Strawberry Crunch Salad
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With its delightful mix of crunchy textures and creamy flavors, this salad shines at picnics, barbecues, or as a light dinner option. The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese creates an irresistible medley that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of sweet strawberries and zesty dressing brings a bright flavor to your table.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy greens, nuts, and fruits, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein to make it a complete meal.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The colorful ingredients create an appealing dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing the Strawberry Crunch Salad easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Prevents almonds from sticking while caramelizing, ensuring even cooking without burning.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing the salad ingredients together without spills.
- Whisk: Essential for emulsifying the vinaigrette dressing to achieve a smooth consistency.
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 and cook, stirring often until the sugar melts into a caramel coating – about 6 to 8 minutes. Stay vigilant; they can burn quickly!
- Transfer the almonds to parchment paper to cool. Break them into pieces if they are clumped together.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add in strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled sugared almonds.
- Drizzle on your prepared dressing from step three below and toss well.
Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
- Combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
- Whisk together while streaming in olive oil until well combined.
- Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.
This delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad serves four people and is ready in just 30 minutes! Enjoy this refreshing dish at your next gathering or as part of your healthy meal plan!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this salad is versatile enough to fit any occasion.
As a Main Course
- Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp for a filling meal.
- Serve with Quinoa: Pair it with cooked quinoa for extra texture and nutrition.
At a Picnic
- Packable: Place the salad in a portable container with the dressing on the side to keep it fresh.
- Accompany with Bread: Serve with crusty baguette slices for a delightful crunch.
For Family Gatherings
- Large Bowl Presentation: Serve in a large bowl to encourage sharing, making it perfect for family style dining.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top with fresh basil or mint for an aromatic touch.
As an Appetizer
- Small Portions: Serve in small cups or jars as an appetizer to impress your guests.
- Pair with Wine: Complement the salad with a light white wine for an elegant start to your meal.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
To ensure your Strawberry Crunch Salad is always at its best, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh strawberries and crisp arugula to enhance flavor.
- Toast the Nuts Carefully: Monitor the almonds while cooking, as they can burn quickly; stir continuously.
- Customize the Dressing: Adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by adding more honey or lemon juice according to your taste preferences.
- Keep It Chilled: Serve immediately after tossing for maximum freshness, or chill ingredients before mixing.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding nuts like walnuts or seeds like sunflower seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Crunch Salad can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this refreshing salad.
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful vegetables charred on the grill add smoky flavors that balance the salad’s freshness.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks provide a delightful contrast to the crispness of the salad.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad featuring seasonal veggies can be an excellent companion dish.
- Fruit Platter: A mix of seasonal fruits enhances sweetness, making it a perfect match for strawberry flavors.
- Cheese Plate: An assortment of cheeses pairs beautifully and adds richness alongside the crunchy elements of the salad.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweet and savory profile of roasted sweet potatoes complements the tangy flavors in the salad.
- Chilled Gazpacho Soup: This cold soup offers refreshing flavors that pair well with light salads.
These suggestions will help you create a satisfying meal around your Strawberry Crunch Salad!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Strawberry Crunch Salad is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect its taste and texture.
- Using stale ingredients – Fresh strawberries and greens are key. Always use fresh produce for the best flavor and crunch.
- Overcooking the almonds – Keep an eye on the almonds while cooking. They can burn quickly, so stir constantly until they are golden.
- Skipping the dressing – The dressing ties everything together. Don’t skip it! Prepare it fresh for maximum flavor.
- Not seasoning properly – A pinch of salt and pepper enhances flavors. Don’t forget to season your salad components before combining.
- Assembling too early – This salad is best served immediately after tossing. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the textures will change.
- If you must freeze, only freeze the sugared almonds separately.
Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, spread ingredients on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds on medium power, stirring in between.
- Stovetop – Lightly sauté on low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Strawberry Crunch Salad.
Can I use other greens for Strawberry Crunch Salad?
Yes! You can substitute arugula with spinach or mixed greens for different flavors and textures.
What can I replace goat cheese with?
Feta cheese or blue cheese make great substitutes if you prefer something different from goat cheese.
How do I make this a meal?
To make it heartier, add grilled chicken or quinoa, turning it into a filling main dish.
Is Strawberry Crunch Salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just keep the components separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile. You can customize it by adding proteins or swapping out ingredients based on your preferences. Try this delightful recipe today, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of spring and summer!
Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves four
Description
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the flavors of spring and summer. This delightful salad features a medley of fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, all beautifully complemented by a crunchy almond topping. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or light dinners. With its nutritious ingredients and eye-catching presentation, this salad is sure to impress your guests while providing a wholesome meal option.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces arugula greens
- 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)
- 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
- Prepare the crunch topping: In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook sliced almonds with sugar until caramelized (6-8 minutes). Cool on parchment paper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss arugula with salt and pepper. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled almonds. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss well.
- Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, pepper; slowly add olive oil until emulsified.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of salad (approximately 220g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
