Strawberry Crunch Salad

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer gatherings! With its vibrant colors and delightful textures, this salad combines fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese. It’s an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch. The crunchy almonds and pistachios add a satisfying bite that complements the juicy fruits beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese creates a flavor explosion.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats from avocados and nuts, this salad is as nutritious as it is tasty.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein to make it a complete meal.
• Stunning Presentation: The colorful ingredients make this salad visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Strawberry Crunch Salad effectively, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help you create the perfect blend of flavors and textures with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Prevents almonds from sticking while they caramelize, ensuring an even coating.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all the fresh ingredients together without spilling.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the vinaigrette smoothly to achieve a cohesive dressing.

Ingredients

This strawberry salad is the best spring and summer meal! Super crunchy and textured with avocado and goat cheese. Absolutely delicious.

For the Salad

• ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Almonds

1. Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sugar and cook while stirring often until the sugar melts fully—about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Be vigilant to prevent burning! Once done, transfer them to parchment paper to cool.
4. If clumped together, break them into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Toss the Ingredients Together

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.
3. Drizzle on your dressing (instructions below) and toss everything well.

Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette

1. In a separate large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed.
3. Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified.

This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you create a Strawberry Crunch Salad bursting with flavor that everyone will love! Enjoy your refreshing creation!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only a delightful dish but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it in various ways to suit your occasion and preferences.

As a Standalone Meal

• This salad is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, especially during warm days. The combination of arugula, avocado, and goat cheese provides a satisfying meal.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. The fresh flavors of the salad complement the smokiness of the grill perfectly.

On a Buffet Table

• Serve it as part of a buffet spread during gatherings. Its vibrant colors and textures will attract guests and add variety to the table.

As a Side Dish

• Use it as a refreshing side dish alongside your favorite grilled meats or sandwiches. The crunch from the almonds and pistachios enhances any main course.

For Picnics

• Pack this salad for a picnic! It’s easy to transport, and its flavors will shine even after sitting out for a while. Just keep the dressing separate until serving.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips.

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh strawberries and avocados for the best flavor and texture.
• Toast Your Nuts: Lightly toast the almonds and pistachios for enhanced crunch and nuttiness.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time but add dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the honey in the dressing according to your taste preference—add more for sweeter salads.
• Experiment with Greens: Try mixing arugula with spinach or kale for different flavors and textures.
• Add Extra Toppings: Consider adding sunflower seeds or dried fruits like cranberries for additional crunch and flavor complexity.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

This Strawberry Crunch Salad pairs beautifully with several side dishes that complement its refreshing taste. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a smoky sweetness that balances the salad’s tangy elements.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa dish with herbs offers a nutty flavor that works well with the salad.
3. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers provide an Italian twist perfect for summer meals.
4. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as a hearty accompaniment that contrasts nicely with the salad’s freshness.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and earthiness that enhance your dining experience.
6. Fruit Platter: A colorful platter of assorted seasonal fruits adds sweetness and variety alongside your meal.
7. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with grains or meats, creating a satisfying pairing with the crunchy salad.
8. Potato Wedges: Crispy wedges seasoned with herbs can offer comfort alongside this vibrant dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Crunch Salad can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the almonds: Cooking the almonds too long can lead to bitterness. Keep an eye on them while they caramelize to ensure they don’t burn.
• Skipping the seasoning: Forgetting to season the arugula with salt and pepper can make your salad bland. Always add a pinch before mixing in other ingredients.
• Cutting strawberries improperly: Cutting strawberries too small may cause them to lose their texture. Aim for quartered or chopped pieces to enhance crunchiness.
• Using stale nuts: Using old or stale nuts can ruin the freshness of your salad. Always use fresh, high-quality nuts for the best flavor.
• Not letting the dressing combine: Skipping the whisking step when making the dressing can result in separation. Whisk constantly while adding oil to create a smooth vinaigrette.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The salad is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to its fresh ingredients.
• If you must freeze components, consider freezing just the sugared almonds separately.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm any components briefly, avoiding greens.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds) if necessary; avoid heating greens directly.
• Stovetop: Gently warm components on low heat, ensuring not to wilt the greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Yes! You can add different fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and variety.

How do I make this Strawberry Crunch Salad vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and omit honey from the dressing.

What pairs well with Strawberry Crunch Salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect light meal or side dish.

How long does the dressing last?

The champagne vinaigrette will last up to one week in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only a delightfully fresh dish but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite fruits or nuts. This salad is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, ensuring that everyone enjoys a crunchy and flavorful experience. Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful flavors!

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Strawberry Crunch Salad

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Bring a burst of flavor to your spring and summer gatherings with this vibrant Strawberry Crunch Salad. Featuring juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, this dish is a feast for the eyes and the palate. The addition of crunchy almonds and pistachios adds texture, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this salad is packed with nutritious ingredients that keep you feeling great while impressing your guests. Serve it as a side or make it a meal by adding your favorite protein. No matter how you enjoy it, the stunning presentation and delightful flavors will make it a hit at any table.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine almonds and sugar. Stir continuously until sugar melts and coats the almonds (6-8 minutes). Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss arugula with salt and pepper. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled sugared almonds.
3. For the dressing: Whisk together champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 10mg