This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer gatherings. Bursting with fresh flavors from strawberries and creamy avocado, this salad combines crunchy textures with a delightful champagne vinaigrette. It’s easy to make and versatile enough to serve at picnics, barbecues, or even a casual weeknight dinner. You’ll love how the sweet and savory elements come together in this delicious recipe.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation – With only 30 minutes needed, this salad is a breeze to whip up.
Fresh and vibrant flavors – The combination of strawberries, avocado, and goat cheese creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
Healthy ingredients – Packed with nutritious greens and healthy fats, this salad is both satisfying and good for you.
Versatile serving options – Serve it as a main dish or a side; it fits any occasion perfectly.
Make-ahead dressing – The champagne vinaigrette can be prepared in advance, saving time on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To create the Strawberry Crunch Salad, you’ll need some essential tools that will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nonstick skillet
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick skillet – Prevents almonds from sticking and burning while caramelizing, ensuring they turn out perfectly crunchy.
Large mixing bowl – Provides ample space for tossing all ingredients without spilling.
Whisk – Essential for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly together.

Ingredients

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

For the Salad

⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds
3 tablespoons sugar
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 Sugared Almonds

Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Stir in the sugar and cook, stirring often until the sugar melts into a caramely coating—this should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
Transfer the almonds to parchment paper to cool. Break them apart if they clump.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add in the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.
Drizzle on your prepared dressing and toss well. Serve immediately!

Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette

In another large bowl, combine vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Whisk these ingredients together until combined.
Stream in olive oil while whisking constantly until emulsified. Store in the fridge for up to one week.

With these steps completed, your delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad is ready to impress! Enjoy it as part of your next meal experience!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that shines at any gathering. Whether it’s a picnic or a family dinner, serving it right can enhance its appeal.

As a Standalone Meal

This salad is hearty enough to serve as a light lunch or dinner. Pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

With Grilled Proteins

Adding grilled chicken or shrimp elevates the dish. The smoky flavor complements the sweetness of strawberries beautifully.

At Special Occasions

Serve this salad at brunches or holiday gatherings. Its colorful presentation makes it a standout centerpiece on the table.

As Part of a Buffet

This salad works well in buffet setups. Guests can customize their portions and mix flavors as they please.

With Fresh Herbs

Top the salad with fresh herbs like basil or mint for an aromatic twist. This will enhance the freshness of your Strawberry Crunch Salad.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To enjoy the best version of Strawberry Crunch Salad, some tips can improve both flavor and texture.

Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh strawberries and greens for maximum flavor and nutrition.
Toast the nuts: Toasting almonds and pistachios adds depth to their flavor, making your salad even more delicious.
Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps meld the flavors together.
Adjust sweetness: Customize the dressing by adding more honey or reducing sugar based on your taste preference.
Add seasonal fruits: Incorporate other seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches for added variety and color.
Serve immediately: To maintain crunchiness, serve the salad right after tossing with dressing.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some options:

Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and grilled to perfection enhance your meal’s healthiness.
Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf provides protein and fiber, making it a wholesome addition to your meal.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a delightful burst of flavor.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds crunch and pairs nicely with the salad’s freshness.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted with spices give a comforting balance to the bright flavors of the salad.
Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous flavored with herbs complements both taste and texture in your meal.
Fruit Platter: An assortment of fresh fruits can refresh your palate alongside the rich flavors of your meals.
Cheesy Polenta Cakes: Creamy polenta cakes topped with cheese provide richness that balances out the lightness of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Crunch Salad, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls to ensure a delicious outcome.

Overcooking the Almonds: Pay close attention while caramelizing the almonds. If they cook too long, they can burn and ruin your salad’s crunch.
Skipping the Dressing: Don’t forget to make the champagne vinaigrette! It adds flavor that complements the salad perfectly.
Using Unripe Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for a sweet flavor. Unripe ones can make your salad taste sour.
Not Tossing Properly: Ensure all ingredients are well-mixed. A good toss helps distribute flavors throughout the salad.
Serving Too Late: Serve your salad immediately after tossing. This keeps the ingredients fresh and crisp.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best results.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to the avocado and strawberries’ texture changes when thawed.
If you must freeze, store only the sugared almonds in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

Oven: Not suitable for reheating as it may wilt greens.
Microwave: Avoid using for this salad; it will compromise freshness.
Stovetop: Not recommended; serve cold for best taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Strawberry Crunch Salad.

Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all ingredients ahead, but keep them separate until serving. This helps maintain freshness and texture.

What other toppings can I add to my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Feel free to customize with nuts, seeds, or additional fruits like blueberries or kiwi for added variety.

How can I make this Strawberry Crunch Salad vegan?

Substitute goat cheese with vegan cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.

Is Strawberry Crunch Salad healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with nutrients from greens, fruits, and healthy fats from avocado and nuts, making it a nutritious choice.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile. Perfect for spring and summer meals, it’s a delightful dish that you can easily customize based on your preferences. Try adding different fruits or nuts to make it your own!

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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

The Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful, vibrant dish that perfectly embodies the flavors of spring and summer. This refreshing salad features juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy nuts, all tossed together with a tangy champagne vinaigrette. It’s not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion—from casual picnics to elegant dinner parties. Packed with healthy ingredients like arugula and goat cheese, this salad serves as a satisfying main course or a beautiful side dish. Elevate your meal with this colorful creation that bursts with flavor and nutrients in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

10 ounces arugula greens
8 ounces strawberries (hulled and quartered)
1 avocado (chopped)
2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
⅔ cup sliced almonds
⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios (chopped)
Champagne vinaigrette (prepared from: champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil)

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Instructions

Prepare the sugared almonds by heating them in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with sugar until caramelized (6 to 8 minutes). Spread on parchment paper to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine arugula with salt and pepper.
Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled sugared almonds.
Drizzle with prepared champagne vinaigrette and toss gently. Serve immediately.

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