If you’re looking for a light and refreshing dish that screams spring and summer, you’ve come to the right place! This Strawberry Crunch Salad is one of my absolute favorites. It’s packed with vibrant flavors and textures, making it perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings. The combination of crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase those gorgeous strawberries when they’re in season!

What I love about this salad is how easy it is to throw together. You can prep the components in advance and toss them together just before serving. Whether you enjoy it as a side or a main dish, this Strawberry Crunch Salad will definitely brighten up your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious salad!
Family-Friendly: Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s a hit with both kids and adults.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the elements in advance for easy serving at parties or weeknight dinners.
Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the 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)

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons sparkling grape juice 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

Variations

The beauty of this salad lies in its flexibility! You can easily swap in different ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Add More Greens: Toss in some spinach or mixed greens for added variety.
Switch the Cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try feta or a dairy-free alternative for a similar creamy texture.
Include Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to make this salad more filling.
Change Up the Nuts: Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a different crunch.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Almonds

Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and cook while stirring often until the sugar melts into a caramely coating around the almonds—this takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them because they can burn quickly! Once done, transfer them to parchment paper to cool. If they clump together, break them into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then add in those sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, crumbled goat cheese, chopped pistachios, and your sugared almonds. Drizzle on your dressing (which we’ll make next!) and toss everything together gently. Serve immediately for that fresh crunch!

Step 3: Make the Sparkling Grape Juice Vinaigrette

In another bowl, combine the vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until blended well. While whisking continuously, slowly stream in the olive oil until your dressing comes together beautifully. This dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to one week—perfect for drizzling over salads all week long!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful Strawberry Crunch Salad! It’s sure to become a beloved staple at your table.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Crunch Salad

Creating the perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad can be a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your family and friends!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries, ripe avocados, and crisp arugula make all the difference in flavor and texture. Always choose seasonal produce for the best taste.
Adjust sweetness to your liking: The amount of honey in the dressing can be adjusted based on your personal preference. Start with less and add more if you like it sweeter.
Make ahead: You can prepare the sugared almonds and vinaigrette in advance. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Customize toppings: Feel free to mix in other colorful fruits or nuts, like blueberries or walnuts, to add variety and surprise your taste buds.
Serve immediately: For the best crunch, toss the salad just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crispy rather than soggy.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

This vibrant salad not only tastes divine but also looks stunning on any table. Here are some ideas to present it beautifully!

Garnishes

Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few sprigs of fresh mint not only enhances the presentation but also introduces a refreshing flavor that complements the strawberries perfectly.
Edible flowers: Sprinkling edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies adds an elegant touch that makes your salad look like a work of art.

Side Dishes

Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty dish is packed with protein and fibers, making it a filling side that pairs beautifully with the crunchy textures of your salad.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add a savory component to your meal, balancing out the sweetness of the salad while being easy to eat.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables brings warmth and depth to your table. The caramelized flavors complement the freshness in the salad nicely.
Hummus and Pita Chips: For a lighter option, serve some creamy hummus with crispy pita chips as a dip alongside this refreshing salad. It’s perfect for snacking between bites!

With these tips on serving suggestions, you’ll have an impressive Strawberry Crunch Salad experience that’s sure to delight everyone at your dining table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare components in advance, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or picnics. Here’s how to store and keep this salad fresh.

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Consume within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

This salad does not freeze well due to the fresh ingredients like avocado and arugula.
If you have leftover sugared almonds, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed cold!
If you prefer a warmed salad, gently toss it on low heat in a skillet for a couple of minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Crunch Salad!

Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sugared almonds and vinaigrette ahead of time. Just combine the salad ingredients right before serving for maximum freshness.

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

If you’re looking for alternatives, try feta cheese or a plant-based cheese. Both will add a creamy texture without compromising flavor!

How long does Strawberry Crunch Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this salad will stay good for 2-3 days. Remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve!

Can I add other fruits to my Strawberry Crunch Salad?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added color and flavor. Experimenting with seasonal fruits makes it even more delightful!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy creating this vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad as much as I do! It’s not just delicious but also packed with nutrients that make every bite satisfying. Whether it’s brightening up your dinner table or becoming a staple at your summer gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress everyone. Dive into making this delightful dish, and let me know how it turns out!