This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer gatherings. With its vibrant colors and a mix of fresh ingredients, it’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for your taste buds. The combination of crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese brings a unique texture and flavor profile that makes this salad stand out. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, enjoying a light dinner, or looking for a refreshing side dish, this salad fits the occasion beautifully.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Flavorful: The sweet strawberries paired with savory goat cheese create an irresistible taste combination.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh produce like arugula and avocado, this salad is as healthy as it is delicious.
Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this dish in no time.
Versatile Options: Perfect as a side or main dish, this salad can easily be tailored to suit your preferences.
Great for Gatherings: Impress your guests with this colorful salad that’s sure to be a conversation starter.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Strawberry Crunch Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nonstick skillet
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick skillet: Prevents almonds from sticking and burning during the caramelizing process.
Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to toss all ingredients without making a mess.
Whisk: Ensures that the dressing emulsifies properly for a smoother consistency.

Ingredients

This strawberry salad is the best spring and summer meal! Super crunchy and textured with avocado and goat cheese. Absolutely delicious.

For the Crunchy Topping

⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds
3 tablespoons sugar

For the Salad Base

10 ounces arugula greens
8 ounces strawberries (hulled and quartered or chopped)
1 avocado (chopped)
2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
⅓ cup roasted (salted pistachios, chopped)

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1/2 lemon (juiced)
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 garlic clove (freshly grated)
pinch kosher salt and pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Almonds

Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Stir in the sugar and cook while stirring often until the sugar melts and coats all of the almonds—about 6 to 8 minutes.
Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly!
Once done, transfer the almonds to parchment paper to cool. Break apart any clumps.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.
Drizzle on your dressing (instructions below) and toss well.
Serve immediately for maximum freshness!

Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette

In another large bowl, combine vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Whisk together until combined.
While whisking continuously, stream in olive oil until dressing emulsifies.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to one week.

Now you have everything you need to enjoy this delightful Strawberry Crunch Salad! Enjoy it at your next gathering or as a refreshing meal anytime!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Main Course

Serve it chilled: Pair the salad with grilled chicken or fish for a light and refreshing meal.
Add grains: Incorporate quinoa or farro to make it more filling and nutritious.

As a Side Dish

Complement BBQ dishes: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, adding a refreshing touch to your plate.
Accompany sandwiches: Serve it alongside your favorite sandwich for a balanced lunch.

At Picnics and Potlucks

Pack it in jars: Layer ingredients in mason jars for easy transport and individual servings.
Include it in a buffet: Its colorful appearance will attract guests at any gathering.

For Meal Prep

Make ahead: Prepare the salad without dressing and store it in an airtight container for easy lunches throughout the week.
Keep dressing separate: Store the champagne vinaigrette on the side to maintain freshness until ready to serve.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Strawberry Crunch Salad, consider these tips:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries, ripe avocados, and crisp arugula enhance the overall taste.
Toast almonds carefully: Monitor them closely while cooking to avoid burning; they should be golden brown and fragrant.
Customize toppings: Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or nuts like walnuts for added texture.
Dress just before serving: To keep greens crisp, add dressing right before enjoying the salad.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Crunch Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and complement the salad’s freshness.
Garlic Bread: A crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from the salad.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide a warm contrast to the chilled salad.
Caprese Salad: The classic mozzarella, tomato, and basil dish harmonizes beautifully with strawberry flavors.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds crunch and is ideal for summer barbecues alongside this fruity salad.
Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with vinaigrette complements the textures of the Strawberry Crunch Salad nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Crunch Salad, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Overcooking the almonds: Cooking them too long can lead to burnt nuts. Keep a close eye and stir constantly until they’re perfectly caramelized.
Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or overripe strawberries can ruin your salad. Always pick fresh, vibrant strawberries for the best flavor.
Skipping the dressing: A well-made vinaigrette elevates the salad. Don’t skip this step; whisk together the ingredients for a delicious dressing that complements your salad perfectly.
Not seasoning properly: Underseasoning can make your salad bland. Be sure to add salt and pepper generously to enhance all the flavors in your dish.
Assembling too early: If you prepare the salad too far in advance, it may become soggy. Assemble just before serving for optimal crunch and freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of fresh ingredients like strawberries and avocado.
If you have leftover dressing, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, spread out any leftover salad on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds at a time to avoid wilting greens.
Stovetop: Toss in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, but be cautious not to cook it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Strawberry Crunch Salad.

Can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries or nuts such as walnuts for variety.

How do I keep avocados from browning in my salad?

To prevent browning, toss avocado pieces with lemon juice before adding them to your salad.

What can I substitute for goat cheese?

Feta cheese or even a plant-based cheese can work well if you’re looking for alternatives.

Is Strawberry Crunch Salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with nutrients from fruits and healthy fats from avocado and nuts.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Crunch Salad is an amazing dish that combines fresh ingredients with delightful textures. Its versatility allows you to customize it easily, making it perfect for any meal or occasion. Give it a try and enjoy its refreshing flavors!

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Strawberry Crunch Salad

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad, a perfect dish that celebrates the flavors of spring and summer. This delightful salad features crisp arugula, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, creating an irresistible combination of textures and tastes. Topped with crunchy caramelized almonds and drizzled with a zesty champagne vinaigrette, this salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a light main course. With its bright colors and delicious flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests while keeping your meals healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

10 ounces arugula greens
8 ounces strawberries (hulled and quartered)
1 avocado (chopped)
2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
⅔ cup sliced almonds
3 tablespoons sugar
⅓ cup chopped roasted pistachios
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1/2 lemon (juiced)
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 garlic clove (freshly grated)
pinch kosher salt and pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

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Instructions

In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine sliced almonds and sugar. Stir frequently until the sugar melts and coats the almonds (about 6-8 minutes). Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
In a large bowl, toss arugula with salt and pepper. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled almonds.
For the dressing: whisk together champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American