Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a crowd-pleaser with its complex textures and bold flavors. The sweetness of strawberries pairs beautifully with the tangy champagne vinaigrette, while the avocado adds creaminess and the goat cheese provides a lovely salty contrast. The roasted pistachios and almonds add a satisfying crunch, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s a light yet filling salad, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

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

Champagne Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, freshly grated
• Pinch of kosher salt and pepper
• ½ cup olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the salad ingredients: In a small pan over medium heat, toast the almonds with sugar. Stir them occasionally until they turn golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.
2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, chopped strawberries, avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and roasted pistachios.
3. Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is well combined.
4. Toss the salad: Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Top the salad with the toasted almonds.
5. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a side salad.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: To turn this salad into a complete meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a fried egg on top.
• Nut-free option: Omit the almonds and pistachios if you’re looking for a nut-free version. You can substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for added crunch.
• Cheese substitution: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try using feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Greens substitution: Swap the arugula with mixed greens or spinach for a milder flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep the vinaigrette separate from the salad to prevent the greens from wilting.
• Reheating: If you plan to store the salad for later, be sure to keep the salad components (avocado, strawberries, and dressing) separate. When ready to serve, toss the ingredients together and enjoy chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of vinegar for the vinaigrette?

Yes, you can substitute the champagne vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but the flavor may be slightly different.

2. Can I make the champagne vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, the vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and shake well before using.

3. How can I make this salad spicier?

If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or toss in some sliced jalapeños.

4. Can I use other fruits in this salad?

Yes! You can experiment with other fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or even citrus slices for a different twist.

5. What other nuts can I use?

If you’re not keen on pistachios or almonds, try using walnuts, pecans, or cashews for a different flavor and texture.

6. How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown?

To prevent the avocado from browning, try adding the avocado just before serving, or toss it with a little lemon juice to slow the oxidation process.

7. Can I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, omit the goat cheese and use a plant-based honey substitute, or replace the honey with maple syrup.

8. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. However, the salad is best eaten fresh, as the avocado and strawberries can wilt quickly.

9. Can I use pre-sliced almonds for the salad?

Yes, you can use pre-sliced almonds, but toasting them yourself adds an extra depth of flavor.

10. Can I add other greens to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other greens like spinach, kale, or romaine to change up the flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a simple yet elegant dish that combines fresh ingredients with a tangy dressing. Its vibrant colors and variety of textures make it a standout choice for any meal, whether as a side dish or a light lunch. With its versatility in flavors and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!

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