Strawberry Crunch Salad
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer! With a delightful blend of textures and flavors, it combines the sweetness of strawberries with creamy avocado and tangy goat cheese. This salad is not only refreshing but also versatile, making it suitable for picnics, barbecues, or a light dinner at home. The crunch from the almonds and pistachios adds an irresistible element that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of strawberries, avocado, and goat cheese creates a deliciously tangy and sweet flavor profile.
- Quick & Easy: Prep this salad in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fresh greens and wholesome ingredients, this salad is a great way to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish at barbecues and family gatherings. It pairs well with various proteins.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors from the strawberries and greens make this salad visually appealing on any table.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad, having the right tools on hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you need to prepare this fresh dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Prevents almonds from sticking while toasting, ensuring they achieve that perfect caramelized texture without burning.
- Large bowl: Provides ample space for mixing all ingredients easily without spills.
- Whisk: Helps emulsify the dressing components quickly for 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: Toast the Almonds
- Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar and cook while stirring often until the sugar melts, coating all of the almonds (about 6 to 8 minutes).
- Be attentive while cooking to prevent burning! Transfer toasted almonds to parchment paper to cool. Break them into pieces if they clump together.
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large bowl, toss arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds to the bowl.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Prepare Champagne Vinaigrette
- In another large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together until well blended.
- While whisking constantly, stream in olive oil until dressing emulsifies.
- Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.
Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad as a delightful addition to your meals!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual picnic, this salad can be an impressive addition to your meal.
As a Main Course
- Pair with grilled chicken for a heartier option.
- Add quinoa or farro for extra protein and fiber.
As a Side Dish
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.
- Complement with crusty bread to soak up the dressing.
For Picnics
- Pack in jars for easy transport and minimal mess.
- Include extra dressing on the side to keep it fresh until serving.
At Potlucks
- Bring in a large bowl to share, garnished with fresh strawberries.
- Offer serving utensils for easy self-serving.
With Drinks
- Serve with sparkling water or lemonade to enhance the refreshing flavors.
- Pair with white wine for an elegant touch during summer evenings.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad truly exceptional, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and greens will elevate the flavor of your salad.
- Toast almonds carefully: Keep an eye on the almonds while cooking; they can burn quickly if left unattended.
- Adjust the dressing: Feel free to tweak the vinaigrette by adding herbs like basil or mint for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve immediately: This salad is best enjoyed right after tossing to maintain its crunchiness.
- Add seasonal fruits: Experiment with other fruits like blueberries or peaches based on what’s available.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for 15 minutes can enhance the flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Crunch Salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: A sweet and smoky addition that complements the salad’s freshness.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a classic Italian touch.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread can add savory depth next to the crunchy salad.
- Roasted Potatoes: Herb-seasoned roasted potatoes offer comfort and are easy to prepare ahead of time.
- Fruit Platter: A mix of seasonal fruits can enhance the lightness of your meal and appeal to all ages.
- Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses paired with crackers adds sophistication and variety to your dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Crunch Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the sugared almonds: Failing to add the caramelized almonds can make your salad lack texture and sweetness. Always take the time to prepare them for that perfect crunch.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a little and toss gently, ensuring everything is lightly coated.
- Neglecting ingredient quality: Using subpar strawberries or wilted greens can ruin the dish. Choose fresh, ripe ingredients for the best flavor and presentation.
- Chopping ingredients unevenly: Cutting fruits and veggies into various sizes makes for an unappealing look and texture. Aim for uniform pieces for an even distribution of flavors.
- Not serving immediately: Letting the salad sit too long can cause it to lose its crunch. Serve it right after mixing for the best experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days, but expect some loss of crunch.
Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh ingredients, which do not thaw well.
- If necessary, you can freeze individual components like dressing or sugared almonds separately.
Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread out any separate components on a baking sheet and heat them until warm, about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely, heating in 30-second intervals until warm. Avoid overheating as it may wilt greens.
- Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often until warmed through without cooking the greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about making Strawberry Crunch Salad.
Can I use other greens instead of arugula?
Yes! You can substitute arugula with spinach or mixed greens if preferred. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile.
How long does the champagne vinaigrette last?
The champagne vinaigrette can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a good shake before using!
Is Strawberry Crunch Salad healthy?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from fresh fruits, nuts, and healthy fats from avocado, making it a nutritious choice.
Can I customize this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or nuts like walnuts for additional flavors and textures.
What can I serve with Strawberry Crunch Salad?
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it an excellent choice for a light dinner or picnic meal.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize. You can mix in your favorite seasonal fruits or nuts to create a unique dish every time. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a light meal or side at your next gathering!
Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4 people 1x
Description
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring and summer. Featuring sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, this salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The added crunch from toasted almonds and pistachios makes it a standout option for picnics, barbecues, or light dinners. Easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, it’s not only nutritious but also visually stunning, making it an ideal choice for any gathering. Elevate your meal with this irresistible salad that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 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 or slivered almonds
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 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 6-8 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 vinegar, honey, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually add olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking involved
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
