When the sun starts shining, there’s nothing quite like a vibrant salad to brighten up your table. My journey to creating this delightful Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette began during a sunny picnic last summer, where I tasted a fresh salad bursting with flavors and textures that felt truly special. Inspired, I decided to whip up my variation that features sweet strawberries paired with creamy avocado and tangy goat cheese, all tossed together with a crunchy mix of nuts. Each bite offers a refreshing contrast, making it an ideal choice for warm gatherings or a simple lunch that delivers on both taste and nutrition.
With just 25 minutes needed for preparation, this salad is not only easy to make but also a stunning centerpiece that elevates any meal. Whether it’s to impress guests at a barbecue or to indulge in a solo treat, this Strawberry Crunch Salad is sure to become a summer staple in your kitchen. Join me as we explore how to create this masterpiece that celebrates the season’s best flavors!
Why is Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette a Must-Try?
Freshness is at the heart of this vibrant salad, making it the perfect dish for summer gatherings. Quick to prepare, you can whip it up in just 25 minutes, leaving you with more time to enjoy the sunshine. Deliciously versatile, feel free to swap in different nuts or cheeses based on your preference or dietary needs. Nutritious and satisfying, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that make it ideal for both lunch and dinner. For more ideas on enhancing your salads, check out my guide on creating refreshing summer salads.
Strawberry Crunch Salad Ingredients
Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or looking to impress at your next gathering, these ingredients will make your Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette a showstopper!
For the Salad
- Sliced or Slivered Almonds – Adds sweetness and crunch. Substitution: Can use pecans or walnuts for different nut flavors.
- Arugula Greens – Provide a peppery flavor, adding depth to the salad. Substitution: Spinach or mixed greens can be used.
- Strawberries – The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and juiciness. Preparation: Hulled and chopped or quartered.
- Chopped Avocado – Adds creaminess and healthy fats. Substitution: Can omit if desired but enhances texture.
- Crumbled Goat Cheese – Introduces tangy flavor; can melt slightly when tossed. Substitution: Feta cheese makes a great alternative.
- Roasted, Salted Pistachios – Contributes a buttery richness and crunch. Substitution: Any salted nut, like cashews, can be used.
For the Dressing
- Champagne Vinegar – Provides a mild, tangy dressing base. Substitution: White wine vinegar is an alternative if champagne vinegar is unavailable.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the dressing, adding acidity. Use fresh for best flavor.
- Honey – Adds sweetness and balances acidity in the vinaigrette. Adjust based on taste preferences.
- Dijon Mustard – Acts as an emulsifier for the vinaigrette. Can use yellow mustard if Dijon is unavailable.
- Garlic Clove – Offers a punch of flavor in the dressing. Substitution: Garlic powder can be used but is less potent.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper – Enhances overall flavor. Adjust to taste based on salt preferences.
- Olive Oil – Emulsifies the dressing to achieve a creamy consistency. Select high-quality olive oil for best results.
With these simple yet flavorful ingredients, your Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette will surely become a favorite!
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
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Prepare Sugared Almonds: In a nonstick skillet, combine sliced almonds and sugar over medium heat. Stir frequently for 6-8 minutes until they are golden and caramelized—just be careful not to let them burn. Once ready, transfer them to parchment paper to cool completely.
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Mix Salad Base: In a large bowl, toss together arugula greens, hulled strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and roasted salted pistachios. This will create a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
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Make the Dressing: In a whisking bowl, combine champagne vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, kosher salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing is well blended.
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Combine and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything to combine and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Optional: Top with additional crumbled goat cheese for an extra creamy bite.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette?
Elevate your dining experience with delicious accompaniments that bring out the fresh flavors of this vibrant salad.
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Grilled Lemon Chicken: Juicy chicken with citrus notes pairs perfectly with the sweetness of strawberries, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
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Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty bread to soak up the salad’s luscious dressing, enhancing every bite for a satisfying meal.
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Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty, fluffy grain offers a hearty yet light complement, adding protein and making your meal even more nutritious.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc beautifully accentuates the acidity of the champagne vinaigrette, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries.
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Zesty Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw with a vinegar-based dressing introduces a tangy bite, highlighting the fresh, peppery notes of arugula.
