why make this recipe
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients with a burst of flavors. It combines the sweetness of strawberries and honey with the crunch of almonds and pistachios. This salad is perfect for a summer picnic, a light lunch, or a colorful side dish for any meal. The mix of textures and tastes makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s simple to prepare!
how to make Strawberry Crunch Salad
Ingredients:
- 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
- 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
Directions:
- Caramelized Almonds: In a skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds and sugar. Stir continuously until the almonds are golden brown and the sugar has melted, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the caramelized almonds to a baking sheet to cool.
- Champagne Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly add olive oil while whisking until the dressing is well combined.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine arugula, strawberries, avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pistachios. Drizzle with the champagne vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Top with the caramelized almonds.
how to serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad immediately after assembling for the best flavor and crunch. You can add extra goat cheese or a squeeze of lemon on top for an enhanced taste.
how to store Strawberry Crunch Salad
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the salad’s freshness and crunch.
tips to make Strawberry Crunch Salad
- Use fresh strawberries for better flavor.
- Make the caramelized almonds ahead of time for convenience.
- If you prefer, substitute goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a different taste.
variation
You can add other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry crunch salad. Also, incorporating grilled chicken can turn it into a hearty meal.
FAQs
- Can I make this salad in advance? While you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
- What can I use instead of arugula? If you don’t have arugula, spinach or mixed greens make great substitutes.
- Is there a nut-free version of this salad? Yes! You can simply omit the nuts or use seeds like sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.
Strawberry Crunch Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds and sugar. Stir continuously until the almonds are golden brown and the sugar has melted, about 4-5 minutes.
- Transfer the caramelized almonds to a baking sheet to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly add olive oil while whisking until the dressing is well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine arugula, strawberries, avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pistachios.
- Drizzle with the champagne vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
- Top with the caramelized almonds.