Strawberry Crunch Salad
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful spring and summer dish that brings together vibrant flavors and textures. With crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, it’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light dinner option. The combination of fresh ingredients makes this salad not only delicious but also healthy, ensuring that you enjoy every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a quick meal option for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The mix of arugula, strawberries, and goat cheese creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main dish; this salad fits perfectly into any meal plan.
- Health Benefits: Packed with vitamins from fresh fruits and greens, it’s a nutritious choice for health-conscious eaters.
- Crunchy Texture: The sugared almonds and pistachios add a satisfying crunch that elevates the eating experience.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Having the right equipment ensures that you can prepare the Strawberry Crunch Salad efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Prevents sticking while caramelizing almonds, ensuring they come out perfectly coated without burning.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all ingredients together without spilling.
- Whisk: Essential for emulsifying the dressing ingredients smoothly.
- Parchment paper: Useful for cooling sugared almonds without them sticking.
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
- Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar and cook while stirring often until the sugar melts into a caramely coating – about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Watch closely to prevent burning!
- Transfer the coated almonds onto parchment paper to cool. Once cooled, break them into pieces if they clump together.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add in strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.
- Drizzle on your dressing (instructions below) and toss everything well to combine.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness!
Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
- In another large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together until well mixed.
- Gradually stream in olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing emulsifies.
- Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.
Enjoy this vibrant Strawberry Crunch Salad, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad is an incredibly versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or enjoying a casual dinner at home, this salad shines in any setting.
As a Light Lunch
- Pair it with a slice of whole-grain bread for a fulfilling meal.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein and flavor.
At a Summer Picnic
- Serve it in individual cups for easy handling.
- Complement with refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade.
For Dinner Parties
- Present it on a large platter to make an impressive centerpiece.
- Offer grilled shrimp or fish on the side to elevate the dining experience.
As a Side Dish
- It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or barbecue dishes.
- Serve alongside pasta dishes for a balanced meal.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad even more delightful, keep these tips in mind. They will help enhance the flavors and textures of this refreshing dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and greens make all the difference in taste and texture.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to add more honey if you prefer a sweeter salad.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize toppings: Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
Strawberry Crunch Salad is delicious on its own, but pairing it with side dishes can create a more complete meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breast adds protein and complements the salad’s freshness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs provides a nutty flavor that pairs well with the salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies bring out the sweetness of strawberries while adding nutritional value.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from the salad.
- Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers add variety and enhance the fruity theme of your meal.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad can balance out flavors and textures, making it great for gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Strawberry Crunch Salad, avoiding common mistakes can enhance its taste and presentation. Here are some tips.
- Overcooking almonds: Keep a close eye on the almonds while cooking. They can burn quickly, ruining the crunchiness. Stir constantly and remove them from heat as soon as they turn golden brown.
- Using unripe strawberries: Selecting ripe strawberries is crucial for flavor. Look for bright red berries that are firm but slightly soft to the touch for the best taste in your salad.
- Not seasoning properly: A pinch of salt and pepper enhances flavors but should be used wisely. Taste as you go to ensure you don’t over-season your salad.
- Forgetting to toss: Make sure to toss all ingredients together thoroughly with the dressing. This ensures every bite is flavorful and well-balanced.
- Using old greens: Fresh arugula is key to a delightful salad. Check for wilting or browning leaves before using them in your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
- It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture of fresh ingredients.
- However, if necessary, freeze only the sugared almonds separately for future use.
Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Oven: If you have leftovers with dressing, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet for a few minutes, stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have some questions about making Strawberry Crunch Salad, we’ve got you covered!
Can I add other fruits to Strawberry Crunch Salad?
Yes! Feel free to include other seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches for added flavor and texture.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version of Strawberry Crunch Salad, simply omit goat cheese and replace honey with maple syrup.
What dressing goes well with Strawberry Crunch Salad?
This salad pairs beautifully with champagne vinaigrette; however, any light vinaigrette would work well too.
Can I prepare Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?
While you can prep ingredients ahead, it’s best to assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or nuts according to your preference. This recipe is perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a refreshing summer dinner. Give it a try and enjoy its vibrant flavors!
Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this Strawberry Crunch Salad. Bursting with fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, this salad is a delightful blend of sweet and savory notes. Topped with crunchy sugared almonds and pistachios, it delivers a satisfying texture that will elevate any meal. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light dinner option, this salad not only looks stunning but also offers numerous health benefits. Enjoy every bite of this refreshing dish that combines nutritious ingredients for a guilt-free indulgence.
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
- In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine almonds and sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar melts into a caramel coating, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
- In a large bowl, toss arugula with salt and pepper. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled almonds.
- For the dressing, whisk together champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Gradually add olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to combine before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking involved for the salad, but sautéing for almonds
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
