Strawberry Crunch Salad
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish perfect for spring and summer occasions. It combines the freshness of strawberries with the crunchiness of toasted almonds and the creaminess of avocado and goat cheese. This vibrant salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a beautiful presentation, making it ideal for gatherings or casual meals at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of strawberries and arugula creates a light, refreshing taste that’s perfect for warmer days.
- Nutty Crunch: Toasted almonds and pistachios provide an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft avocado and creamy goat cheese.
- Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious salad—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or a side dish; this salad fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious ingredients, this salad is a guilt-free addition to your diet.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: This prevents the almonds from sticking during toasting, ensuring even cooking without burning.
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for tossing all ingredients together without making a mess.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending 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 Crunchy 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: Toast 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-like coating—about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Watch closely to avoid burning; once done, transfer them to parchment paper to cool. Break apart if clumped.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
- In a large bowl, toss the arugula greens, adding a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Incorporate the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled sugared almonds.
- Drizzle on your dressing (see next step) and toss well to combine.
Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
- In another large bowl, combine the following:
- champagne vinegar
- honey
- lemon juice
- dijon mustard
- garlic
- A pinch of salt and pepper.
- Whisk together until mixed well.
- Gradually stream in the olive oil, whisking constantly until fully emulsified.
Serve your beautiful Strawberry Crunch Salad immediately for best flavor! Enjoy this vibrant dish on special occasions or as part of your everyday meals.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or preparing a cozy dinner, this salad will impress your guests and family alike.
As a Main Course
- Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal. The protein complements the crunch of the salad beautifully.
- Serve it alongside a light pasta dish. The freshness of the salad balances well with the richness of pasta.
As a Side Dish
- It works wonderfully as a side for barbecued meats. The sweetness of strawberries contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
- Accompany it with sandwiches or wraps. The crisp textures add an exciting element to your lunch spread.
For Special Occasions
- Present it at brunch gatherings. Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table.
- Use it as a festive dish for holiday celebrations. The seasonal ingredients make it perfect for spring and summer events.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
To ensure your Strawberry Crunch Salad is nothing short of amazing, consider these essential tips.
- Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and arugula enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
- Toast the almonds: Toasting them adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Adjust the dressing: Feel free to tweak the vinaigrette ingredients according to your taste preferences.
- Add variety: Try incorporating other fruits like blueberries or peaches for added flavor and color.
- Serve immediately: To maintain the crunchiness, serve the salad right after tossing with dressing.
- Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge but avoid dressing it until ready to eat.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
When serving Strawberry Crunch Salad, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewered and grilled adds protein without overpowering the salad’s flavors.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a nutty addition that pairs well with fresh greens.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the salad’s textures.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies bring warmth and earthiness to your meal, enhancing its complexity.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can complement both flavors and textures, making for an elegant addition.
- Fruit Platter: A refreshing assortment of seasonal fruits rounds off the meal beautifully, celebrating freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Strawberry Crunch Salad, avoid these common mistakes to ensure a perfect dish.
- Overcooking almonds: Keep an eye on the almonds while cooking. They can burn quickly; stir frequently and remove them as soon as they are caramelized.
- Not seasoning the greens: Always toss arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper before adding other ingredients. This enhances the overall flavor.
- Skipping the dressing: Don’t forget to drizzle the champagne vinaigrette over the salad before serving. It’s essential for tying all flavors together.
- Using unripe strawberries: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best taste. They add freshness and balance to your salad.
- Not tossing well: Make sure you toss the salad thoroughly after adding the dressing. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crunchiness.
Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh ingredients.
- If you must freeze, only store unassembled components (like nuts) separately.
Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (15-20 seconds) until just warm. Avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Strawberry Crunch Salad.
How can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?
You can customize this salad by adding your favorite nuts or using different types of cheese, such as feta or blue cheese.
Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most components ahead but keep the dressing separate until serving for best results.
What are some good substitutes for arugula in this salad?
Spinach or mixed greens work well as substitutes if you prefer a milder green.
Is Strawberry Crunch Salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad makes a great meal prep option, just store it properly to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! Perfect for spring and summer meals, it allows for customization based on your preferences. Try adding more fruits or nuts to make it your own!
Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Experience the freshness of spring with our Strawberry Crunch Salad, a vibrant medley that tantalizes your taste buds. This delightful dish combines juicy strawberries, crisp arugula, creamy avocado, and rich goat cheese, all topped with crunchy toasted almonds and pistachios. Perfect for warm days, this salad makes an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering or a simple weeknight meal. In just 30 minutes, you can create a refreshing and nutritious dish that is both satisfying and visually stunning.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Toast the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with sugar until caramelized, about 6 to 8 minutes. Allow to 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, garlic, salt, pepper, and gradually add olive oil until emulsified.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required aside from toasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
