Autumn Shells Salad With Curried Apples, Pears, and Walnuts

🍂🍏🍐🥗🌰

Autumn Shells Salad with Curried Apples, Pears, and Walnuts is a delightful and hearty salad that perfectly captures the flavors of the fall season. This salad combines the sweetness of ripe apples and pears, the earthy richness of walnuts, and a hint of curry spice to create a unique and delicious dish.

History:
While I don’t have specific historical information about this salad, it’s likely that it was developed to celebrate the abundance of autumn fruits and nuts. The combination of apples and pears is a classic choice for the fall season, and adding a touch of curry seasoning adds an interesting twist to the traditional fruit salad.

Components:

• 2 cups of shell-shaped pasta (conchiglie or similar)
• 2 ripe apples
• 2 ripe pears
• 1 cup of chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 teaspoons of curry powder
• 1/2 lemon (juiced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Steps to Prepare:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Boil a large pot of salted water.
   • Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, curry powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and if you prefer a spicier salad, you can add more curry powder.

3. Prepare the Fruits and Nuts:

   • Core and dice the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces.
   • In a separate pan, lightly toast the walnuts over medium heat until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced apples, diced pears, and toasted walnuts.
   • Pour the curry dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

5. Chill and Serve:

   • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   • Just before serving, garnish with fresh parsley and, if desired, more toasted walnuts.

Time Needed:
The preparation time for this salad is approximately 20-30 minutes, and it requires an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in total, you should allow about 50-60 minutes to make this delicious Autumn Shells Salad with Curried Apples, Pears, and Walnuts.

Enjoy your autumn-inspired salad! 🍂🍏🍐🥗🌰

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Autumn Shells Salad with Curried Apples, Pears, and Walnuts:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for a Single Serving):

• Calories: 400-450
• Total Fat: 20-25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
• Cholesterol: 10-15 milligrams
• Sodium: 200-250 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 50-55 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 5-6 grams
• Sugars: 18-20 grams
• Protein: 7-8 grams

Health Information:

1. Fiber: This salad is a good source of dietary fiber, thanks to the pasta, fruits, and walnuts. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help with feeling full and satisfied.

2. Protein: While not extremely high in protein, this salad provides a moderate amount. Protein is important for muscle and tissue repair and overall body function.

3. Fats: The fats in this salad come from the mayonnaise, walnuts, and any added fats in the yogurt or dressing. The fats from walnuts are heart-healthy, providing essential omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Sugar: The natural sugars in apples, pears, and honey provide sweetness. These are healthier alternatives to added sugars, but it’s still important to consume them in moderation.

5. Curry Spice: The use of curry powder adds flavor and potential health benefits. Curry spices often contain anti-inflammatory compounds like turmeric, which may have health-promoting properties.

6. Antioxidants: Apples and pears are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage and support overall health.

7. Calcium: Greek yogurt contains calcium, which is essential for bone health.

8. Portion Control: As with any dish, portion control is essential. While this salad is nutritious, eating it in moderation as part of a balanced diet is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Please note that the actual nutritional content may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to check product labels and adjust the recipe to meet your dietary needs and preferences.