0.25 cup pitted black olives
8 oz (227 g) low calorie italian salad dressing
2 tsp dijon mustard

How to prepare

On a serving platter or individual plates, arrange lettuce leaves.
Place the remaining salad ingredients on top.
In a small bowl, combine the vinaigrette ingredients and drizzle over the salad. For the mustard vinaigrette, mix low-calorie Italian salad dressing with Dijon-style mustard.
Note: To keep the fruit colors bright, dip pear slices in the mustard vinaigrette as you cut them, or cut the pears just before serving.

Variations

Substitute the roast beef with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
Use a different type of fruit, such as apples or grapes, for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To keep the fruit colors bright, dip pear slices in the mustard vinaigrette as you cut them, or cut the pears just before serving.

- Make sure to slice the roast beef thinly for easy eating.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or nuts for added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light meal on its own or paired with a side of crusty bread or soup for a heartier meal.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to slice the roast beef thinly for easy eating.

- Toss the salad ingredients gently to coat them evenly with the vinaigrette.

- Serve the salad immediately after preparing to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of lettuce you prefer, such as romaine or spinach.

- Substitute the pea pods with snap peas or green beans.

- Use any type of pear you like, such as Anjou or Bosc.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine everything just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad ingredients in a colorful and appealing way on a large platter or individual plates. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a crisp sparkling water or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Hearty Roast Beef, Pear and Pea Pod Salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a good source of carbohydrates, with the pears and pea pods providing natural sugars and fiber. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this salad come primarily from the low-calorie Italian salad dressing and the olives. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

The roast beef in this salad is a great source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the pears and pea pods. It also contains iron and zinc from the roast beef. Each serving provides a good amount of essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef and olives, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, this salad is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

Summary

This Hearty Roast Beef, Pear and Pea Pod Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a mix of flavors and textures, it is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling satisfied. Enjoy this salad as a healthy and flavorful option for lunch or dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, visiting my aunt in the countryside. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals and always welcomed me with open arms. On this particular visit, she had prepared a hearty roast beef, pear, and pea pod salad that left me speechless.

I remember walking into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of the beef roasting in the oven filling the air. My aunt greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, inviting me to sit at the table while she finished preparing the salad. As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but wonder how she managed to create such a delectable dish.

Curious and eager to learn, I asked my aunt if I could help her with the salad. She chuckled and handed me a knife, showing me how to peel the pears and slice them into thin, delicate pieces. As I worked alongside her, I listened intently as she shared the story behind the recipe.

She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from a distant relative who had traveled the world in search of new and exciting flavors. Along the way, this relative had picked up various cooking techniques and ingredients, eventually creating a unique blend of flavors that became the signature dish of our family.

My aunt explained that the secret to the salad's success lay in the combination of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The tender roast beef, marinated in a savory blend of herbs and spices, was the perfect complement to the sweet, juicy pears and crunchy pea pods. The salad was then dressed with a tangy vinaigrette made from scratch, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.

As I listened to my aunt's words, I felt a sense of pride and admiration for the culinary heritage that had been passed down to me. I knew that I wanted to learn more about cooking and carry on the tradition of creating delicious meals for my loved ones.

After the salad was finally ready, my aunt and I sat down at the table to enjoy our meal together. The flavors danced on my tongue, each bite a symphony of tastes and textures that left me wanting more. As we savored the last morsels of salad, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

Since that day, I have recreated the hearty roast beef, pear, and pea pod salad countless times, each time adding my own twist to the original recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, spreading the joy and comfort that comes from a delicious home-cooked meal.

As I look back on that fateful day in my aunt's kitchen, I am grateful for the knowledge and inspiration that she passed on to me. The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time will always bring a smile to my face, a reminder of the love and tradition that binds us together as a family. And as I continue to cook and create in my own kitchen, I am reminded of the simple joy that comes from sharing a meal with those we hold dear.