Strawberry Crunch Salad

Published: June 30, 2025

by Sofia

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish perfect for warm spring and summer days. Bursting with fresh flavors, it combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of avocado and the tang of goat cheese. This salad is not only vibrant but also packed with textures that make it an ideal choice for picnics, light dinners, or even as a side dish at gatherings. Enjoy the healthy goodness while impressing your guests with its stunning presentation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Fresh and Flavorful: With vibrant ingredients like strawberries and arugula, every bite is full of freshness.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a light lunch, dinner side, or even as a picnic dish, this salad fits any occasion.
Nutritious and Healthy: Packed with healthy fats from avocado and protein from goat cheese, it’s both satisfying and good for you.
Eye-Catching Presentation: The colorful ingredients create a beautiful dish that will wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather these essential tools to ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nonstick skillet
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick skillet: Prevents almonds from sticking while caramelizing, ensuring even cooking without burning.
Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
Whisk: Essential for smoothly combining dressing ingredients to achieve the best flavor.

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 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 Crunch Topping

Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Stir in the sugar and cook, stirring often until the sugar melts into a caramel coating – about 6 to 8 minutes.
Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly!
Transfer the almonds to parchment paper to cool. Break them apart if they clump together.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large bowl, toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add in the strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, chopped pistachios, and sugared almonds.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

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

Step 4: Combine Everything

Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture.
Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Serve immediately for optimal freshness!

Enjoy this delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad as part of your spring or summer meals!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Serving Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful experience that enhances any meal. This vibrant salad shines on its own but can be paired with various dishes for a complete dining experience.

As a Light Lunch

A fresh and light option, perfect for warm days. Pair with crusty bread or a simple soup for added sustenance.

At a Picnic

This salad travels well! Pack it in a portable container and enjoy it outdoors with friends and family.

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish. The crunchiness of the salad complements the tenderness of proteins beautifully.

For Gatherings

Present this salad at gatherings or potlucks. Its colorful appearance is sure to impress guests and encourage seconds!

With Grilled Vegetables

Pair with grilled vegetables for a nutritious meal. The flavors meld wonderfully, creating a balanced dish full of textures.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad

To ensure your Strawberry Crunch Salad is nothing short of perfection, consider these helpful tips.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe strawberries and crisp arugula for the best flavor and texture.
Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap almonds or pistachios with your favorite nuts for variety.
Make Dressing Ahead: Prepare the champagne vinaigrette a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve Immediately: For maximum crunch, toss the salad right before serving to prevent sogginess.
Add Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, making it more filling.
Experiment with 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 well with various side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options:

Grilled Chicken Breast: A classic choice that brings protein into the mix without overpowering the salad’s flavors.
Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa adds heartiness and pairs nicely with the tangy notes of the salad.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the freshness of the salad while adding satisfying crunch.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and depth, balancing the coolness of the salad beautifully.
Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad can add texture and flavor diversity, making it an enjoyable pairing.
Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses that can be enjoyed alongside bites of salad, providing creamy contrasts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Strawberry Crunch Salad, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

Ignoring the nuts: Cooking the nuts too long can burn them, ruining their flavor. Keep an eye on them while they caramelize.
Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount, and add more if necessary.
Using unripe strawberries: Unripe strawberries can make your salad taste bland. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the greens can leave the salad flat. Always add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Chopping ingredients unevenly: Unevenly chopped ingredients can affect texture and appearance. Aim for consistent sizes for a better presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days, but be aware that the greens may wilt.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Salad

Freezing is not recommended for this salad as it contains fresh ingredients that do not thaw well, particularly avocado and arugula.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad

Oven: If you have leftovers with dressing, consider warming them slightly in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container and heat on low for a minute or two, checking often to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Gently warm in a nonstick skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making Strawberry Crunch Salad.

Can I prepare Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare most ingredients ahead of time but combine them just before serving for optimal freshness.

What can I substitute for goat cheese in Strawberry Crunch Salad?

If you prefer not to use goat cheese, feta or blue cheese are excellent alternatives that will still provide great flavor.

How do I make the dressing for Strawberry Crunch Salad?

The dressing is simple! Just whisk together champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil until combined.

Can I add other fruits to my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in fruits like blueberries or peaches for added sweetness and variety.

Is Strawberry Crunch Salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with vitamins from fresh greens and fruits and healthy fats from avocado and nuts.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Crunch Salad is an incredible choice for spring and summer meals. It’s fresh, delicious, and highly versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or nuts based on your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful dish that brings joy to any table!