Strawberry Crunch Salad

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients, making it the perfect choice for warm weather meals. With its vibrant flavors and crunchy textures, this salad suits various occasions, from picnic lunches to elegant dinners. The combination of arugula, strawberries, avocado, and goat cheese creates a satisfying dish that’s both healthy and delicious.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Salad
• For the Dressing
• How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad
• Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Almonds
• Step 2: Toss the Salad Ingredients
• Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
• How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
• As a Main Course
• At a Picnic
• For Meal Prep
• As a Side Dish
• In Individual Servings
• How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
• Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?
• Can I make this salad vegan?
• What other ingredients pair well with Strawberry Crunch Salad?
• Is Strawberry Crunch Salad good for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: This salad features seasonal strawberries and crisp arugula for a burst of flavor.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish or topped with grilled chicken for a complete meal.
• Crunchy Texture: The addition of sugared almonds and pistachios gives this salad an irresistible crunch.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from avocado and nuts, it’s a guilt-free treat.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Strawberry Crunch Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything comes together smoothly.

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 to toss all the fresh ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Helps to combine dressing ingredients thoroughly for a smooth finish.

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

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Almonds

1. Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sugar and cook, stirring often, until the sugar melts and coats the almonds—about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Transfer the almonds to parchment paper to cool. If clumped, break them into pieces.

Step 2: Toss the Salad Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, toss arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.
3. Drizzle with dressing (see next step) and toss gently until well combined. Serve immediately!

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 together until mixed well.
3. While whisking continuously, stream in olive oil until dressing emulsifies.
4. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to one week.

Enjoy your Strawberry Crunch Salad as a refreshing side or main dish!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you are hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a light dinner, this salad is sure to please.

As a Main Course

• Serve it chilled for a refreshing meal option during hot days.
• Pair it with grilled chicken for added protein and flavor.

At a Picnic

• Pack it in portable containers to enjoy outdoors.
• Bring the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh until serving.

For Meal Prep

• Portion it into jars for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Layer ingredients to maintain crunchiness, adding dressing just before eating.

As a Side Dish

• Complement it with grilled fish or steak for a delightful dinner.
• Use it as an accompaniment at barbecues or family gatherings.

In Individual Servings

• Present the salad in small bowls for elegant plating.
• Top each serving with extra goat cheese and almonds for visual appeal.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

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

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and ripe avocado enhance the flavor and texture of the salad.
• Customize the nuts: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans for varied taste and crunch.
• Make ahead: Prepare the sugared almonds and vinaigrette in advance to save time on serving day.
• Add extra toppings: Consider adding quinoa or grilled shrimp for additional nutrition and heartiness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Crunch Salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Grilled Chicken: Simple yet flavorful, grilled chicken adds protein to your meal.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the salad’s freshness perfectly, especially when grilled.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables provides warmth and earthiness alongside your salad.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: This nutritious grain dish offers a hearty component that balances the lightness of the salad.
5. Pasta Salad: Choose a light pasta salad with vinaigrette dressing to match flavors without overwhelming them.
6. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers provide an appealing bite-size option that pairs well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Crunch Salad can be easy, but some common mistakes can affect the taste and presentation. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Almonds: Keep a close eye on the almonds while cooking. If you let them burn, they will ruin the crunchiness of your salad. Stir frequently until they’re perfectly caramelized.

• Using Unripe Strawberries: Always choose ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Check for sweetness and color before adding them to your salad.

• Skipping the Dressing: The dressing is key to bringing all ingredients together. Don’t skip it! Whisk it well to ensure it coats every ingredient evenly.

• Not Seasoning Properly: A pinch of salt and pepper enhances flavors significantly. Don’t forget to season your greens and other components before mixing.

• Making It Ahead of Time: This salad is best served fresh. If you prepare it too early, the greens will wilt, and the textures will suffer. Assemble just before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the textures will change.
• However, you can freeze individual components like sugared almonds separately.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm gently for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 20 seconds until just warm; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat for a few minutes; stir occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making the perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad, here are some common questions answered:

How can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

You can add different fruits like blueberries or mangoes for variety. Nuts like walnuts or pecans also work well!

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

What other ingredients pair well with Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein, or include quinoa for added texture.

Is Strawberry Crunch Salad good for meal prep?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components separately and assemble when ready to serve for meal prep convenience.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for spring and summer meals, it’s crunchy, fresh, and full of flavor. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients, making each serving unique!