Strawberry Crunch Salad

Published: May 31, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of strawberries and arugula brings a refreshing taste that brightens any meal.
Easy to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, this salad is quick and simple to make.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or greens for a personal touch.
Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from fruits and greens, this salad is both delicious and good for you.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic or a dinner party, this salad fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad, having the right tools on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nonstick skillet
Large bowl
Whisk
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick skillet: Prevents almonds from sticking while caramelizing, ensuring even cooking without burning.
Large bowl: Offers enough space for mixing all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing smoothly, creating an emulsified vinaigrette.

Ingredients

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

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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 and coats the almonds—approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
Watch closely to prevent burning!
Once done, transfer the almonds onto parchment paper to cool. Break apart any clumps.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add in the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled sugared almonds.
Drizzle on your prepared dressing from Step 3 below.

Step 3: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette

In a large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Whisk together until blended.
Stream in olive oil while whisking constantly until well combined.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Toss everything together well just before serving to ensure optimal freshness! Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a light meal or a side, this salad pleases many palates and occasions.

As a Standalone Meal

This salad makes a refreshing main dish, especially during warm weather. The combination of greens, fruit, and protein makes it satisfying.

As a Side Dish

Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. Its vibrant flavors complement many proteins beautifully.

At Picnics or Gatherings

Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad at outdoor events. Its bright colors and crunch will attract attention and delight guests.

For Meal Prep

Prepare the salad in advance by storing the components separately. Combine just before serving to maintain freshness.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To create the ultimate Strawberry Crunch Salad, consider these helpful tips:

Choose fresh ingredients: Use ripe strawberries and crisp arugula for the best flavor and texture.
Toast almonds carefully: Watch your almonds while toasting; they can burn quickly. Stir often to ensure even cooking.
Make dressing ahead: Prepare the champagne vinaigrette in advance for easy assembly. This enhances flavor as it sits.
Add extras if desired: Feel free to include additional toppings like nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Serve chilled: This salad is best served cold, making it perfect for summer picnics.
Customize your cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its freshness and flavor. Here are some great options:

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken marinated in herbs complements the sweetness of strawberries.
Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish adds protein and fiber, balancing the meal perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until crispy offer a savory contrast to the salad’s sweetness.
Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread provides a crunchy texture that pairs well with the salad’s elements.
Fruit Platter: Offer an assortment of seasonal fruits for added sweetness and variety at your table.
Cheese Board: Create a small cheese board with assorted cheeses to add richness and depth to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can help you create the perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Overcooking the Almonds: Sugar can burn quickly. Stir constantly and keep an eye on them while cooking to achieve a perfect caramelized coating.
Using Unripe Strawberries: Select ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Taste test before adding them to ensure they are sweet and juicy.
Skipping the Dressing: The dressing adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; mix well to ensure every bite of salad is deliciously coated.
Not Chilling the Ingredients: Warm ingredients can wilt your greens. Use cold arugula and chilled toppings for a refreshing crunch.
Ignoring Texture Balance: Too many soft ingredients can make the salad soggy. Ensure a good mix of crunchy elements like almonds and pistachios for texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

Freezing is not recommended as the salad’s texture may be compromised.
If you need to freeze, consider storing only the sugared almonds separately, as they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad ingredients on a baking sheet and warm for about 5–7 minutes, but serve immediately after reheating.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15 seconds until slightly warm, but avoid overheating which can wilt greens.
Stovetop: Use a nonstick skillet over low heat for about 2–3 minutes, stirring gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a homemade vinaigrette for Strawberry Crunch Salad?

You can easily make a vinaigrette by whisking together champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil until smooth.

Can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Absolutely! You can add different fruits like blueberries or nuts such as walnuts or pecans. Consider adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra heartiness.

How long does Strawberry Crunch Salad last?

The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

What is the best way to serve Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Serve this salad immediately after mixing to preserve its freshness and crunchiness. It’s perfect as a side dish or light meal on warm days.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Crunch Salad is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and perfect for spring or summer gatherings. With its crunchy texture from almonds and pistachios combined with creamy avocado and tangy goat cheese, it’s sure to impress at any table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Try it today and enjoy this delightful dish!