Strawberry Crunch Salad
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish that shines in the spring and summer months. With a vibrant mix of arugula, strawberries, and creamy goat cheese, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light weeknight dinner, its unique combination of textures—from crunchy almonds to soft avocado—makes it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: You can whip up this salad in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The bright flavors of strawberries and the tanginess of goat cheese create a deliciously unique taste.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with fresh greens and healthy fats, this salad is not only tasty but also nourishing.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or make it a main course by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The colorful ingredients make this salad visually appealing for any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start preparing your Strawberry Crunch Salad, gather your kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having the right tools on hand will make preparation easier and faster.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Prevents nuts from sticking and burning while caramelizing.
- Large bowl: Provides ample space for mixing all ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk: Ensures your dressing combines smoothly for even flavor throughout the salad.
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
- Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar, cooking while stirring often until the sugar melts and coats all almonds—about 6 to 8 minutes. Be attentive as they can burn quickly!
- Transfer the almonds to parchment paper to cool. Break apart any clumps once they are cool.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss together the arugula, with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add in the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled sugared almonds.
- Drizzle your dressing over the top and toss everything gently until well combined.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness!
Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
- In another large bowl, combine the champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper; whisk together until mixed.
- Slowly stream in the olive oil while continuously whisking until fully combined.
- Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.
Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad, perfect for any meal!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Serving Strawberry Crunch Salad can elevate any meal. This vibrant dish is not only healthy but also visually appealing, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
As a Light Lunch
- Pair with grilled chicken for added protein.
- Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.
At a Picnic
- Pack in individual containers for easy transport.
- Add some fresh fruit on the side for a refreshing treat.
For a Family Dinner
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables to complement the salad’s flavors.
- Place in a large bowl to encourage sharing and conversation.
As a Side Dish
- Perfect alongside grilled fish or steak.
- Use as a colorful addition to your holiday table.
For Special Occasions
- Serve on elegant plates for an impressive presentation.
- Add edible flowers for an extra touch of beauty.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
To ensure your Strawberry Crunch Salad is always a crowd-pleaser, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose ripe strawberries and fresh greens for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast Your Nuts: Toasting almonds enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch to the salad.
- Make Your Dressing Ahead: Prepare the champagne vinaigrette in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
- Adjust Sweetness: Customize the honey in your dressing based on your taste preference; add more for sweetness or less if you prefer tangy notes.
- Serve Immediately: To maintain freshness, serve the salad shortly after mixing it all together.
- Garnish Creatively: Consider adding herbs like mint or basil for a burst of freshness and color.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad pairs well with numerous side dishes. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:
- Grilled Chicken: A classic choice that adds protein and complements the salad’s flavors perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like asparagus or bell peppers create a colorful and nutritious addition.
- Quinoa Pilaf: This hearty grain dish is filling and provides additional nutrients without overshadowing the salad.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread serves as a delightful contrast to the salad’s textures.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes provide bright flavors that match well with strawberries.
- Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits keeps things light and refreshing, enhancing the summer vibe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Crunch Salad, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Overcooking the almonds – Almonds can burn quickly when caramelizing. Keep a close eye on them and stir frequently to ensure they reach the perfect golden brown without burning.
- Not using fresh ingredients – Using stale or overripe strawberries affects the salad’s flavor. Always choose fresh, ripe strawberries for a vibrant taste.
- Skipping the dressing – The right dressing is essential for flavor. Don’t forget to whisk together your champagne vinaigrette; it ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Cutting ingredients unevenly – Unevenly chopped fruits and veggies can lead to awkward bites. Aim for consistent sizes for an even texture in every bite.
- Assembling too early – Assembling the salad too far in advance can make it soggy. Toss everything together just before serving for optimal crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in the greens and fruits.
- If necessary, store components like sugared almonds separately.
Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread salad components on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish, cover lightly, and heat in short intervals until warm.
- Stovetop – Warm gently over low heat while stirring frequently; be cautious not to cook the salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Strawberry Crunch Salad:
What makes Strawberry Crunch Salad so special?
Strawberry Crunch Salad is unique due to its blend of textures from crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and crumbly goat cheese, making every bite exciting.
Can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add different fruits like blueberries or nuts such as walnuts or pecans based on your preferences.
How do I make my own dressing for Strawberry Crunch Salad?
You can create a simple dressing by whisking together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper for a delightful drizzle.
Is Strawberry Crunch Salad healthy?
Yes! This salad is packed with fresh ingredients and healthy fats from avocado and nuts, making it a nutritious choice for meals or snacks.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Crunch Salad is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and customizable. You can enjoy it as a light meal or a side dish at gatherings. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients!
Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for spring and summer. Featuring a delightful blend of fresh arugula, juicy strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy almonds, this salad is not only visually stunning but also a joy to eat. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or light weeknight dinners, its myriad textures—from the softness of avocado to the crispness of nuts—make it an unforgettable option for any meal. With easy preparation and fresh ingredients, you can whip up this delicious salad in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces arugula
- 8 ounces strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- 1 avocado (chopped)
- 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- ⅔ cup sliced almonds
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ⅓ cup roasted pistachios (chopped)
- Dressing: champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Almonds: In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine sliced almonds and sugar. Stir frequently until the sugar melts and coats the almonds (6-8 minutes). Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine arugula with salt and pepper. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled almonds.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Gradually add olive oil while whisking until combined.
- Combine: Drizzle dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently before serving immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
