Strawberry Crunch Salad
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer! Packed with vibrant flavors and textures, it features fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, enjoying a light dinner, or simply in need of a delicious side dish, this salad is versatile enough for any occasion. The crunch from the sugared almonds and pistachios adds an irresistible element that makes each bite delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an easy choice for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberries, avocado, and goat cheese creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats from avocado and nuts, this salad supports a balanced diet while being delicious.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course by adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings and potlucks; everyone will love the sweet and savory combinations!
Tools and Preparation
Preparing the Strawberry Crunch Salad requires just a few essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Perfect for making caramelized almonds without sticking or burning.
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for tossing all the salad ingredients together easily.
- Whisk: Essential for emulsifying the dressing 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 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
- Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar. Cook while stirring often until the sugar melts into a caramel coating—about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
- Transfer the almonds to parchment paper to cool. Break apart if clumped.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.
- Drizzle with dressing (see next step) and toss everything well.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness!
Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
- In a separate large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together until mixed well.
- While whisking constantly, slowly stream in olive oil until emulsified.
- Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.
Enjoy your vibrant Strawberry Crunch Salad as part of your next meal!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for warm weather. It pairs beautifully with various meals and occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- This salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or dinner. Its crunchy texture and fresh flavors make it satisfying.
Pair with Grilled Proteins
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp to create a well-rounded meal. The salad’s acidity complements the smoky flavor of grilled meats.
Add to Picnic Spread
- Perfect for picnics, pack this salad in a cooler. Its vibrant colors will delight everyone at your gathering.
Accompany with Bread
- Pair with crusty bread or baguette slices. This adds a nice contrast to the salad’s crunchiness and makes for a fulfilling meal.
Serve at Brunch
- Include it in your brunch spread. The sweetness of strawberries and creamy goat cheese makes it an excellent choice for morning gatherings.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
To create the ultimate Strawberry Crunch Salad, follow these tips for a delightful experience.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe strawberries and fresh arugula for the best flavor. Quality ingredients elevate your dish significantly.
- Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap almonds for walnuts or pecans. This adds variety and personal touch to your salad.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately. Combine everything just before serving for optimal freshness.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dressing before adding honey; adjust based on your preference. Some may prefer more sweetness, while others may like it tangy.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill in the fridge for a bit before serving. This enhances the flavors and makes it extra refreshing.
- Add Protein: For a heartier option, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas. This turns your salad into a complete meal.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some great options.
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy and flavorful, grilled chicken is an excellent protein addition that balances the salad’s texture.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf adds healthy grains to your meal, making it more filling.
- Roasted Vegetable Medley: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and richness that contrast well with the coolness of the salad.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: This savory side offers indulgent comfort and is perfect for sopping up any leftover dressing.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers create an elegant appetizer that complements the salad beautifully.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits enhances the fresh theme of your meal while providing additional sweetness.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a satisfying crunch alongside the soft textures in your salad.
- Coleslaw: A light coleslaw adds crunch and creaminess that works wonderfully with the fruity elements of the Strawberry Crunch Salad.
Enjoy these serving suggestions and side dishes to elevate your Strawberry Crunch Salad experience!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Strawberry Crunch Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure you create the perfect dish.
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Overcooking the Almonds: Be cautious when caramelizing almonds. They can burn quickly. Stir frequently and keep an eye on them to achieve that perfect golden brown.
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Skipping the Dressing: The dressing is essential! Don’t skip it or use a store-bought one. Making your own champagne vinaigrette elevates the salad’s flavor.
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Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, ripe strawberries and avocado for the best taste. Poor-quality ingredients can affect the overall satisfaction of your salad.
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Not Tossing Ingredients Properly: When combining the salad, toss gently but thoroughly. This ensures even distribution of flavors and textures in every bite.
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Serving Immediately: Serve your Strawberry Crunch Salad right away for optimal crunchiness. Letting it sit too long can make it soggy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
- It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as ingredients like avocado and strawberries do not thaw well.
- If necessary, you can freeze the dressing separately for up to 1 month.
Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet for a few minutes just to warm slightly.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (10-15 seconds) at medium power. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often until just warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Crunch Salad that might help you out.
Can I substitute goat cheese in Strawberry Crunch Salad?
Yes, you can use feta cheese or even mozzarella as alternatives if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?
Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or other fruits like blueberries for added texture and flavor!
Is Strawberry Crunch Salad vegan-friendly?
To make it vegan, omit goat cheese and use a plant-based dressing instead of honey.
What else pairs well with Strawberry Crunch Salad?
This salad complements grilled chicken or fish beautifully, making it perfect for light summer dinners.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only delicious but also versatile, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. With its crunchy texture and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Strawberry Crunch Salad, the perfect addition to your spring and summer meals. This vibrant salad combines fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese over a bed of peppery arugula. The crunchy topping of caramelized almonds and pistachios adds a delightful texture that elevates this dish from simple to sensational. Ideal for picnics, light dinners, or as a stunning side at gatherings, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutritious ingredients. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with grilled proteins for a wholesome dining experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces arugula greens
- 8 ounces strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- 1 avocado (chopped)
- 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- ⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios (chopped)
- ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 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
Instructions
- To make the sugared almonds, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the almonds and sugar; cook while stirring until the sugar melts and coats the nuts (about 6-8 minutes). Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together arugula, strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled sugared almonds.
- For the dressing, whisk together champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
