Strawberry Crunch Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Strawberry Crunch Salad because it’s such a refreshing and unique twist on a typical salad. The sweet and savory balance is perfect, with strawberries and avocado adding richness and creaminess, while the goat cheese gives a tangy bite. The almonds provide the perfect amount of crunch, and the pistachios offer a salty contrast. The champagne vinaigrette brings everything together with a delightful tang, and I guarantee you’ll be making this salad again and again during the warmer months.

Ingredients

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 Champagne Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons champagne vinegar

½ lemon, juiced

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 garlic clove, freshly grated

Pinch of kosher salt and pepper

½ cup olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Begin by preparing the sugared almonds. Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and cook, stirring often, until the sugar melts and turns a caramel color, coating all the almonds. This will take about 6 to 8 minutes, so be sure to watch carefully to avoid burning. Once done, transfer the almonds to a piece of parchment paper to cool. Break them into pieces if they clump together.

While the almonds cool, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.

For the vinaigrette, whisk together the champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Gradually stream in the olive oil while constantly whisking until the dressing emulsifies.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything well to combine.

Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect spring or summer meal!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap out the goat cheese for feta or blue cheese if you prefer a different flavor.

For a vegetarian option, skip the pistachios and try walnuts or pecans.

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

If you want a sweeter touch, drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top of the salad.

You can replace the champagne vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. If the candied almonds are too clumped together, break them apart before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce instead of arugula?

Yes, you can use spinach, mixed greens, or any other leafy green you prefer in place of arugula.

How long can I store the champagne vinaigrette?

The vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the crunch of the almonds and the freshness of the ingredients. However, you can make the dressing and candy the almonds in advance.

Is there a substitute for the Dijon mustard in the vinaigrette?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or even a little bit of mayonnaise for creaminess.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, you can make it vegan by omitting the goat cheese and using a plant-based dressing or substituting with a tahini dressing.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delicious, light, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any spring or summer meal. The combination of fresh fruits, creamy avocado, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to make and can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is sure to become one of your favorites!

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