Strawberry Crunch Salad

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer! It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures, featuring crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, celebrating Mother’s Day, or just enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, this salad shines as a standout option. Its refreshing ingredients make it 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 Crunchy Topping
• Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
• Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
• How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
• As a Main Course
• At a Picnic
• For Brunch
• At a BBQ
• For Meal Prep
• 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 customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?
• What can I substitute for goat cheese in this recipe?
• How do I make this salad vegan?
• Is Strawberry Crunch Salad healthy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Crunchy Texture – The roasted almonds and pistachios add an irresistible crunch to every bite.
• Fresh and Flavorful – Juicy strawberries combined with creamy avocado create a burst of flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Versatile Serving Options – This salad works great as a light main course or as a side dish for any meal.
• Quick and Easy – With minimal preparation time, you can whip up this salad in just 30 minutes!
• Healthy Ingredients – Packed with nutrients, this salad is a guilt-free way to enjoy fresh flavors.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet – Prevents the almonds from sticking while they caramelize, making cleanup easy.
• Large mixing bowl – Offers enough space to toss all ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk – Helps blend the dressing ingredients smoothly for an even flavor.

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 Crunchy Topping

1. Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sugar. Cook while stirring often until the sugar melts and coats all of the almonds—about 6 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they can burn quickly!
3. Transfer the almonds onto parchment paper to cool. If they clump together, break them into pieces once cooled.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss the arugula greens, adding a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Add in the strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, chopped pistachios, and sugared almonds.
3. Drizzle on your dressing and toss well until everything is coated.

Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette

1. In another large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, freshly grated garlic, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk together while slowly streaming in the olive oil. Continue whisking until the dressing emulsifies.
3. Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.

Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad! Perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant dish that can brighten up any table. With its fresh ingredients and delightful textures, it’s perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Main Course

• Pair with grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
• Serve alongside shrimp for a refreshing seafood option.

At a Picnic

• Pack in individual containers for easy transport.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance freshness.

For Brunch

• Serve in small bowls as a light, healthy starter.
• Complement with fresh pastries or muffins for a delightful spread.

At a BBQ

• Offer as a colorful side dish to grilled meats.
• Drizzle extra dressing on top to add flavor and moisture.

For Meal Prep

• Store in mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Layer ingredients carefully to keep the salad fresh throughout the week.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To achieve the ultimate Strawberry Crunch Salad, follow these helpful tips that enhance its flavors and presentation.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for ripe strawberries and crisp arugula for the best taste and texture.
• Toast Almonds Carefully: Keep an eye on the almonds while they cook to prevent burning and ensure they caramelize perfectly.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the salad dressing in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Customize Toppings: Feel free to experiment with other nuts or cheeses like feta or walnuts for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

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

1. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables adds smoky flavors that contrast nicely with the salad’s sweetness.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: This protein-packed side is filling and adds a nutty taste, making it an ideal companion.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs provide heartiness alongside the lightness of the salad.
4. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from your plate.
5. Fruit Platter: A colorful array of fruits can enhance the meal’s visual appeal and offer more refreshing bites.
6. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can provide variety and pair well with both the salad and wine choices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Crunch Salad, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Almonds: If you leave the almonds on the heat too long, they can burn. Stir frequently and keep an eye on them while cooking.
• Using Unripe Strawberries: Unripe strawberries can ruin your salad. Always select fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Skipping the Dressing: Some may think they can skip the dressing for a lighter option. However, the dressing enhances all flavors in your salad—don’t omit it!
• Chopping Ingredients Too Small: Cutting everything into tiny pieces can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for larger chunks of ingredients like avocado and strawberries for contrast.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Under-seasoning can make your dish bland. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to each layer of ingredients for balanced flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Freezing is not recommended: This salad contains ingredients that don’t freeze well like avocado and fresh greens.
• Aim to consume it fresh for the best taste and texture.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread ingredients on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals of 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring periodically until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common queries regarding Strawberry Crunch Salad.

Can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Yes! You can add different nuts, seeds, or fruits based on your preference. Consider adding blueberries or walnuts for variety.

What can I substitute for goat cheese in this recipe?

If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try feta cheese or mozzarella as delightful alternatives that pair well with strawberries.

How do I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version of Strawberry Crunch Salad, replace goat cheese with vegan cheese or omit it entirely. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

Is Strawberry Crunch Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from arugula, strawberries, and healthy fats from avocado and nuts, making it a great choice for health-conscious eaters.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish that’s perfect for spring and summer meals. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it versatile enough for any occasion—from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or dressings!