This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer, bringing together fresh ingredients and delightful textures. With crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, this salad stands out for its vibrant flavors and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, enjoying a light dinner, or simply craving a refreshing meal, this salad fits the bill beautifully.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of strawberries, arugula, and creamy goat cheese creates a deliciously refreshing taste that shouts summer.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats and vitamins from avocados and nuts, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make it an attractive addition to any table setting.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delightful Strawberry Crunch Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. These will help ensure that every step goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nonstick skillet
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick skillet: This prevents the almonds from sticking while caramelizing, ensuring they toast perfectly without burning.
Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to toss all the ingredients together without making a mess.
Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly, ensuring even flavor distribution in your 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 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: Caramelize the Almonds

Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Stir in the sugar, cooking while stirring often until it melts into a caramel coating on the almonds (about 6 to 8 minutes).
Keep an eye on them to prevent burning! Once done, transfer to parchment paper to cool.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, toss the arugula greens, adding a pinch of salt and pepper.
Incorporate the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and caramelized almonds into the bowl.
Drizzle on your homemade dressing and toss well to combine all flavors.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In another bowl, combine the champagne vinegar, honey, juice of half a lemon, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.
Whisk these together until well blended.
Slowly stream in the olive oil, whisking continuously until fully combined.
Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.

Enjoy your vibrant Strawberry Crunch Salad! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a refreshing meal at home.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Serving Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful way to showcase its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. This salad makes an excellent addition to any meal, whether it’s a casual lunch or an elegant dinner.

For a Light Lunch

Pair with grilled chicken for added protein.
Serve alongside whole grain bread for a satisfying meal.

As a Side Dish

Complement with grilled fish, enhancing the salad’s freshness.
Offer it next to roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.

At Outdoor Gatherings

Serve in individual cups for easy handling at picnics.
Add a sprinkle of extra goat cheese on top for visual appeal.

For Family Dinners

Present it on a large platter as the centerpiece of the table.
Drizzle extra dressing over the top just before serving for added flavor.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad even more delightful, consider these simple tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and arugula will enhance the salad’s flavor and texture.
Make It Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance, but add it just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Customize Your Nuts: Substitute almonds with walnuts or pecans for different nutty flavors.
Experiment with Cheese: Try feta or blue cheese if you prefer something different from goat cheese.
Add More Color: Include other fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges for variety and sweetness.
Adjust Sweetness: Modify the honey in the dressing based on your taste preference.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

Grilled Lemon Chicken: A light protein that complements the salad’s fresh flavors perfectly.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the tanginess of the salad.
Quinoa Pilaf: A healthy whole grain option that adds texture and nutrition.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella and basil on skewers create an easy-to-eat finger food option.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn adds a sweet crunch that pairs well with strawberries.
Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb alternative that provides additional veggies without overpowering the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Overcooking the Almonds: When caramelizing the almonds, keep a close eye on them. They can burn quickly. Stir often and remove them from heat once they’re golden brown.
Skipping Fresh Ingredients: This salad shines with fresh ingredients. Avoid using old or wilted produce as it affects taste and texture.
Not Balancing Flavors: Ensure you balance the sweetness of the strawberries with the acidity of the dressing. Taste as you go to find that perfect mix.
Using the Wrong Container for Dressing: When preparing your vinaigrette, use a bowl that allows for easy whisking. A narrow container will make it harder to emulsify.
Making it Ahead of Time: This salad is best served fresh. If made too far in advance, the greens can wilt and become soggy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

- Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep ingredients fresh.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

- Not recommended: This salad does not freeze well due to its fresh ingredients and textures.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

Oven: If you’ve prepared leftovers, avoid reheating in the oven as it may wilt the greens.
Microwave: Not recommended; it will affect freshness and crunchiness.
Stovetop: Gently warm any leftover toppings separately if desired, but serve cold for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Crunch Salad.

How can I make my Strawberry Crunch Salad more filling?

You can add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make this salad heartier and more satisfying.

What can I substitute for goat cheese in Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Feta or blue cheese can be great alternatives if you’re not a fan of goat cheese. They both provide a creamy texture and rich flavor.

Can I prepare Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh. You can prep individual components ahead, such as washing greens or chopping fruits, but assemble just before serving.

What is the focus keyphrase in this recipe?

The focus keyphrase is Strawberry Crunch Salad. It highlights this refreshing dish’s main components.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful option for spring and summer meals. Its combination of crunchy textures and vibrant flavors makes it both appealing and versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite nuts or fruits to suit your taste!

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Strawberry Crunch Salad

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for spring and summer gatherings. This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the crunch of almonds, the creaminess of avocado, and the tangy richness of goat cheese. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a light dinner, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also visually stunning. Customizable with your favorite proteins or additional fruits, it’s a versatile option that will impress at any table. Enjoy this colorful medley that brings together flavors and textures in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds
10 ounces arugula greens
8 ounces strawberries (hulled and quartered)
1 avocado (chopped)
2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios (chopped)
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

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Instructions

Caramelize the almonds by cooking them with sugar in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, toss arugula with salt and pepper. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled almonds.
For the dressing, whisk together champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper; gradually add olive oil while whisking until combined.
Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American