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 great addition to picnics, barbecues, or even a light dinner. The combination of crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese makes this salad not only delicious but also visually appealing. Enjoy it as a side or as a main course loaded with nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes of prep time, this salad is easy to whip up for any occasion.
• Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh strawberries and arugula provides a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: This salad works well as a side dish or a light meal on its own.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is a guilt-free choice.
• Stunning Presentation: The colorful ingredients make it visually appealing for any table setting.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Perfect for caramelizing almonds without sticking or burning.
• Large mixing bowl: Allows you to mix all ingredients easily without spills.
• Whisk: Essential for combining dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Parchment paper: Helps in cooling the caramelized almonds without mess.

Ingredients

This strawberry salad is the best spring and summer meal! Super crunchy and textured with avocado and goat cheese. Absolutely delicious.

For the Crunch Topping

• ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds
• 3 tablespoons sugar

For the Salad Base

• 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

1. Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sugar and cook while stirring often until the sugar melts, creating a caramel coating around the almonds—this takes about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly!
4. Transfer the almonds onto parchment paper to cool. If they are clumped together, break them into pieces once cooled.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

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

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In another bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk these ingredients together until combined.
3. Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking continuously until well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture from Step 2.
2. Toss everything gently to ensure even coating.
3. Serve immediately for maximum freshness!

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad, packed with flavors that celebrate spring and summer!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a versatile dish that you can enjoy in many ways. Whether it’s for a picnic, a light lunch, or a vibrant dinner, serving this salad creatively enhances its appeal.

As a Main Course

• Pair with grilled chicken: The salad complements the savory flavor of grilled chicken perfectly.
• Serve with quinoa: Add cooked quinoa for extra protein and texture to make it more filling.

As a Side Dish

• Accompany with steak: The freshness of the salad balances the richness of steak dishes.
• Pair with fish tacos: A refreshing side to contrast the spices in fish tacos.

For Meal Prep

• Pack in individual containers: Ideal for quick lunches during the week; just keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.
• Layer ingredients for easy assembly: Store arugula at the bottom and top with heavier ingredients like strawberries and avocado.

At a Picnic

• Use mason jars for easy transport: Layer the ingredients in jars to keep them fresh and attractive.
• Bring along extra dressing: Keep the salad crisp by packing the dressing separately.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad even better, follow these simple tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and ripe avocados enhance flavor and texture.
• Adjust sweetness: Modify the honey in your vinaigrette according to your taste preference for a balanced sweetness.
• Add crunch: Experiment with different nuts or seeds like walnuts or sunflower seeds for additional crunch.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerate your salad for about 30 minutes after assembling to let flavors mingle and enhance freshness.
• Serve immediately: For best results, serve right after tossing so that the greens remain crisp.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Pairing sides with Strawberry Crunch Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet and smoky corn pairs well with the fresh flavors of the salad.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness complements the tangy strawberries beautifully.
3. Herbed Couscous – Light and fluffy couscous adds a wonderful texture contrast; consider adding herbs for extra flavor.
4. Garlic Bread – A crunchy side that adds heartiness; perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
5. Caprese Skewers – These skewers of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes provide a fresh Italian twist alongside your salad.
6. Watermelon Feta Salad – This refreshing combination continues the fruity theme while adding another layer of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Crunch Salad is simple, but some common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Almonds – Keep an eye on the almonds while they caramelize. They can burn quickly, which will affect the flavor of your salad.
• Using Unripe Strawberries – Choose ripe strawberries for sweetness. Unripe ones can make your salad taste tart and less appealing.
• Skipping the Dressing – Don’t skip the dressing! It adds essential flavor to your salad. Without it, the ingredients may taste bland.
• Not Tossing Gently – When combining the ingredients, toss gently to avoid crushing the strawberries and avocado. This keeps the texture intact.
• Preparing in Advance – Avoid making the salad too far ahead of time. Freshness matters; it’s best served immediately.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The salad is best eaten fresh but can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of fresh ingredients like strawberries and avocado.
• If necessary, you can freeze only components like sugared almonds separately.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes. This works well for components like almonds if needed.
• Microwave – Use low power to heat individual portions for about 30 seconds. Avoid heating greens.
• Stovetop – Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, ensuring not to wilt the greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making a Strawberry Crunch Salad, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use other nuts in my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile.

What can I add for more protein in this salad?

Adding grilled chicken or chickpeas can enhance protein content while keeping it delicious.

Is Strawberry Crunch Salad suitable for meal prep?

While best fresh, you can prepare components in advance (like dressing and nuts) and assemble just before serving.

How do I make this Strawberry Crunch Salad vegan?

To make it vegan, omit goat cheese and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish perfect for spring and summer meals. Its combination of crunchy textures and vibrant flavors makes it a hit at any gathering. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or dressings to suit your taste!