Strawberry Crunch Salad
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer gatherings. Packed with fresh flavors and delightful textures, it combines crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, making it a standout choice for picnics, barbecues, or light dinners. Its vibrant colors and taste are sure to impress family and friends alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the seasonal taste of strawberries and greens that will brighten any meal.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal cooking required, this salad comes together in just 30 minutes.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish, this salad adapts well to different occasions—from casual lunches to elegant dinners.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with healthy fats from avocado and nuts, this salad is both filling and nourishing.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy almonds creates a delicious contrast that tantalizes your taste buds.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Strawberry Crunch Salad, gather the essential tools you’ll need for preparation. Having everything on hand will streamline the process and make cooking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: This helps prevent the almonds from sticking while caramelizing, ensuring they cook evenly without burning.
- Large bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Whisk: Essential for combining the vinaigrette ingredients smoothly, achieving the perfect dressing 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 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: Caramelize 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.
- Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly!
- Transfer the caramelized almonds onto parchment paper to cool. If they clump together, break them apart once cooled.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss the arugula greens, adding a pinch of kosher salt and pepper.
- Add in the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled sugared almonds.
- Drizzle on your prepared dressing from step 3 below and toss everything well. Serve immediately!
Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
- In another large bowl, combine the champagne vinegar, honey, juice from half a lemon, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk these ingredients together until combined.
- While whisking continuously, stream in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies.
- Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.
Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad! Perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a casual dinner, this salad will surely impress.
As a Light Lunch
- Pair it with whole-grain bread or a light wrap for a fulfilling meal.
- Serve it alongside a refreshing fruit smoothie to enhance the lightness.
At a Picnic
- Pack in portable containers for an easy-to-eat option outdoors.
- Include some extra dressing on the side for those who like it saucy.
As a Side Dish
- Complement grilled meats or seafood with this salad for a fresh touch.
- Present it at potlucks as a delightful alternative to heavier sides.
For Meal Prep
- Prepare ahead of time and store in individual portions for quick lunches throughout the week.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad even more delightful, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions can elevate your dish and impress your guests.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe strawberries and fresh arugula to enhance flavors and textures.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Adjust Sweetness: Modify the honey in the dressing based on your taste preference; you can reduce it for a tangier flavor.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try feta cheese if goat cheese isn’t available; it offers a similar creamy texture.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Crunch Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions that complement the flavors of this refreshing salad beautifully.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Simple marinated chicken skewers add protein and flavor.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf brings heartiness and pairs well with the salad’s freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide warmth and contrast to the cool salad.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances summer vibes; grill or boil for best results.
- Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from the salad.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on skewers offer an Italian twist that complements the strawberry flavors.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and variety to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad is simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Overcooking the almonds: When you caramelize the almonds, monitor them closely. If left unattended, they can burn quickly. Stir often and remove them from heat as soon as they turn golden brown.
- Skipping the seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper in your greens can elevate flavors. Don’t forget to season your arugula before adding other ingredients!
- Not using fresh ingredients: For the best taste, ensure your strawberries and avocado are ripe and fresh. Stale or overripe produce can ruin the salad’s overall flavor.
- Ignoring the dressing: The champagne vinaigrette is crucial for tying all components together. Make sure to whisk it thoroughly and drizzle it evenly over your salad.
- Assembling too early: If you prepare the salad too far in advance, it may become soggy. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain crunchiness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate from the salad until ready to serve.
Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the high water content in strawberries and avocado, which may change texture upon thawing.
Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the salad on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (20-30 seconds) until just warm; avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through; this method works best if you have added dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Crunch Salad.
Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to keep ingredients separate until just before serving. This prevents sogginess and retains crunch.
What can I substitute for goat cheese in Strawberry Crunch Salad?
You can use feta cheese or even mozzarella as alternatives. Both will give a nice creamy texture without overpowering flavors.
How do I make Strawberry Crunch Salad vegan?
To make it vegan, omit goat cheese and replace honey with maple syrup in the vinaigrette. Use nuts or seeds for added protein.
Are there any variations of Strawberry Crunch Salad?
Absolutely! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, swap arugula for spinach, or include other fruits like blueberries or peaches for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish perfect for spring and summer meals. Its crunchy texture combined with creamy avocado and tangy goat cheese makes it a versatile option for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite fruits or nuts!
Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring and summer. Bursting with sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, crunchy almonds, and tangy goat cheese, this salad offers an exciting mix of flavors and textures. It’s not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to serve as a light lunch, an impressive side at picnics or barbecues, or even as a main dish for elegant dinners. With its bright colors and delicious taste, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the fresh ingredients and delightful crunch in every bite!
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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
- Caramelize the almonds by heating them with sugar in a nonstick skillet until golden. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine arugula with salt and pepper. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and caramelized almonds.
- For the dressing, whisk together champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing/Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
