Strawberry Crunch Salad

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish to enjoy during the warmer months. Combining fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy nuts, this salad showcases vibrant flavors and textures. It’s versatile enough for a light lunch, a picnic dinner, or as a side at your next gathering. With its delightful mix of ingredients, this salad is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

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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 Almonds
• Step 2: Assemble the Salad
• Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
• How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
• As a Standalone Meal
• With Grilled Chicken
• As a Side Dish
• For Brunch
• At Potlucks
• 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
• What makes Strawberry Crunch Salad special?
• Can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?
• How do I ensure my strawberries stay fresh?
• What is the best way to serve Strawberry Crunch Salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of strawberries and goat cheese creates a deliciously unique taste that elevates any meal.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fresh greens and healthy fats from avocado and nuts, it’s a nutritious choice for any diet.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family BBQ or a casual brunch, this salad fits right in.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out nuts or add your favorite greens for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Prevents almonds from sticking while caramelizing, ensuring even cooking without burning.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all ingredients together without spilling.
• Whisk: Essential for emulsifying the dressing ingredients into a smooth mixture.

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 Almonds

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

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 before serving immediately!

Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette

1. In another large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk together until mixed well.
3. Stream in olive oil while whisking constantly until dressing comes together smoothly.
4. Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.

Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad as a delightful addition to your meals!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Serving your Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit various occasions. This vibrant and refreshing salad is perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or even as a light meal on a warm day.

As a Standalone Meal

• This salad can be enjoyed on its own for a healthy lunch option, providing all the nutrients you need without being heavy.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken for added protein. The juicy chicken complements the fresh flavors of the strawberries and avocado.

As a Side Dish

• Serve it alongside your favorite grilled meats at barbecues or cookouts. The crunchy texture and sweet notes enhance any main dish.

For Brunch

• Incorporate this salad into your brunch spread. It pairs well with eggs and pastries, adding a refreshing touch to traditional brunch items.

At Potlucks

• Bring this colorful salad to potlucks. Its eye-catching appearance and delicious taste will surely impress guests.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose ripe strawberries and fresh avocados to enhance flavor and texture.
• Customize the Nuts: Feel free to swap almonds with walnuts or pecans for different crunch profiles.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance; just toss it with the salad right before serving for optimal freshness.
• Season Well: Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference; this can elevate the overall flavor.
• Add Protein: Consider adding grilled shrimp or tofu for a heartier option that makes it suitable as dinner.
• Experiment with Greens: While arugula works great, mixing in spinach or kale can add variety to your salad base.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Crunch Salad can elevate your meal experience. Here are some perfect options that complement its flavors well.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh fruitiness of the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa dish mixed with herbs provides a nutritious grain option that balances textures.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized offer earthy notes that contrast nicely with the sweetness of strawberries.
4. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze provide an Italian twist that’s refreshing.
5. Garlic Bread: Crispy bread brushed with garlic butter is always a favorite side that adds crunchiness alongside the salad.
6. Fruit Platter: A mix of seasonal fruits can create a colorful display on your table while keeping things light and refreshing.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms introduce umami flavors that work well with the sweetness of the salad elements.
8. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad dressed in vinaigrette complements the crunchy elements without overwhelming them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Crunch Salad, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture of this delicious dish.

• Ignoring the Freshness: Using overripe or stale strawberries can ruin the salad. Always select fresh, firm strawberries for the best flavor.
• Overcooking the Almonds: If you leave the almonds unattended while cooking, they can burn quickly. Stir constantly to ensure they caramelize evenly without burning.
• Skipping the Dressing: A good dressing is key to bringing flavors together. Don’t forget to whisk your champagne vinaigrette well before adding it to the salad.
• Not Balancing Flavors: Make sure to balance sweet and savory elements. Adjust honey and lemon juice in the dressing to achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
• Preparing Ahead Without Care: If you’re making this salad ahead of time, keep components separate until serving. This prevents sogginess and maintains crunchiness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad as it may lose its texture and flavor upon thawing.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place salad components on a baking sheet and heat for a few minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Strawberry Crunch Salad.

What makes Strawberry Crunch Salad special?

Strawberry Crunch Salad stands out due to its combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy nuts, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like grilled chicken or swap goat cheese for feta cheese based on your preferences.

How do I ensure my strawberries stay fresh?

Store strawberries in the refrigerator and only wash them right before use. This helps preserve their freshness longer.

What is the best way to serve Strawberry Crunch Salad?

This salad is best served immediately after tossing with dressing. You can also present it on a large platter for gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Crunch Salad is an amazing dish that brings together vibrant flavors and textures, perfect for any spring or summer meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it easily by adding proteins or other vegetables. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to delight your taste buds!