Strawberry Crunch Salad

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the ultimate spring and summer dish that brings together vibrant flavors and textures. With its crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, this salad is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations like Mother’s Day. The fresh ingredients create a delightful combination that is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Crunchy Topping
• For the Salad Base
• For the Dressing
• How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad
• Step 1: Prepare the Almonds
• Step 2: Assemble the Salad
• Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
• How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
• As a Light Lunch
• At Family Gatherings
• For Special Occasions
• As Part of a Potluck
• With Grilled Proteins
• How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
• Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?
• What can I substitute for goat cheese in Strawberry Crunch Salad?
• How can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?
• Is Strawberry Crunch Salad suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The mix of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy dressing creates an explosion of flavors.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or add your favorite protein to make it a main course.
• Healthy: Packed with nutritious ingredients, this salad supports a balanced diet while being tasty.
• Beautiful Presentation: The colorful ingredients make this dish eye-catching, ideal for impressing guests.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing the Strawberry Crunch Salad even easier. Here are the essentials you’ll need to create this delightful dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Great for caramelizing almonds without sticking or burning.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to toss all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Whisk: Ensures that the dressing emulsifies properly for a smooth finish.

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

1. Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sugar and cook, stirring often until the sugar melts and coats all of the almonds—about 6 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
3. Transfer the almonds to parchment paper to cool down. If they clump together, break them apart.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, toss arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.
3. Drizzle with dressing and toss well. Serve immediately!

Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette

1. In a large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk together until combined.
3. While whisking continuously, slowly stream in olive oil until dressing comes together.
4. Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.

Enjoy your vibrant Strawberry Crunch Salad, perfect for any gathering or as a refreshing meal!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit any occasion. Whether it’s a light lunch or a vibrant side at dinner, this salad brings freshness and flavor to your table.

As a Light Lunch

• Serve it on its own for a refreshing meal packed with nutrients.
• Pair it with whole-grain bread or wraps for added fiber.

At Family Gatherings

• Present in a large bowl for everyone to serve themselves.
• Add extra toppings like crispy bacon bits for additional crunch and flavor.

For Special Occasions

• Use elegant serving dishes to elevate the presentation.
• Top with microgreens or edible flowers for a beautiful touch.

As Part of a Potluck

• Make it in advance and chill it before serving for best flavors.
• Provide a jar of extra dressing on the side for guests who prefer more.

With Grilled Proteins

• This salad complements grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu beautifully.
• Drizzle some balsamic reduction over the top for an extra layer of taste.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To ensure your Strawberry Crunch Salad is always a hit, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance flavor and texture while making preparation easier.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and greens make all the difference in flavor and nutrition.
• Customize your nuts: Feel free to swap almonds and pistachios with your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans for different textures.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey in the dressing according to your taste.
• Add protein: Incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas to turn it into a full meal option.
• Make ahead: Prepare the sugared almonds and vinaigrette in advance to save time when serving.
• Serve immediately: For the best crunch, toss all ingredients just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

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

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and are easy to prepare on the grill.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa dish with herbs provides a nutty flavor that works well alongside the salad.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and depth to your meal while remaining healthy.
4. Caprese Skewers: These simple bites of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes offer a fresh contrast to the salad’s flavors.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Warm breadsticks are always a crowd-pleaser; their crunch complements the salad nicely.
6. Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits makes for a refreshing end to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Crunch Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Boldly skipping the sugar coating: Many people forget to sugar-coat the almonds, which adds a sweet crunch. Always caramelize them in a skillet for that delightful texture.

• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or overripe strawberries can ruin your salad. Choose fresh, vibrant strawberries for the best flavor and presentation.

• Dressing too early: Tossing the salad with dressing too soon can make it soggy. Dress the salad just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.

• Overdressing the salad: It’s tempting to use too much dressing. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you achieve the desired flavor without overwhelming the ingredients.

• Neglecting seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper enhances flavors but is often overlooked. Don’t skip this step; it elevates your Strawberry Crunch Salad significantly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep dressed salads separate from ingredients to maintain crispness.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes of fresh ingredients.
• If necessary, store components separately to freeze any leftover sugared almonds.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread out components on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Strawberry Crunch Salad that may help you out.

Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components like dressing and sugared almonds in advance. Assemble just before serving for freshness.

What can I substitute for goat cheese in Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Feta cheese or ricotta work well as substitutes if you’re not a fan of goat cheese.

How can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Add nuts, seeds, or even different fruits like blueberries or raspberries for variety!

Is Strawberry Crunch Salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for spring and summer meals. You can easily customize it with various toppings or dressings. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a side or main course—either way, it’s sure to impress!