This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer! With its vibrant flavors and delightful textures, this salad is ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a light dinner. The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy nuts creates a refreshing meal that everyone will enjoy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a quick option for busy days.
Packed with Flavor: The balance of sweet strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and nutty crunch ensures every bite is delicious.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite nuts or greens to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive gathering, this salad fits right in.
Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins and healthy fats, this dish is both satisfying and good for you.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nonstick skillet
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick skillet: This helps prevent the almonds from sticking while caramelizing, ensuring an even coating.
Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to toss all ingredients without spilling.
Whisk: Perfect for combining the dressing ingredients smoothly.
Parchment paper: Ideal for cooling the sugared almonds 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 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 Sugared Almonds

Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Stir in the sugar, cooking while stirring often until it melts into a caramel-like coating—about 6 to 8 minutes.
Watch closely to prevent burning!
Transfer the almonds onto a piece of parchment paper to cool. Break apart any clumps if necessary.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, toss the arugula greens with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper.
Add in the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.
Drizzle on your dressing (instructions below) and toss well to combine.
Serve immediately!

Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette

In another large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
champagne vinegar
honey
lemon juice
dijon mustard
grated garlic
salt and pepper
Whisk together until blended smoothly.
While whisking continuously, stream in the olive oil. Continue whisking until fully combined.
Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.

Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad, perfect for any gathering or simply as a delightful treat!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a simple dinner at home, this salad shines in any setting.

As a Light Lunch

Pair with grilled chicken for added protein.
Serve in individual bowls for an elegant presentation.

At a Summer Picnic

Pack in mason jars for easy transport.
Include extra dressing on the side to keep the salad fresh.

For a Dinner Party

Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or mint for visual appeal.
Serve alongside crusty bread to complement the flavors.

As a Side Dish

Accompany grilled meats such as steak or fish.
Offer it as a refreshing side to heavier dishes like pasta.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To elevate your Strawberry Crunch Salad, consider these simple tips. Each will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.

Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh strawberries and ripe avocados for the best taste.
Toast almonds carefully: Keep an eye on the almonds while toasting to avoid burning and ensure they’re perfectly caramelized.
Make dressing from scratch: Homemade dressing enhances flavor compared to store-bought options.
Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad right after tossing to maintain crunchiness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Adding complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that pair well with Strawberry Crunch Salad:

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and are easy to grill alongside your main dishes.
Quinoa Pilaf: A flavorful quinoa dish with vegetables provides a hearty yet healthy option.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness and contrast textures nicely with the salad.
Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish tossed with fresh vegetables can add substance without overpowering flavors.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is always a hit and offers a satisfying crunch alongside your salad.
Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate and add freshness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad can be a breeze, but a few common pitfalls might ruin your dish.

Skipping the sugar coating: Not caramelizing the almonds can lead to a bland texture. Coat them in sugar over medium heat for that sweet crunch.
Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
Using unripe strawberries: Unripe strawberries lack flavor and sweetness. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best taste.
Not seasoning properly: Forgetting salt and pepper can result in a flat flavor profile. Make sure to season each layer of ingredients well.
Preparing in advance without storage: Assembling the salad too early can lead to wilted greens. Keep components separate until serving for maximum freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in fresh ingredients.
If you must freeze components, consider freezing just the dressing.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread out salad components on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power for 1 minute, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat over low in a skillet until just warmed, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Crunch Salad.

Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most ingredients ahead of time. However, mix them just before serving for freshness.

What are some variations of Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Feel free to customize with nuts like walnuts or swap goat cheese for feta. Add different fruits like blueberries or peaches!

How long does Strawberry Crunch Salad last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts about 3 days in the fridge.

Is Strawberry Crunch Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from fresh fruits and healthy fats from avocado and nuts, making it a great option.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for spring and summer meals, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy its crunchy textures paired with refreshing flavors!

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Strawberry Crunch Salad

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

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Strawberry Crunch Salad, a delightful dish perfect for spring and summer gatherings. This refreshing salad features juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and a crunchy topping of caramelized almonds and pistachios, all drizzled with a light champagne vinaigrette. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or as a satisfying light dinner. Nutrient-packed and customizable, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends with its colorful presentation and delicious taste.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
Dressing: champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, grated garlic, olive oil

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Instructions

Prepare the Sugared Almonds: In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine almonds and sugar. Stir until sugar melts and coats almonds (about 6–8 minutes). Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss arugula with salt and pepper. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled sugared almonds. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, pepper in a bowl. Slowly add olive oil while whisking until fully combined.

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