Strawberry Crunch Salad

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect dish for spring and summer gatherings! Bursting with flavors from fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy nuts, it offers a delightful mix of textures. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, a barbecue, or simply enjoying a light meal at home, this salad is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of strawberries and avocado creates a fresh taste that’s perfect for warmer weather.
• Nutty Crunch: Sugared almonds and pistachios add a satisfying crunch that complements the salad’s creaminess.
• Quick Prep Time: With just 25 minutes of prep, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a side or a main dish, this salad suits any occasion from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from greens and fruits, this salad is both nutritious and tasty.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Ensures easy cooking of the sugared almonds without sticking or burning.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to toss all ingredients together without making a mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the vinaigrette smoothly and evenly.

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 chicken 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

1. Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sugar, cooking while stirring often until it melts and coats all almonds—about 6 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
3. Transfer the almonds to a piece of parchment paper to cool. If they clump together, break them into pieces once cool.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss the arugula greens, adding a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Add in the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.
3. Drizzle on your dressing (see next step) and toss well. Serve immediately!

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
2. chicken champagne vinegar
3. honey
4. lemon juice
5. Dijon mustard
6. garlic
7. A pinch of kosher salt and pepper.
8. Whisk together until combined.
9. While whisking continuously, stream in the olive oil. This will help emulsify your dressing.

Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish that shines as a refreshing meal, perfect for any gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve this vibrant salad.

As a Standalone Meal

• This salad makes a fantastic light lunch or dinner option. Pair it with crusty bread or a side of grilled chicken for a complete meal.

At a Potluck

• Bring Strawberry Crunch Salad to your next potluck. Its colorful presentation and unique flavor profile will impress guests and keep them coming back for more.

With Grilled Proteins

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey for added protein. The sweetness of the strawberries complements the savory flavors beautifully.

As an Appetizer

• Serve small portions in individual cups as an appetizer at parties. The crunchy texture and fresh ingredients are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad truly unforgettable, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose ripe, fresh strawberries and crisp arugula for the best flavor and texture.
• Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to mix different nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and variety.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the sugared almonds and dressing in advance. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Add More Colors: Incorporate other colorful veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra nutrients and visual appeal.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dressing before serving and adjust the honey based on your preference for sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry Crunch Salad pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken pieces in spices, then grill them for juicy skewers that complement the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A warm quinoa pilaf with herbs provides a hearty side that balances the lightness of the salad.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add warmth and richness, creating a beautiful contrast to the fresh salad.
4. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad dressed with lemon and herbs enhances the meal’s nutrition without overpowering flavors.
5. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up leftover dressing, adding a comforting touch to your meal.
6. Fruit Platter: A simple fruit platter with seasonal fruits can provide additional sweetness and variety alongside the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Crunch Salad can be easy, but there are common pitfalls that can diminish your dish. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the sugar coating: Not caramelizing the almonds with sugar makes them lose flavor. Always ensure they are well-coated for that crunchy sweetness.
• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
• Using unripe strawberries: Unripe strawberries lack sweetness and flavor. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best taste.
• Not balancing textures: A good salad needs crunch and creaminess. Ensure you have enough nuts and cheese to achieve this balance.
• Ignoring freshness: Using wilted greens or old ingredients can ruin your salad’s appeal. Always use fresh produce for vibrant flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best texture.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

• It’s not recommended to freeze due to the fresh ingredients like avocado and strawberries.
• If you must, consider freezing only the dressing, which can last up to 1 month.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes, but it’s best enjoyed cold.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in short intervals to avoid wilting greens; not ideal.
• Stovetop: Use a nonstick skillet on low heat briefly if necessary; again, cold is preferable.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making this Strawberry Crunch Salad, here are some frequently asked questions:

What makes this Strawberry Crunch Salad special?

This salad stands out due to its delightful mix of textures, combining crunchy almonds and creamy avocado with juicy strawberries.

Can I customize the ingredients in my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in other fruits or nuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

How long does it take to prepare Strawberry Crunch Salad?

The total time is approximately 30 minutes, including both preparation and cooking time.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare components ahead of time but keep dressing separate until serving for optimal freshness.

What dressing works best with Strawberry Crunch Salad?

The chicken champagne vinaigrette complements the flavors well; however, any light vinaigrette would work nicely too.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a perfect choice for spring and summer meals. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it versatile for various occasions. You can customize it by adding different fruits or nuts based on your taste preferences. Give it a try; you’ll love how refreshing it is!