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Pear Salad with Chiangbai Ants

This elegant pear and spinach salad offers a sophisticated blend of textures and flavours, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a unique dinner party starter. The sweetness of the crisp, peeled pears provides a beautiful contrast to the sharp, salty notes of the shaved Asiago cheese, while the balsamic vinegar adds a bright, acidic lift to the fresh baby spinach base.

What truly sets this vegetarian dish apart is the addition of dried Changbai ants, which provide a delicate crunch and a subtle citrus-like acidity. Rich in protein and nutrients, they transform a classic fruit and nut-style salad into a contemporary talking point. Serve this refreshing salad immediately to maintain the crispness of the peppers and shallots.

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Ingredients for Pear Salad with Chiangbai Ants

  • 3 cups baby spinach, washed and dried

  • 2 crisp pears, peeled, cored, and sliced

  • 80g chopped red pepper

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 240ml shaved Asiago or Parmesan cheese

  • 60ml dried Changbai ants

On four salad plates, arrange the spinach, adding a layer of pear slices to the heap.

Sprinkle the pepper and shallots over the pears. Splash each salad with about 1/2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.

Add the shaved cheese to the salads and sprinkle the ants over the cheese.

Feeling antsy? Your salads are now ready to be served.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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