Strawberry Crunch Salad
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer! Bursting with flavor and texture, it’s an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or light dinners. The combination of crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese makes this salad a standout. Serve it as a side or a main course; it’s versatile enough for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor: The fresh strawberries and arugula create a delightful mix that’s sure to please.
- Easy to Prepare: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats from avocados and protein from goat cheese, this salad is both satisfying and healthy.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or swap out the cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make this salad visually appealing for any table setting.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment will ensure your preparation is smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Makes it easy to caramelize the almonds without them sticking or burning.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all ingredients together without making a mess.
- Whisk: Essential for emulsifying the dressing ingredients 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 Crunch 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 Crunch Topping
- Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar. Cook while stirring often until the sugar melts and coats the almonds—about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Keep an eye on them; they can burn quickly!
- Transfer the almonds to a piece of parchment paper to cool. Break apart any clumps once cooled.
Step 2: Mix Salad Ingredients
- In a large bowl, toss together the arugula, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
- Add in the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled sugared almonds.
- Drizzle on your dressing (instructions below) and toss well to combine. Serve immediately!
Step 3: Make Champagne Vinaigrette
- In another large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together thoroughly.
- While whisking continuously, stream in the olive oil. Continue whisking until well combined.
- Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.
Enjoy this vibrant Strawberry Crunch Salad as a delightful addition to your meals!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a fantastic choice for gatherings, picnics, or casual dinners.
As a Main Course
- For a filling meal, serve the Strawberry Crunch Salad as the main dish. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and flavor.
With Grilled Proteins
- Pair this salad with grilled steak or salmon to complement its crunchy texture and tangy dressing. The savory elements balance the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
At Picnics
- This salad is ideal for outdoor gatherings. Pack it in a portable container and enjoy it with friends while soaking up the sun.
For Brunch
- Consider serving Strawberry Crunch Salad at brunch alongside some fresh pastries or an omelet. It adds a refreshing element to your brunch spread.
As a Side Dish
- Serve this salad alongside hearty dishes like roasted vegetables or pasta. Its bright flavors provide a refreshing contrast to heavier meals.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
To ensure your Strawberry Crunch Salad is nothing short of amazing, follow these simple tips.
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Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for the freshest strawberries and greens available. Fresh produce enhances flavor and texture.
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Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the honey or sugar in the vinaigrette. This allows the natural flavors of the salad to shine through.
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Add variety: Include additional toppings like sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for added crunch and color. These can enhance both flavor and presentation.
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Serve immediately: To maintain its crunchiness, serve the salad right after tossing with dressing. This prevents sogginess from the greens absorbing too much liquid.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad pairs well with various side dishes that can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the salad’s flavors perfectly; grill it with butter and herbs for extra taste.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These bring a warm, earthy flavor that contrasts nicely with the freshness of the salad.
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta offers a nutritious side that’s packed with protein.
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Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a tasty finger food that pairs well with this strawberry dish.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides a comforting side that balances out the lightness of the salad beautifully.
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Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits can enhance your meal’s overall freshness while echoing the strawberry theme in your salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad can be simple, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results.
- Ignoring fresh ingredients – Using old or wilted greens can spoil the salad’s flavor. Always select fresh arugula and ripe strawberries for the best taste.
- Overcooking the almonds – If you leave the almonds unattended while caramelizing, they can burn quickly. Keep an eye on them and stir frequently for even cooking.
- Skipping the seasoning – Neglecting to season with salt and pepper can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to add a pinch to enhance the overall taste of your salad.
- Not preparing the dressing properly – If you don’t whisk the dressing ingredients well, it may not emulsify properly. Ensure you mix until smooth for a cohesive dressing.
- Serving too early – Serving immediately after tossing is essential for freshness. Allowing it to sit too long can make the greens soggy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture, especially with the greens and avocado.
- If necessary, freeze individual components separately.
Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes, covering with foil to avoid drying out.
- Microwave – Heat in short bursts (30 seconds), stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Warm over low heat while stirring gently; avoid overcooking any ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to prepare components separately and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.
What variations can I try with Strawberry Crunch Salad?
You can add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, or substitute other nuts like walnuts or pecans for different flavors.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing as it affects texture.
Is Strawberry Crunch Salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for optimal freshness and crunchiness.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful choice for warm weather meals, combining refreshing flavors and textures. It’s versatile too; feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients like nuts or proteins. Give it a try this season!
Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Strawberry Crunch Salad, a refreshing dish perfect for spring and summer gatherings. This delightful salad combines sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, all nestled on a bed of peppery arugula. Topped with caramelized almonds for that satisfying crunch, this salad is not only beautiful but also packed with nutrients. Ideal as a side dish or a light main course, it’s customizable to fit your taste—add grilled chicken for extra protein or swap goat cheese for a dairy-free option. Whip it up in just 25 minutes and impress your guests at picnics, barbecues, or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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
- In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, caramelize the almonds with sugar for 6-8 minutes until coated.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss arugula with salt and pepper, then add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled almonds.
- For the dressing, whisk together champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt and pepper. Slowly incorporate olive oil until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Caramelizing, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
