This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer gatherings. Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it ideal for picnics, barbecues, or light dinners. With a delightful crunch from almonds and pistachios combined with creamy avocado and tangy goat cheese, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy it as a side or a main dish; it’s versatile enough to suit any occasion!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: The combination of strawberries, avocado, and greens brings freshness to your plate.
Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Nutritious Choice: Packed with healthy fats from avocados and protein from goat cheese, this salad is a great addition to your diet.
Flavor Explosion: The balance of sweet and savory flavors creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a picnic in the park, this recipe fits every scenario.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Strawberry Crunch Salad, you’ll need some essential tools that help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nonstick skillet
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick skillet: Prevents sticking while cooking the almonds and ensures even caramelization.
Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all ingredients together without making a mess.
Whisk: Helps to create a smooth vinaigrette by thoroughly combining dressing ingredients.

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
½ lemon (juiced)
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 garlic clove (freshly grated)
Pinch kosher salt and pepper
½ 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 melted—about 6 to 8 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning!
Transfer almonds onto parchment paper to cool. Break apart if clumped.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss the arugula greens, along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add in the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled sugared almonds.
Drizzle on your dressing (see next step) and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately!

Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette

In another large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
While whisking constantly, stream in the olive oil. Whisk until well-combined.
Store any unused dressing in the fridge for up to one week.

Enjoy your fresh, crunchy Strawberry Crunch Salad as a delightful meal!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a casual picnic or a formal dinner, these suggestions will elevate your experience.

As a Light Lunch

Pair with grilled chicken for added protein.
Enjoy with whole grain bread for a balanced meal.

Perfect for Picnics

Pack it in mason jars for easy transport.
Add some crusty baguette slices on the side.

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside grilled fish to complement the flavors.
Great with BBQ meats for a refreshing contrast.

For Potlucks

Double the recipe to serve a larger crowd.
Bring along extra dressing for guests who like it saucy.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and crisp arugula enhance flavor and texture.
Chill the salad: Letting it sit in the fridge before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Customize toppings: Feel free to add nuts or seeds based on your preference for extra crunch.
Make ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance but add delicate ingredients just before serving to keep them fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

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

Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection add a smoky flavor that complements the salad well.
Quinoa Pilaf: A light, fluffy quinoa dish seasoned with herbs pairs nicely and boosts nutrition.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides a satisfying crunch that goes well with fresh salads.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness enhances the salad’s fruity notes while adding heartiness.
Caprese Skewers: Easy-to-eat skewers of mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes bring an Italian flair.
Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and lemon adds freshness without overpowering flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Crunch Salad, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

Skipping the Sugared Almonds: Many people overlook this step. The caramelized almonds add a delightful crunch and flavor that elevates the salad. Don’t skip this crucial component!
Overdressing the Salad: It’s easy to pour on too much dressing. Start with a small amount and toss gently until everything is coated. You can always add more if needed.
Using Unripe Strawberries: Unripe strawberries can ruin the sweetness of your salad. Always choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor.
Not Chilling Ingredients: Warm ingredients can wilt the greens. Ensure your avocados and strawberries are chilled beforehand for a refreshing salad experience.
Ignoring Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like mint or basil can enhance the flavor profile significantly. Don’t hesitate to include them for an extra layer of taste!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Use within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture of fresh ingredients.
If you must freeze, do so without dressing and consume within a month.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm gently for about 5 minutes, but note that it’s best enjoyed cold.
Microwave: Heat in 15-second intervals only if necessary; avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat while stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Strawberry Crunch Salad special?

The combination of crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and fresh strawberries creates a unique texture and flavor that stands out among salads.

Can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Yes! Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or nuts like walnuts to tailor it to your tastes.

How can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare the sugared almonds and dressing separately. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.

What should I serve with Strawberry Crunch Salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s also perfect as a picnic side dish!

Is Strawberry Crunch Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from its fresh ingredients and healthy fats from avocado and nuts.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only delightful but also versatile. Its refreshing flavors make it perfect for spring and summer meals or as a light dinner option. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruits or nuts according to your preference!

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Strawberry Crunch Salad

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

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Description

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With its beautiful blend of fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy nuts, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The addition of tangy goat cheese elevates the dish, making it an excellent choice for picnics, light dinners, or as a stunning side dish at any gathering. Ready in just 30 minutes, this nutritious salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whip up this Strawberry Crunch Salad and enjoy a burst of freshness in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

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 almonds
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
½ lemon (juiced)
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 garlic clove (freshly grated)
Pinch kosher salt and pepper
½ cup olive oil

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Instructions

In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine sliced almonds and sugar. Stir until sugar melts and almonds are golden (about 6-8 minutes). Cool on parchment paper.
In a large 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, minced garlic, salt, pepper in a separate bowl. Gradually add olive oil while whisking until combined.
Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately.

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