Strawberry Crunch Salad

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful combination of fresh flavors and textures, perfect for spring and summer meals. With its vibrant strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds, this salad not only looks appealing but also tastes fantastic. It’s ideal for picnics, light dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a healthy dish that’s easy to prepare.

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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 Sugared Almonds
• Step 2: Toss the Salad Ingredients
• Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
• How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
• As a Main Dish
• On a Picnic
• At Barbecues
• For Meal Prep
• As a Starter
• 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?
• How can I make this salad vegan?
• What dressing goes well with Strawberry Crunch Salad?
• How do I keep my salad fresh longer?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: Using seasonal fruits and veggies makes this salad bursting with flavor.
• Crispy Texture: The combination of crunchy almonds and pistachios adds an enjoyable crunch.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect choice for busy weekdays.
• Versatile Base: This salad can be served as a side or main dish, adapting to your meal needs.
• Health Benefits: Packed with nutrients from greens and healthy fats from avocado, it’s wholesome and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad, having the right tools can make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Prevents almonds from burning while caramelizing with sugar.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to toss ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Helps combine dressing ingredients smoothly for even flavor distribution.

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

1. Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sugar, cooking while stirring often until the sugar melts and coats all of the almonds—approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Watch closely to avoid burning!
4. Transfer the almonds onto a piece of parchment paper to cool. Break them into pieces if they clump together.

Step 2: Toss the Salad Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss the arugula greens, adding a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Mix in the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.
3. Drizzle on your prepared dressing and toss everything well before serving immediately.

Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette

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

Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad, perfect for sunny days or any time you crave something light yet satisfying!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Main Dish

• A satisfying option for lunch or dinner, this salad can stand alone as a main course, especially when paired with protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.

On a Picnic

• Pack the Strawberry Crunch Salad in a portable container. Pair it with whole-grain bread or wraps for a balanced picnic meal.

At Barbecues

• Serve this salad alongside grilled meats. The crunchy textures and refreshing flavors complement smoky BBQ dishes perfectly.

For Meal Prep

• Prepare individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

As a Starter

• Present small portions as an appetizer before a larger meal. Its lightness will whet the appetite without overwhelming guests.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To ensure your Strawberry Crunch Salad is always a hit, follow these tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh arugula and ripe strawberries to achieve the best flavor and texture.
• Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute almonds or pistachios with your favorite nuts for a unique twist.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes enhances its refreshing qualities.
• Adjust Dressing to Taste: Customize the dressing by adding more honey for sweetness or lemon juice for tanginess according to your preference.
• Make It Ahead of Time: Prepare the sugared almonds and dressing in advance to save time on busy days.
• Garnish Creatively: Add fresh herbs like mint or basil on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Crunch Salad can elevate your meal even further. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and pair wonderfully with the salad’s freshness.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty grain dish offers texture and complements the salad beautifully while boosting its nutritional value.
3. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides an enjoyable crunch and is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add warmth and flavor, creating a well-rounded meal when served alongside the salad.
5. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with olives and cherry tomatoes adds heartiness while keeping with the fresh theme.
6. Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter enhances the meal’s freshness and provides additional sweet flavors that harmonize with the strawberries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Crunch Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

• Ignoring the sugar timing: Adding sugar too late can lead to uneven coating of the almonds. Make sure to stir in the sugar while cooking the almonds for an even caramelization.
• Overcooking the almonds: Cooking them for too long can burn the sugar and ruin the flavor. Keep a close eye on them and remove from heat once they turn golden.
• Skipping ingredient prep: Not hulling or chopping strawberries properly can result in uneven flavors and textures. Always prepare your ingredients beforehand.
• Not seasoning enough: A pinch of salt and pepper makes a big difference in taste. Don’t forget to season your arugula before adding other ingredients!
• Making dressing in advance: While you can store dressing, making it fresh ensures maximum flavor. Try to whip it up just before serving for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep dressing separate until ready to eat for better freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in fresh ingredients.
• If necessary, you can freeze just the sugared almonds for up to 1 month.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm salad gently for about 10 minutes. Avoid overheating.
• Microwave: Use medium heat for about 30 seconds; check frequently to prevent wilting.
• Stovetop: Heat on low with a splash of water, stirring until just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Strawberry Crunch Salad.

Can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or nuts such as walnuts for different textures and flavors.

How can I make this salad vegan?

You can easily substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely for a delicious vegan version of Strawberry Crunch Salad.

What dressing goes well with Strawberry Crunch Salad?

The included champagne vinaigrette enhances the salad’s freshness, but you can also use balsamic or lemon vinaigrette if desired.

How do I keep my salad fresh longer?

Store salad ingredients separately and combine them only when you’re ready to serve. This helps maintain crunchiness.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that is perfect for spring and summer meals. It’s versatile, allowing for various customization options like adding different fruits or nuts. Try it today for a refreshing dish that everyone will love!