Strawberry Crunch Salad
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish perfect for spring and summer! Packed with crunchy textures from fresh ingredients like avocado and goat cheese, this vibrant salad is not only delicious but also versatile for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: Enjoy the burst of flavors from ripe strawberries and creamy avocado, creating a refreshing dish.
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with greens, healthy fats, and protein, it makes for a guilt-free meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or barbecues.
- Make-Ahead Dressing: The champagne vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and stored for later use.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools is essential for making your Strawberry Crunch Salad efficiently. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Prevents almonds from sticking and burning while caramelizing with sugar.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for tossing your salad ingredients altogether without making a mess.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending your dressing ingredients smoothly.
- Parchment paper: Helps cool the sugared almonds easily without sticking.
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, coating all of the almonds – about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly!
- Transfer the almonds to parchment paper to cool. Break them into pieces if they clump together.
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 the dressing and toss well to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately!
Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
- In another bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together until well mixed.
- Slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified.
- Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion, especially during the warmer months. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how you can serve this delicious salad in various ways.
As a Main Course
- Pair with grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
- Add quinoa or couscous to enhance its texture and protein content.
For a Light Lunch
- Serve in a bowl with crusty bread on the side.
- Pack in meal prep containers for an easy grab-and-go option.
At a Picnic
- Use mason jars for easy transport, layering ingredients to keep them fresh.
- Include a small container of the champagne vinaigrette to dress the salad just before serving.
For Special Occasions
- Present in an elegant serving platter for gatherings or celebrations.
- Garnish with extra strawberries and goat cheese for an attractive display.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad truly unforgettable, consider these essential tips. They will help enhance flavors and presentation.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh strawberries and crisp arugula to ensure maximum flavor and texture.
- Customize the Nuts: Feel free to swap almonds or pistachios for your favorite nuts based on availability or preference.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sugared almonds and dressing in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
- Serve Immediately: For the best crunch, toss the salad just before serving. This keeps the greens fresh and prevents sogginess.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try feta or blue cheese instead of goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add Protein: Incorporate grilled shrimp or chickpeas if you want to turn this salad into a more filling meal.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some fantastic options:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, this classic summer side pairs perfectly with the freshness of the salad.
- Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers create a refreshing bite that complements the salad’s textures.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned and roasted potatoes add a satisfying crunch alongside the lightness of the salad.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread serves as an excellent accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
- Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits enhances the sweetness found in the strawberry crunch salad.
- Vegetable Crudités: Fresh veggies served with hummus offer a crunchy contrast while keeping things light and healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Crunch Salad, be mindful of these common pitfalls.
- Overcooking the almonds – The sugared almonds should be cooked carefully. Keep stirring and watch closely to avoid burning them.
- Using unripe strawberries – Choose ripe and juicy strawberries for the best flavor. Check for bright red color and slight softness.
- Skipping the dressing – The dressing ties all the flavors together. Don’t skip it; make sure to whisk it until smooth and well combined.
- Not tossing ingredients well – Ensure you toss all salad ingredients thoroughly. This ensures every bite has a mix of flavors and textures.
- Using too much salt – A pinch is enough for seasoning. Too much can overpower the fresh flavors of the salad.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the salad in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes of fresh ingredients.
- If you have leftovers, consider only freezing the dressing.
Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Oven – Not recommended as this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
- Microwave – Avoid using a microwave, as it can wilt fresh greens and change the salad’s texture.
- Stovetop – Not applicable; this salad is meant to be fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Strawberry Crunch Salad.
What makes Strawberry Crunch Salad special?
Strawberry Crunch Salad combines crunchy textures with fresh flavors, making it a delightful dish perfect for warm weather.
How can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?
You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans or include other fruits like blueberries for variety.
Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most components ahead but mix everything just before serving for freshness.
Are there any substitutes for goat cheese?
Yes, feta cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative works well if you’re looking for a different flavor or dietary option.
What should I serve with Strawberry Crunch Salad?
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a buffet spread during gatherings or picnics.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Crunch Salad is an incredible dish that brings together vibrant flavors and textures. Its versatility allows room for personal touches, making it perfect for any occasion from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Give this refreshing recipe a try and delight your taste buds!
Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring and summer. With a delightful blend of crunchy textures from sugared almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, this salad is both nutritious and versatile. Whether served as a main course alongside grilled chicken or as a light side at your next picnic, it’s sure to impress. The sweet and tangy champagne vinaigrette ties all the flavors together, making every bite a delicious experience. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this salad will be your go-to for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 10 ounces arugula greens
- 8 ounces strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- 1 avocado (chopped)
- 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- ⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios (chopped)
- 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
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 mixing 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, garlic, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stirring
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
