Asian Pear, Celery, and Scallion Salad with Sesame Seeds: Fresh, Crunchy, and Flavorful

Discover a refreshing, nutrient-rich Asian pear and celery salad that balances crisp textures, bright flavors, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 28, 2025

Discover a refreshing, nutrient-rich Asian pear and celery salad that balances crisp textures, bright flavors, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing.

Asian Pear, Celery, and Scallion Salad with Sesame Seeds

This Asian pear, celery, and scallion salad is a symphony of freshness, crunch, and bright flavors. With its blend of crisp Asian pear, snappy celery, and tangy ginger dressing crowned with toasted sesame seeds, this salad is a nutrient-rich, fat-fighting dish that is as satisfying as it is simple. Perfect for a quick lunch, a showy side, or an easy add-on to your weeknight dinners, this salad makes the most of seasonal produce and pantry staples, delivering both taste and well-being in every bite.

Why This Salad Works
Key Ingredients
How to Make the Salad
Nutrition Benefits
Tips and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions

Why This Salad Works

This salad is a celebration of simple, whole-food ingredients that come together to create a dish with balanced flavors and plenty of texture. The sweetness and crunch of Asian pear pair beautifully with the fresh bite of celery and sharp scallions. A zippy dressing made from rice vinegar and ginger delivers an aromatic lift while toasted sesame seeds lend a nutty richness.

Quick and easy: Ready in under 10 minutes from start to finish.
Raw and refreshing: All ingredients are used fresh for maximum nutrition and crunch.
Ginger-sesame flavor: Adds aromatic depth and Asian-inspired notes.
No added sugars: The natural sweetness of pear is the star.
Adaptable: Easily modified for vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary needs.

Key Ingredients

Each ingredient in this salad serves a purpose, both in terms of flavor and nutritional value.

Ingredient	Role	Nutrition Highlight
Asian pear	Sweet, juicy crunch	Fiber, vitamin C, hydration
Celery	Fresh, crisp base	Fiber, potassium, antioxidants
Scallions (green onions)	Sharp, slightly sweet bite	Vitamin K, A, and flavor
Rice vinegar	Tangy acidity	Zero calorie flavor enhancer
Avocado oil	Mild, healthy fat	Monounsaturated fats, vitamin E
Fresh ginger	Zesty, aromatic spice	Gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory
Toasted sesame seeds	Crunch, nutty flavor	Calcium, plant protein
Kosher salt	Balanced seasoning	Minerals (in moderation)

Ingredient Spotlight: Asian Pear

Also called apple pears, nashi pears, or Korean pears, Asian pears are crisp, round fruit with a sweet-tart flavor and firm, juicy flesh. Their texture is closer to an apple than traditional European pears. When selecting, look for fruit that are unblemished, firm, and aromatic, with smooth or russeted skin depending on the variety. Store them in the refrigerator for extended freshness, though they keep well at cool room temperature for a few days.

How to Make the Salad

This recipe comes together in minutes with minimal preparation and no special equipment required. For the best results, slice or julienne the ingredients as thinly as possible for even texture and bite.

Ingredients List

2 Tbsp rice vinegar
2 Tbsp avocado oil (or other neutral oil)
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Kosher salt, to taste (start with 1/4 tsp)
1 large Asian pear, thinly sliced
3 scallions, thinly sliced
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Directions

Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, avocado oil, grated ginger, and salt.
Prepare the produce: Core and slice the Asian pear very thinly (you may peel if the skin is tough). Thinly slice the scallions and celery.
Assemble: Add the pear, scallions, celery, and toasted sesame seeds to the bowl with the dressing, and gently toss to combine until everything is well coated.
Serve: Divide among plates and serve immediately for optimal crunch. Enjoy within a few hours, as the pear’s texture is best fresh.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbohydrates	Fiber	Sugars	Fat	Sodium
140 kcal	2 g	14 g	5 g	8 g (0 g added)	9 g (1 g sat.)	188 mg

Nutrition Benefits

This salad packs a punch of nutrients with every bite:

Fiber: Supports digestive health and satiety, aiding in weight management.
Vitamins C and K: Contribute to immune health and bone strength, respectively.
Phytonutrients: Fresh ginger and scallions promote anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Healthy fats: Avocado oil and sesame seeds provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Low in sodium and sugar: With no added sugar and minimal salt, this salad is a lighter choice for those watching blood pressure or glucose.

Tips and Variations

Vary the pear: If Asian pears aren’t available, try a medium-firm apple or D’Anjou pear for a comparable crunch and sweetness.
Add nuts or seeds: Toasted almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or additional sesame seeds boost nutrition and flavor.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a touch of Thai chili for gentle heat.
Herby notes: Chopped fresh cilantro or mint makes the salad feel even lighter and more aromatic.
Make it a meal: Top with shredded cooked chicken, tofu, or tempeh for protein.
Dress it up: Swirl in a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil for deeper flavor.

Prepping Ahead

If you need to prep in advance, slice the celery and scallions ahead of time. Slice the pear just before serving to prevent browning, or toss with a bit of extra rice vinegar or lemon juice if holding for later.

Serving Suggestions

This salad’s crisp texture and bright flavors pair especially well with:

Grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a light entree
Part of a Buddha bowl lunch (with rice, quinoa, or beans)
Alongside Asian noodle dishes or stir-fries
Layered in lettuce cups or wraps
At picnics and potlucks, since it holds its crunch well

For a more elegant presentation, fan the sliced Asian pear on a platter and layer the remaining salad ingredients decoratively on top. Scatter with extra sesame seeds just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are Asian pears and how do you select a good one?

A: Asian pears—also known as apple pears, nashi, or Korean pears—are round, with crisp texture and juicy sweetness. Select pears that are firm, fragrant, and free of bruises or soft spots. Skin may be yellow, speckled, or russet-brown depending on the variety. They should feel heavy for their size.

Q: Can you substitute another fruit for Asian pears in this salad?

A: Yes, if Asian pears are unavailable, try using a firm, sweet apple such as Honeycrisp, or a crisp D’Anjou or Bartlett pear to maintain similar texture and sweetness.

Q: How can I make this salad ahead?

A: Prepare all ingredients except for the pear up to one day ahead. Slice and add the pear just before serving to prevent browning and loss of crispness.

Q: Is this salad suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets?

A: Yes, this salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free as written. Ensure your rice vinegar is gluten-free if you are highly sensitive.

Q: What other dishes pair well with this salad?

A: This salad complements a wide range of Asian-inspired mains, grilled proteins, stir-fried noodles, or light grain bowls. It also works as a palate-cleansing starter for hearty meals.

Related Recipes to Try

Blueberry Corn Salad: A sweet-savory salad for summer meals
Harvest Spaghetti: Combining seasonal veggies for a hearty dish
Salmon, Avocado, and Citrus Salad: For a protein-packed, omega-3-rich alternative
Tagliatelle with Creamy Gochujang Tofu Sauce: For a spicy, creamy Asian fusion meal
Cavatappi with Moroccan-Spiced Chicken: For heartier flavor profiles

Enjoy the goodness of Asian pears, celery, and scallions as a new staple in your healthy meal routine!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb