Strawberry Crunch Salad

If you’re looking for a bright and refreshing dish to brighten up your meals, you’ve found it! This Strawberry Crunch Salad is truly one of my favorites. It combines the delightful sweetness of strawberries with the crunchiness of nuts and the creaminess of avocado and goat cheese. Perfect for spring and summer, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a quick dinner idea on a busy weeknight, this salad has got you covered.

What makes this recipe even more special is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a light lunch, a side dish at BBQs, or even as part of a picnic spread. Trust me, once you try this Strawberry Crunch Salad, you’ll be coming back to it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can have this vibrant salad ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: The combination of fresh ingredients and delightful textures makes it appealing to both kids and adults!
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dressing in advance to save time on busy days.
• Nutritious and delicious: Packed with fresh greens, fruits, and healthy fats, this salad is as good for you as it is tasty!
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Strawberry Crunch Salad. You’ll love how easy it is to find these items at your grocery store!

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 sparkling grape juice 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

Variations

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few ideas to customize it based on your taste preferences:

• Swap the greens: Try using baby spinach or mixed greens instead of arugula for a different flavor profile.
• Add some protein: Grilled chicken or chickpeas would be fantastic additions if you’d like to make this salad heartier.
• Change the cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your thing, feta or blue cheese would work beautifully as alternatives.
• Mix in other fruits: Fresh blueberries or raspberries could add even more fruity flavor!

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Almonds

Start by placing the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and keep an eye on them—this step is crucial because you want that lovely caramel coating without burning! Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown. Once done, transfer them onto parchment paper to cool. Breaking any clumps apart will ensure that every bite has that delightful crunch.

Step 2: Toss the Greens

In a large bowl, toss together your arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper. This helps enhance their natural flavors! Next, fold in those juicy strawberries, creamy avocado chunks, crumbled goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and those delicious sugared almonds we just made. The color combination alone will have your mouth watering!

Step 3: Make the Dressing

For the dressing, combine sparkling grape juice vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Whisk these together until well blended—this simple dressing brings all the flavors together beautifully. While whisking continuously, stream in olive oil until it’s fully incorporated. You can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to a week!

Step 4: Serve It Up!

Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until well coated. Serve immediately for that fresh crunch! I promise you’ll love every bite of this Strawberry Crunch Salad—it’s not just food; it’s pure joy on a plate!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Crunch Salad

Making the perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you make this salad shine!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, ripe strawberries and crisp arugula will elevate the flavor profile of your salad. The fresher the produce, the better the taste!

• Toast Your Almonds: Toasting the almonds adds a depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch. Keep an eye on them while cooking to prevent burning, as they can go from perfectly toasted to charred in seconds!

• Customize Your Cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try feta or a dairy-free alternative. Each cheese brings its unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sugared almonds and dressing in advance. Just toss everything together right before serving to maintain that delightful crunch!

• Adjust the Sweetness: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad; if you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a bit more honey. This allows you to customize the sweetness level to match your palate.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

This vibrant Strawberry Crunch Salad is not just delicious; it’s also visually stunning! Here are some ideas on how to present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and an aromatic touch that complements the strawberries.
• Edible Flowers: Consider adding edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies for an elegant presentation—perfect for special occasions!

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with vegetables makes for a nutritious and filling side that pairs well with the freshness of the salad.
• Grilled Chicken or Tofu Skewers: These protein-packed skewers bring heartiness to your meal while complementing the salad’s flavors.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the tangy salad ingredients, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Whole Grain Bread: Serve with slices of whole grain bread or dinner rolls for a wholesome addition that everyone will love.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Strawberry Crunch Salad—it’s sure to become a favorite at your spring and summer gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the components ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dish effortlessly throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting.
• Consume leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the textures of the greens and avocado will change when thawed.
• However, you can freeze the sugared almonds in a sealed bag for up to a month.

Reheating

• This salad is best served fresh and cold, so reheating isn’t necessary.
• If you do want to warm it slightly, consider letting it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Strawberry Crunch Salad that might help you out!

Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the components ahead of time, just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.

What can I substitute for goat cheese in Strawberry Crunch Salad?

If you’re looking for alternatives, creamy feta or a plant-based cheese can work wonderfully while still providing that delicious flavor and texture!

How long does Strawberry Crunch Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container without dressing, it should last about 2-3 days. For best results, eat it fresh!

Is Strawberry Crunch Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep since you can prepare ingredients ahead and assemble them quickly during busy weekdays.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Strawberry Crunch Salad as refreshing and delightful as I do! It’s a wonderful way to embrace spring and summer flavors while enjoying a healthy meal. I invite you to try making it—your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy every crunchy bite!