If you’re craving a salad that bursts with fresh flavors, satisfying crunch, and vibrant colors, you’re going to love this Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese all dressed in a luscious honey-Dijon vinaigrette. The crunchy almonds and pistachios add just the right texture, making every bite a delightful experience that feels both fresh and indulgent. Not only does this salad look stunning on the plate, but it also brings a wonderful harmony of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet impactful ingredients is the key to making this Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe shine. Each element plays a role in creating the perfect medley of taste, texture, and color that makes this salad truly unforgettable.
- Sliced or slivered almonds (â…” cup): Toasted with sugar to add sweet crunch and a nutty aroma that complements the fruit beautifully.
- Sugar (3 tablespoons): Used to caramelize the almonds, giving them a delightful sweetness and crunchy coating.
- Arugula greens (10 ounces): A peppery, fresh base that adds bite and balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Strawberries (8 ounces, hulled and quartered or chopped): Juicy and vibrant, they bring freshness and a burst of natural sweetness to the salad.
- Avocado (1, chopped): Creamy texture that mellows the tangy and sweet flavors, making each bite smooth and luscious.
- Crumbled goat cheese (2 ounces): Adds a tangy, rich flavor that contrasts perfectly with the fruit and greens.
- Roasted salted pistachios (⅓ cup, chopped): Provides additional crunch and a slightly salty counterpart to the salad’s sweetness.
- Champagne vinegar (3 tablespoons): Brings a bright acidity that lifts all the flavors in the dressing.
- Lemon juice (½ lemon): Adds fresh citrus notes to brighten the vinaigrette.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Natural sweetness balances the acidity and ties everything together.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Gives the dressing a subtle tang and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
- Freshly grated garlic clove (1): A small punch of savory warmth enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- Kosher salt and pepper (pinch): Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the salad’s taste.
- Olive oil (½ cup): Rich and smooth base for the dressing, melding all the ingredients into a harmonious coating.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe
Step 1: Toast and Caramelize the Almonds
Start by warming up a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced or slivered almonds along with the sugar, stirring gently to coat the nuts evenly. As the sugar melts, it will create a beautifully glossy, crunchy shell around the almonds. Keep stirring often to avoid burning, and once the almonds turn golden and fragrant, transfer them to a parchment-lined plate to cool. This step is crucial for adding that addictive crunch and a subtle sweetness that sets this salad apart.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
While the almonds cool, rinse and dry the arugula thoroughly and place it in a large salad bowl. Hull and chop the strawberries into bite-sized pieces, and peel and chop the avocado just before assembling to keep it vibrant and prevent browning. Crumble the goat cheese and chop the roasted pistachios so they’re ready to sprinkle on top. Preparing these ingredients fresh ensures each bite bursts with bright flavor and pleasing textures.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, combine the champagne vinegar, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and freshly grated garlic. Whisk these together until well blended. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify the dressing into a smooth, shiny vinaigrette. Add a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This vibrant dressing ties every element of the Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe together with its delicate balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Pour the vinaigrette over the arugula and gently toss to coat all the greens evenly without bruising them. Add the chopped strawberries, avocado, crumbled goat cheese, caramelized almonds, and chopped pistachios on top. Give it one last gentle toss just before serving so the textures remain distinct and the flavors shine beautifully in every mouthful.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, consider adding a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of edible flowers for visual appeal. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few whole toasted nuts on top can add a gourmet touch that makes this salad perfect for entertaining.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light yet satisfying meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside warm crusty bread or a bowl of creamy soup. The fruity brightness of the salad perfectly balances richer side dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving this Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe in individual glass bowls or mason jars layered with ingredients for a beautiful striped effect. You can also use large lettuce leaves as edible cups for smaller portions, making it both elegant and approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this salad has delicate ingredients like avocado and a vinaigrette that can sog the greens, it’s best to store leftovers separately if possible. Keep the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1 day for best freshness. Store extra nuts and cheese separately to maintain their texture.
Freezing
This salad isn’t suitable for freezing due to the fresh greens, fruit, and creamy elements which can turn mushy when thawed. It’s definitely a dish to enjoy fresh or within a day or two of making.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled salad with fresh ingredients, reheating is not recommended. If you want warm elements, consider serving the dressing and nuts on the side and adding them fresh before serving again.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for almonds and pistachios?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or cashews can work nicely, depending on your texture preference. Just toast and caramelize them similarly for the best flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Chop the avocado just before serving and toss it gently with the vinaigrette to help slow oxidation. Storing leftovers quickly in an airtight container with some lemon juice can also help.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
You can prepare the vinaigrette a day in advance and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or cooked quinoa for extra protein and heft, transforming this salad into a complete meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about the combination of flavors and textures in this Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe. It’s fresh, colorful, and bursting with personality on the plate. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or a special gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad that you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a fresh and vibrant mix of peppery arugula, sweet and juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, topped with a delightful crunch from toasted almonds and pistachios. Dressed in a zesty honey-champagne vinegar dressing infused with garlic and Dijon mustard, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Crunchy Nuts
- â…” cup sliced or slivered almonds
- â…“ cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped
Greens and Fruits
- 10 ounces arugula greens
- 8 ounces strawberries, hulled and quartered or chopped
- 1 avocado, chopped
Cheese
- 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
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
- 3 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Toast the almonds: In a small skillet over medium heat, combine the sliced or slivered almonds with the sugar. Toast, stirring frequently, until the almonds are golden and the sugar has melted into a crunchy coating, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, freshly grated garlic, kosher salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, toasted almonds, and roasted salted pistachios. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately for the freshest flavors and best texture.
Notes
- To enhance the crunch, make sure to toast the almonds carefully without burning them.
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta or ricotta salata for a different twist.
- If strawberries are out of season, try using fresh raspberries or blueberries as an alternative.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh; avoid preparing it too far in advance to prevent sogginess.
- For a vegan version, omit the goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
