Strawberry Crunch Salad
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Bursting with flavors from fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, it’s both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or looking for a light dinner option, this salad fits the bill. Its delightful crunch from sugared almonds and pistachios adds an unexpected texture that elevates the entire experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes needed for prep and cook time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
- Fresh Ingredients: The combination of arugula, strawberries, and avocado makes this salad incredibly fresh and nutritious.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main dish; this salad suits any occasion from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet and tangy dressing complements the crunchy ingredients beautifully, making each bite memorable.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite proteins or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the preparation of your Strawberry Crunch Salad, gather your tools to make the process seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Ideal for toasting almonds without sticking or burning them, ensuring perfect caramelization.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to toss all the ingredients together without making a mess.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the vinaigrette smoothly, ensuring all flavors are well combined.
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: Toast the Almonds
- Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar and cook, stirring often until the sugar melts and coats all of the almonds—about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Transfer the almonds to a piece of parchment paper to cool. Break them into pieces if they clump together.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
- In a large bowl, toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add in strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In another large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together while streaming in olive oil until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Drizzle dressing over salad ingredients in bowland toss well.
- Serve immediately for best flavor!
Enjoy your vibrant Strawberry Crunch Salad that’s not only beautiful but bursting with flavor!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a casual dinner, here are some creative ways to serve this vibrant salad.
With Grilled Chicken
- Pairing it with grilled chicken adds protein and makes the meal more filling. Simply slice the chicken breast and place it on top of the salad.
As a Side Dish
- Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad as a refreshing side alongside your favorite main courses, like grilled fish or steak, for a balanced meal.
In a Mason Jar
- Layer the ingredients in a mason jar for an attractive presentation. This makes it easy to transport for picnics or lunches on the go.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Enhancing the salad with fresh herbs like basil or mint can add an aromatic touch and elevate the overall flavor profile.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve this salad alongside crusty bread or breadsticks for a satisfying crunch that complements the textures in the salad.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
To ensure your Strawberry Crunch Salad is always at its best, follow these handy tips.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe strawberries and fresh arugula for optimal flavor and texture.
- Toast Nuts: Toasting almonds enhances their nuttiness. Just be cautious not to burn them while cooking.
- Make Ahead Dressing: Prepare the champagne vinaigrette in advance so flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve Immediately: Toss the salad just before serving to keep all ingredients crisp and vibrant.
- Customize It: Feel free to add other seasonal fruits or nuts to personalize your recipe.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust sweetness by modifying honey in the dressing based on your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad pairs well with various side dishes that can complement its vibrant flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and charred asparagus brings out a smoky flavor that balances the sweetness of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf can add heartiness and make your meal more substantial while maintaining healthy elements.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs nicely with strawberries, adding an earthy component to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and offers a comforting contrast to fresh salads.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with vinegar dressing can enhance freshness without overpowering flavors.
- Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses can provide variety; include options like brie or sharp cheddar for contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Crunch Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Overcooking the Almonds: Be attentive while caramelizing almonds. Stir continuously and remove them from heat as soon as they are golden to prevent burning.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh strawberries and greens for the best flavor. Dull ingredients can ruin the taste of your salad.
- Not Tasting the Dressing: Before serving, taste your vinaigrette. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice if necessary.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Allow your ingredients to come to room temperature before assembling. This helps flavors meld together better.
- Forgetting the Toss: Thoroughly toss your salad just before serving for even distribution of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as it can lose its texture and flavor after thawing.
Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Spread on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes until slightly heated.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, warm gently while stirring until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Strawberry Crunch Salad that might help you customize it further.
Can I add other fruits to Strawberry Crunch Salad?
Yes! You can include fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and color.
How do I make Strawberry Crunch Salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
What can I serve with Strawberry Crunch Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal during spring and summer.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
You can add more honey or reduce sugar based on your preference. Tasting as you go will help you achieve the perfect balance.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile. You can customize it with different toppings or dressings based on what you have on hand. Enjoy this delightful dish at picnics, barbecues, or as part of a light dinner at home!
Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of spring and summer. This delightful salad features ripe strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, all atop a bed of fresh arugula. The crunchy texture from sugared almonds and pistachios adds an unexpected twist, making every bite a flavor-packed experience. Perfect for picnics, light dinners, or festive gatherings, this salad is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. Whip it up in just 30 minutes to impress your guests with a colorful and delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 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, stir in sugar with almonds until caramelized (6-8 minutes). Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
- Prepare the salad base: Toss arugula with salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled almonds.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil until combined.
- Combine & serve: Drizzle dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
