Hey there, food lovers! Are you ready for a salad that’s far from boring? This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that will completely redefine your idea of a healthy lunch or light dinner. Imagine the sweet burst of juicy strawberries, the peppery bite of arugula, the creamy richness of avocado, and the tangy zest of goat cheese – all perfectly balanced by a light and refreshing champagne vinaigrette. Then, picture the satisfying crunch from the almonds and pistachios! It’s a symphony for your taste buds, I promise.
What makes this salad truly special is its unique combination of ingredients. The sweetness of the strawberries is beautifully counterpointed by the peppery arugula and the subtle sharpness of the goat cheese. The crunchy nuts add a delightful textural element, while the creamy avocado offers a luxurious touch. The champagne vinaigrette ties everything together with its bright, slightly sweet and tangy flavor. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly refreshing, and perfect for those warm summer days (or any day, really!). It’s also incredibly adaptable; you can easily customize it to your liking.
This salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also a mood booster! The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients create a feeling of lightness and joy. It’s the perfect meal to brighten your day and fuel your body with wholesome goodness. So, ditch the sad desk lunch and treat yourself to this delightful and satisfying salad. Your taste buds (and your mood) will thank you!
What You’ll Need
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- Sliced or slivered almonds (⅔ cup): These provide a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Just enough to lightly toast the almonds and enhance their sweetness.
- Arugula greens (10 ounces): This peppery green adds a vibrant flavor and beautiful color.
- Strawberries (8 ounces): Fresh, ripe strawberries are essential for the best flavor and sweetness. Hull and quarter or chop them.
- Avocado (1): A ripe avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Crumbled goat cheese (2 ounces): This tangy cheese provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Roasted salted pistachios (⅓ cup): Chopped pistachios add another layer of satisfying crunch and a unique flavor.
- Champagne vinegar (3 tablespoons): The base of our delightful vinaigrette, adding brightness and tang.
- Lemon (½): Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides acidity and complements the sweetness.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar and lemon.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
- Garlic (1 clove): Freshly grated garlic adds a subtle savory note to the dressing.
- Kosher salt and pepper: To season the salad and vinaigrette to your liking.
- Olive oil (½ cup): High-quality olive oil adds richness and flavor to the dressing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! This Strawberry Crunch Salad comes together quickly and easily. Follow these steps for the perfect result:
- Toast the almonds: In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds with the sugar until lightly browned and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Tip: Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning! Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly until emulsified. Tip: A good emulsion means a creamy, well-balanced dressing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, strawberries, avocado, and goat cheese. Gently toss to combine.
- Add the crunch: Add the toasted almonds and chopped pistachios to the salad. Gently toss again.
- Dress and serve: Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Tip: Don’t overdress! You can always add more, but it’s harder to take it away. Serve immediately and enjoy!
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with this Strawberry Crunch Salad, here are a few helpful tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The flavor of this salad relies heavily on the freshness and quality of the produce.
- Don’t over-toast the almonds. They should be lightly browned, not burnt.
- Taste and adjust the vinaigrette as needed. Add more honey for sweetness, lemon juice for tartness, or salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting.
- If your avocado is a little hard, let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different variations of this Strawberry Crunch Salad. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make this a more substantial meal.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a little heat.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: Omit the goat cheese or substitute with a vegan alternative.
- Change up the nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts would also be delicious.
- Add other fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries would complement the strawberries nicely.
Storing and Reheating
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers. Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for up to 2 days, but the arugula may wilt slightly. Do not freeze this salad, as freezing will drastically affect the texture of the ingredients. The vinaigrette can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this Strawberry Crunch Salad:
- Q: Can I use different types of nuts? A: Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts would all be delicious substitutes for the almonds and pistachios.
- Q: How long does the salad keep? A: The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can be stored for up to a week.
- Q: Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time? A: Yes! The vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Q: Is this salad gluten-free? A: Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free goat cheese if needed.
- Q: Can I add other greens? A: Yes, you can substitute or add other greens like spinach or baby kale, but arugula’s peppery bite is what makes this salad unique.
The Final Word
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a true crowd-pleaser – a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious. The combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy textures is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect light lunch, side dish, or even a complete meal if you add some protein. I encourage you to give this recipe a try – I know you’ll love it! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make it, be sure to rate the recipe!
Strawberry Crunch Salad
Equipment
- Mixing bowl For combining salad ingredients
- Small bowl For preparing the vinaigrette
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 0.67 cup sliced almonds Slivered almonds can be substituted
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 10 ounces arugula greens
- 8 ounces strawberries hulled and quartered or chopped
- 1 avocado chopped
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 0.5 lemon juiced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove freshly grated
- 2 ounces goat cheese crumbled
- 0.33 cup roasted salted pistachios chopped
- 0.5 cup olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the vinaigrette.
- In a large bowl, combine the arugula, strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, almonds, and pistachios.
- Pour the desired amount of vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more vinaigrette, salt, or pepper to your preference.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!