Strawberry Crunch Salad

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer gatherings! With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, it’s a delightful addition to any picnic or dinner table. The unique combination of crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese makes this salad not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a light meal at home, this salad never disappoints!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The sweet strawberries and zesty dressing make each bite exciting.
• Quick to Prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh greens, healthy fats, and protein, this salad is both satisfying and nourishing.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for grilled meats or as a light main course on its own.
• Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual lunches, elegant dinners, or potluck parties.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Strawberry Crunch Salad, having the right tools makes the process smoother. Here are the essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Prevents the almonds from sticking while caramelizing, ensuring they cook evenly without burning.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to toss all ingredients together without spilling.

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, cooking while stirring often until the sugar melts and coats all of the almonds—this should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Stay attentive; they can burn quickly! Transfer the almonds onto a piece of parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely. If they clump together, break them into pieces.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss the arugula greens with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Add in the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, chopped pistachios, and sugared almonds.

Drizzle on your prepared dressing and toss well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Serve immediately!

Step 3: Prepare Champagne Vinaigrette

In a separate large bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• champagne vinegar
• honey
• lemon juice
• dijon mustard
• grated garlic
• A pinch of both kosher salt and pepper.

Whisk these ingredients together until blended smoothly. Slowly stream in the olive oil, whisking constantly until emulsified.

You can store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Crunch Salad—a refreshing dish that will impress anyone at your table!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish perfect for gatherings or a light meal. Here are some creative ways to serve it that will enhance your dining experience.

As a Main Course

• Pair with grilled chicken for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.
• Serve alongside shrimp skewers for a refreshing summer dinner option.

In a Picnic Basket

• Pack in a mason jar for easy transport and an appealing presentation.
• Include pita chips or breadsticks on the side for added crunch.

As a Side Dish

• Complement grilled meats at your next barbecue with this vibrant salad.
• Offer as part of a buffet spread, where guests can help themselves.

With Additional Toppings

• Add sliced apples or pears for extra sweetness and crunch.
• Sprinkle sunflower seeds to introduce more texture and nutrition.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

Creating the perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and greens will enhance the flavor of your salad.
• Adjust the dressing: Feel free to tweak the vinaigrette ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
• Make it ahead: Prepare the sugared almonds and dressing in advance for quicker assembly.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Crunch Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors well.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Seasoned and grilled, these add protein and flavor balance.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light grain side that pairs well with the crunchy salad texture.
3. Roasted Vegetable Medley: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection enhance the fresh taste of your salad.
4. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers satisfying crunch alongside your refreshing salad.
5. Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and variety.
6. Cheese Board: Include an array of cheeses for guests to enjoy alongside their salad, adding richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes is key to making the perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Overcooking the Almonds: Keep an eye on the almonds while cooking. They can burn quickly, ruining their sweet flavor and crunchy texture.
• Skipping the Dressing: Don’t forget to make the champagne vinaigrette! This adds a vital tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of strawberries.
• Using Unripe Strawberries: Check for ripe strawberries before using them. Unripe berries will not provide the same sweetness and juiciness needed for this salad.
• Ignoring Texture: Ensure you chop your ingredients uniformly. Consistent sizes enhance the overall texture and enjoyment of each bite.
• Making in Advance: Avoid preparing the salad too far ahead. It’s best served fresh; otherwise, ingredients can become soggy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, but best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as ingredients like avocado and strawberries do not freeze well.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Oven: If you want to warm it up slightly, use a low temperature (around 300°F) for just a few minutes. Be careful not to cook it.
• Microwave: Use short intervals on low power (10-15 seconds) if you need to warm it. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Lightly sauté on low heat if needed but be cautious as this could alter the texture significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making and enjoying Strawberry Crunch Salad.

Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare some components, like the dressing and sugared almonds, in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving.

What can I replace goat cheese with in Strawberry Crunch Salad?

If you prefer a different flavor or want a dairy-free option, try feta cheese or even a vegan cheese alternative.

How can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, swap out arugula for spinach, or include other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added variety.

Is this Strawberry Crunch Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with fresh ingredients and healthy fats from avocado and nuts, making it a nutritious option for any meal.

What is the best way to serve Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Serve it chilled as a light lunch or alongside grilled meats at dinner. It’s also perfect for picnics!

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Crunch Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients based on personal preferences or seasonal availability. Try adding your favorite toppings or substituting elements to create your unique version of this refreshing dish!