Strawberry Crunch Salad

Name: Strawberry Crunch Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds; 10 ounces arugula greens; 8 ounces strawberries (hulled and quartered); 1 avocado (chopped); 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese; ⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios (chopped); Champagne vinaigrette (made from vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil)

Published: May 29, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This salad takes only 30 minutes to make, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh strawberries and greens, it’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main dish; it’s perfect for any occasion.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or swap the cheese for another type to suit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making this delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nonstick skillet
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick Skillet: Prevents the almonds from sticking while caramelizing, ensuring even cooking.
Large Mixing Bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all salad ingredients without spilling.
Whisk: Essential for combining the dressing ingredients smoothly.

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

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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 while stirring often until the sugar melts and coats all of the almonds — about 6 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
Transfer the coated almonds to parchment paper to cool. If clumped together, break them into pieces.

Step 2: Toss the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled sugared almonds.
Drizzle with dressing (see next step) and toss well before serving.

Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette

In a separate large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.
Whisk together thoroughly.
While whisking continuously, stream in olive oil until well mixed.

Enjoy your Strawberry Crunch Salad as a refreshing meal that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant dish that shines in any setting. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a light lunch, this salad offers refreshing flavors and textures. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

As a Main Course

This salad can stand alone as a filling main dish, especially during warm months. The combination of arugula, avocado, and protein-rich goat cheese makes it satisfying.

With Grilled Chicken

Pairing the salad with grilled chicken adds protein and makes it more robust. Simply slice the chicken breast over the top for a delicious and healthy meal.

As a Side Dish

Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad as a side dish at barbecues or dinner parties. Its crunchy texture complements heartier meals like steak or roasted vegetables.

In a Wrap

For a fun twist, wrap the salad in a tortilla for a portable lunch option. Add some grilled shrimp for extra flavor and protein.

With Crusty Bread

Serve alongside crusty bread or dinner rolls. This pairing is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing or juices from the salad.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To ensure your Strawberry Crunch Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh strawberries and crisp arugula to enhance the overall flavor of the salad.
Toast Almonds Carefully: Keep an eye on the almonds while toasting; they can burn quickly. Stir constantly for even caramelization.
Chill Your Dressing: A cold dressing enhances the freshness of the salad. Prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate before serving.
Balance Flavors: Adjust the honey and lemon juice in your dressing to achieve the right sweet-tart balance according to your taste preference.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare most ingredients ahead of time but wait to mix them until just before serving to maintain crunchiness.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like blueberries or feta cheese for added flavor and variety.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some delightful options to consider.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn enhances summer vibes and pairs beautifully with the salad’s crunch.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella balls, basil, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze make for an easy yet elegant side.
Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs adds another layer of texture while remaining healthy.
Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover dressing from your plate.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide depth and heartiness alongside this fresh salad.
Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter can be an excellent palate cleanser after enjoying the savory elements of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can help you make the best Strawberry Crunch Salad. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Overcooking the almonds: Keep a close eye on the almonds while they cook. If they burn, they will ruin the flavor of your salad. Stir constantly and remove them from heat once they are golden brown.
Not seasoning properly: Failing to season your greens and ingredients can lead to a bland salad. Always add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of your Strawberry Crunch Salad.
Using unripe strawberries: Unripe berries can taste sour and ruin your dish. Make sure to choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor in your salad.
Skipping the dressing: A good dressing brings all components together. Don’t omit or skimp on the champagne vinaigrette—a simple yet flavorful dressing is key.
Assembling too early: If you prepare the salad too far in advance, it may become soggy. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 2 days for the best quality.
Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to its fresh ingredients.
Freezing could change the texture of strawberries and greens.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm salad components briefly, but avoid overheating.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container; heat in short bursts to prevent wilting.
Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat, stirring frequently, but only if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a refreshing dish made with arugula, strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, and crunchy toppings like sugared almonds and pistachios.

Can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Absolutely! You can swap out ingredients like using different nuts or adding grilled chicken for protein. Feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings.

How do I make strawberry salad dressing?

To make strawberry salad dressing, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Whisk until smooth.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prep individual components ahead of time but assemble it just before serving to maintain freshness and crunchiness.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors perfect for spring and summer meals. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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