Strawberry Crunch Salad
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring and summer. With its vibrant colors and textures, it’s an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or as a light dinner option. The combination of crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This salad can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The blend of sweet strawberries, savory goat cheese, and crunchy nuts creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side salad or add grilled chicken for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
- Healthy Ingredients: With fresh produce and wholesome ingredients, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual lunch with friends, this salad fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad, you’ll need some essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Prevents the almonds from sticking while toasting, ensuring even cooking without burning.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to toss all your ingredients together easily without making a mess.
- Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly to create a well-emulsified vinaigrette.
Ingredients
This strawberry salad is the best spring and summer meal! Super crunchy and textured with avocado and goat cheese. Absolutely delicious.
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 champagne vinegar
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove (freshly grated)
- pinch kosher salt and pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad
Step 1: Toast the 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 all the almonds—about 6 to 8 minutes. Be cautious; they can burn quickly!
- Transfer the toasted almonds to parchment paper to cool. If they are clumped together, break them into pieces once cooled.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add in the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds.
- Drizzle on your prepared dressing and toss well until everything is combined. Serve immediately!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In another large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together until blended.
- While constantly whisking, stream in olive oil until the dressing comes together smoothly.
- Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Serving Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful experience that can be tailored to any occasion. Whether it’s a picnic, a backyard barbecue, or a light dinner, this salad brings freshness and flavor to the table.
As a Main Course
- Standalone Delight: Enjoy the salad by itself for a light meal. The combination of avocado and goat cheese makes it filling and satisfying.
With Grilled Chicken
- Protein Boost: Pair the salad with grilled chicken for an added protein source. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
As a Side Dish
- Perfect Companion: Serve it alongside your favorite main dishes like grilled fish or steaks. It adds a refreshing crunch to heavier meals.
At Picnics or Potlucks
- Easy Transport: This salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings. Prepare it in advance and keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Herbaceous Flavor: Top the salad with fresh herbs like basil or mint for an extra layer of flavor. It enhances the overall taste profile.
How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad
To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
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Choose Ripe Strawberries: Select strawberries that are ripe and fragrant for the best flavor. They should be vibrant red with no white spots.
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Toast Nuts Carefully: When toasting almonds, watch them closely to prevent burning. Stir often for even browning and caramelization.
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Use Fresh Greens: Fresh arugula adds a peppery bite that balances sweetness. Avoid wilting by choosing greens that are crisp and bright.
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Chill Your Ingredients: For maximum freshness, chill your ingredients before assembling the salad. Cold ingredients enhance the overall experience.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Crunch Salad can elevate your meal even further. Here are some great options:
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Lightly seasoned shrimp add protein and flavor without overpowering the salad.
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Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf complements the crunch of the salad, providing additional texture and nutrients.
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Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers offer a classic Italian touch that pairs well with fruity salads.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Warm garlic breadsticks bring comfort to your meal while balancing out the salad’s freshness.
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Roasted Vegetable Medley: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds depth and earthiness to your dining experience.
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Crispy Baked Potatoes: These provide a hearty option that contrasts nicely with the lightness of the salad while remaining easy to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Crunch Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using stale nuts: Always use fresh almonds and pistachios for the best flavor and crunch. Stale nuts can ruin the salad’s texture.
- Skipping the sugar coating: The sugared almonds add sweetness and crunch. Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference in taste.
- Not rinsing arugula: Always rinse arugula thoroughly to remove any grit or dirt that may be hidden in the leaves. This keeps your salad clean and fresh.
- Overdressing the salad: Use just enough dressing to coat the ingredients without drowning them. Too much dressing can make the salad soggy.
- Cutting fruits too early: Slice strawberries and avocado just before serving to maintain their freshness and prevent browning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in fresh ingredients like strawberries and avocado.
Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Oven: Not applicable, as this salad is best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving; salads lose their crunch when heated.
- Stovetop: Not necessary; this salad is best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Strawberry Crunch Salad.
What can I substitute for goat cheese in Strawberry Crunch Salad?
You can use feta cheese or blue cheese if you prefer a different flavor profile. Both options will complement the salad well.
Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to prepare the sugared almonds and dressing in advance. Combine other ingredients shortly before serving for optimal freshness.
What’s the best way to serve Strawberry Crunch Salad?
Serve it chilled as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs well with grilled meats or as a light lunch option.
How do I customize my Strawberry Crunch Salad?
Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or incorporate additional nuts for variety. You can also swap arugula for spinach based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that perfectly embodies spring and summer meals. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Try this delicious recipe today, and enjoy its vibrant, fresh taste!
Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of Strawberry Crunch Salad, a vibrant dish that captures the essence of spring and summer. This delightful salad features sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, all complemented by crunchy almonds and pistachios. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light dinner option, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also brimming with flavor and nutrition. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a colorful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 10 ounces arugula greens
- 8 ounces strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- 1 avocado (chopped)
- 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- ⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove (freshly grated)
- pinch kosher salt and pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Toast the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with sugar, stirring frequently until coated. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine arugula, strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and cooled almonds.
- For the dressing, whisk together champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil until smooth.
- Drizzle dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