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Frozen Yogurt Parfait: For dessert, a light parfait layered with berries and granola provides a sweet ending that mirrors the refreshing theme of the salad.
These pairings not only enhance the delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette but create a well-rounded dining experience your family and guests will love!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Room Temperature: Enjoy your Strawberry Crunch Salad immediately after preparation; it’s at its freshest and most flavorful when served right away.
- Fridge: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Avoid dressing the salad until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
- Dressing Storage: Keep the dressing separate in a jar; it can last in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before use to recombine the ingredients.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the fresh ingredients, especially the strawberries and avocado, will lose their texture and quality when thawed.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Crunch Salad
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Perfectly Sugared Almonds: Keep a close eye on the sugared almonds while caramelizing; they can burn quickly. Stir frequently for even cooking.
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Dressing Balance: Taste the dressing while whisking and adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey to suit your personal preference.
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Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use fresh strawberries and lemon juice for the best flavor in your Strawberry Crunch Salad. Avoid pre-packaged or bottled versions when possible.
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Prep Ahead: To save time, make the sugared almonds ahead of time and store in an airtight container. This allows for quicker assembly when you’re ready to serve.
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Textural Variety: Don’t hesitate to mix and match nuts and cheeses based on your preference, ensuring your salad remains exciting and refreshing each time you make it!
Strawberry Crunch Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this salad your own with these delightful twists!
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Nut-Free: Omit all nuts and replace them with crunchy sunflower seeds for a satisfying crunch without the allergens.
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Dairy-Free: Swap the goat cheese for a creamy avocado or a plant-based cheese to maintain richness without dairy.
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Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing for a surprising heat that elevates each bite.
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Protein Boost: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp to transform the salad into a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
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Fruit Fusion: Incorporate blueberries or sliced peaches alongside the strawberries for a seasonal mix that adds vibrant colors and flavors.
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Zesty Twist: Mix in some zest from an orange or lemon to the dressing for an extra burst of citrus that brightens the salad.
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Grain Addition: For more substance, toss in cooked quinoa or farro to add texture and make the salad even more filling.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh mint or basil leaves to introduce refreshing herbal notes that pair wonderfully with the strawberries.
Experimenting with these variations will allow you to enjoy this salad throughout the seasons while keeping it fresh and exciting!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time on busy weeknights! You can make the sugared almonds up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container to keep their crunch. The salad base can be assembled (without the dressing) and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; just be sure to keep the avocado separate to prevent browning. For the dressing, whisk together all ingredients and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the salad with the dressing and sprinkle on the sugared almonds for a fresh, delicious result that feels just as vibrant as when made fresh!
Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs
What kind of strawberries should I use?
I recommend using ripe, fresh strawberries for the best sweetness and juiciness. Look for strawberries that are bright red and have a sweet aroma. Avoid those with dark spots or blemishes, as they might be overripe.
How should I store leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad?
If you have leftover salad, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To prevent sogginess, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. The salad can lose its freshness quickly once dressed.
Can I freeze Strawberry Crunch Salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the fresh ingredients—especially strawberries and avocado—will not retain their quality once thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh and consider preparing smaller portions if you’re worried about leftovers.
What can I do if my sugared almonds burn?
If your sugared almonds start to burn, quickly remove them from the heat and pour them onto parchment paper to stop the cooking process. To avoid this, keep a close watch while cooking and stir them frequently for even caramelization.
Is this salad suitable for people with nut allergies?
While the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette includes nuts like almonds and pistachios, you can easily make it nut-free. Simply replace nuts with seeds such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, which will add a crunchy texture without the nut allergens.
Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Sugared Almonds: In a nonstick skillet, combine sliced almonds and sugar over medium heat. Stir frequently for 6-8 minutes until they are golden and caramelized—just be careful not to let them burn. Once ready, transfer them to parchment paper to cool completely.
- Mix Salad Base: In a large bowl, toss together arugula greens, hulled strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and roasted salted pistachios. This will create a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Make the Dressing: In a whisking bowl, combine champagne vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, kosher salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing is well blended.
- Combine and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything to combine and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
