Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a vibrant and satisfying dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The combination of fresh strawberries, crunchy toppings, and a light, tangy dressing makes it an ideal choice for a summer lunch or a refreshing side. For more strawberry-inspired treats, explore our Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones Recipe or the indulgent Deep-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Wonton Bites Recipe.

Ingredients

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a symphony of textures and flavors, combining peppery arugula, sweet berries, creamy avocado, and a delightful crunch from candied almonds and pistachios, all tied together with a bright, tangy dressing.

• 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
• 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

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette comes together in about 15 minutes, making it roughly 20% faster than similar composed salad recipes that require cooking components.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Strawberries

Rinse 1 pound of fresh strawberries under cool water. Gently pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Hull the strawberries and slice them into quarters or halves, depending on their size. For the best texture and to prevent a soggy salad, ensure the berries are thoroughly dry before adding them to the bowl.

Step 2 — Toast the Crunch Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a small baking sheet, combine 1/2 cup of sliced almonds and 1/2 cup of crumbled shortbread cookies or graham crackers. Spread them in a single layer and toast for 5-7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The almonds should be fragrant and lightly golden. Let the mixture cool completely to maintain its crunch.

Step 3 — Make the Champagne Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of champagne vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the sealed jar until the dressing is fully emulsified and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.

Step 4 — Assemble the Salad Base

In a large serving bowl, add 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach or arugula. Add the prepared dry strawberries and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. For added creaminess, you can also include 2 ounces of crumbled goat cheese or feta at this stage. Toss the base ingredients gently to combine.

Step 5 — Dress and Toss

Drizzle about three-quarters of the prepared Champagne Vinaigrette over the salad. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together until the leaves and strawberries are lightly and evenly coated. Avoid over-dressing; you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

Step 6 — Add the Final Crunch

Just before serving, sprinkle the completely cooled toasted almond and cookie crunch over the top of the dressed salad. This ensures the topping stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy. For extra freshness, add a handful of whole mint or basil leaves.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is best enjoyed right away. Serve it on chilled plates to keep it fresh longer. Offer the remaining vinaigrette on the side for those who prefer a more dressed salad.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~8 g
Carbohydrates	~28 g
Fat	~21 g
Fiber	~5 g
Sodium	~180 mg

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants from the fresh strawberries and greens. The values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Healthier Alternatives

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple ingredient swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Swap (Chicken for Salmon) — Replace grilled chicken with flaked, cold-smoked salmon for a rich, omega-3 boost and a sophisticated flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
• Lower-Carb Option (Nuts for Crunch) — Omit the candied pecans and use a smaller portion of raw sliced almonds or walnuts for crunch with fewer added sugars.
• Dairy-Free (Vegan Cheese) — Swap feta or goat cheese for a crumbled vegan almond or cashew-based cheese to maintain the creamy, tangy element.
• Gluten-Free (Seeds for Croutons) — For a gluten-free crunch, use roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead of traditional croutons.
• Low-Sodium (Homemade Dressing) — Control salt by making the Champagne vinaigrette from scratch with a high-quality vinegar and reducing or omitting added salt.
• Vegan Protein (Chickpeas) — Use roasted chickpeas instead of animal protein for a plant-based, fiber-rich alternative with a satisfying texture.
• Lighter Dressing (Citrus Juice) — For a lighter vinaigrette, use fresh orange or grapefruit juice to replace half the oil, adding brightness and reducing fat.
• Leafy Green Swap (Arugula) — Substitute mixed greens with peppery arugula for a more nutrient-dense base with a bold, spicy note.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this vibrant Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette with grilled chicken, salmon, or seared scallops for a complete and elegant meal.
• Serve it as a stunning starter for a bridal shower, Mother’s Day brunch, or any spring or summer garden party.
• For a beautiful presentation, arrange the salad on a large white platter, letting the red strawberries and green arugula pop, and sprinkle the crumbled crunch topping just before serving.
• Transform it into a main course by adding creamy goat cheese crumbles, sliced avocado, and toasted pecans for extra richness and texture.
• Pack it for a sophisticated picnic by keeping the dressing and crunchy topping separate in small jars, tossing everything together on-site for maximum freshness.
• Offer crusty baguette slices or warm popovers on the side to soak up every last drop of the delightful Champagne vinaigrette.

This salad’s sweet, tangy, and crunchy profile makes it a versatile showstopper, perfect for elevating everyday lunches or special celebrations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using soft, overripe strawberries that bleed and turn the salad soggy. Fix: Select firm, bright red berries and slice them just before assembling.
• Mistake: Dressing the salad too early, wilting the greens and softening the crunch. Fix: Toss the greens with vinaigrette only seconds before serving.
• Mistake: Making a flat, one-note vinaigrette by not emulsifying it properly. Fix: Whisk the oil slowly into the vinegar and mustard to create a creamy, cohesive dressing.
• Mistake: Adding the crunchy elements (like nuts or crumbled cookies) at the bottom where they get lost. Fix: Sprinkle all crunchy toppings generously over the top for maximum texture in every bite.
• Mistake: Skipping the seasoning of the strawberries, leaving their flavor underdeveloped. Fix: Toss sliced berries with a tiny pinch of salt and sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Mistake: Using a cheap, overly sweet sparkling wine that makes the vinaigrette cloying. Fix: Opt for a dry brut Champagne or prosecco for a balanced, sophisticated acidity.
• Mistake: Chopping ingredients into uneven sizes, leading to awkward bites and uneven dressing distribution. Fix: Cut all components to a consistent, bite-sized scale for perfect forkfuls.
• Mistake: Storing leftover dressed salad, which becomes a soggy mess. Fix: Keep components separate; store dressing in a jar and assemble fresh portions as needed.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store the assembled Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. For best texture, store the crunchy components (like nuts or seeds) separately and add them just before serving.
• Freezer: Freezing the complete salad is not recommended, as the fresh ingredients and vinaigrette will not thaw well. However, you can freeze the Champagne Vinaigrette separately for up to 1 month in a sealed jar or container.
• Reheat: This salad is served cold and should not be reheated. If you have stored components separately, ensure any cooked elements (like chicken) are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before adding to the cold salad.

For optimal freshness and crunch, dress your Strawberry Crunch Salad just before you plan to enjoy it. The vibrant flavors of the Champagne Vinaigrette are best when the salad is freshly prepared.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crisp textures. It’s an elegant yet easy dish ideal for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments! For more fruity inspiration, check out our Tropical Strawberry Mango Smoothie Recipe or our Blueberry Banana Smoothie Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more fresh recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make the Champagne vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Champagne vinaigrette up to three days in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and shake it vigorously before dressing your Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette.

What can I use instead of Champagne vinegar?

If you don’t have Champagne vinegar, a good substitute is white wine vinegar or a mild apple cider vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different but will still complement the fresh ingredients in this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette.

How do I keep the salad crunchy for a potluck?

Pack the dressing separately and add the crunchy toppings, like nuts or seeds, just before serving. Toss the greens and strawberries at the event to ensure your Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette stays perfectly crisp.