I made this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe last weekend, and I’m still thinking about it! Every bite was fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor. I couldn’t resist going back for seconds and even thirds. It’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel special and refreshing.
Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again for gatherings or simple family dinners. You can also enjoy similar treats like the Valentine’s Day Dessert Dip Recipe for a sweet finish after your salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that makes this salad truly memorable, along with helpful tips on why each ingredient matters.
Salad Base
- ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds — these add a crunchy contrast to the soft fruit and greens.
- 3 tablespoons sugar — used to candy the almonds for a sweet, crispy topping.
- 10 ounces fresh arugula greens — peppery greens balance the sweetness beautifully.
- 8 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered — choose ripe berries for the best flavor.
- 1 ripe avocado, chopped — adds creamy richness to the salad.
- 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese — tangy creaminess elevates the flavor.
- ⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped — gives savory crunch and extra texture.
Champagne Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar — mild acidity enhances the fruit without overpowering.
- Juice of ½ lemon — brightens and freshens the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons honey — provides balanced sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard — helps emulsify and adds subtle spice.
- 1 garlic clove, grated — gives gentle aromatic depth.
- Pinch kosher salt and pepper — enhances overall flavor.
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil — smooth base that binds the dressing.
Note: This recipe yields several servings and comfortably serves about 4 people as a side dish.
Variations You Can Try
This salad is flexible and easy to customize:
- Swap goat cheese for feta or dairy-free cheese for a lighter or vegan-friendly option.
- Use spinach or mixed greens instead of arugula for a milder taste.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Replace sugar with maple syrup or omit it for a lower-sugar version.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or mint for an extra refreshing twist.
- You can also enjoy similar baked treats like the Valentine Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe as a dessert alongside your salad.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet — used to candy almonds evenly without sticking.
- Mixing bowl — to combine all salad ingredients.
- Whisk — helps blend vinaigrette smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons — ensure accurate ingredient portions.
How to Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup?
This section walks you through preparing the salad from start to finish in simple steps. Preparation is easy and quick, making this recipe perfect even for busy days. Follow each step carefully for the best flavor and texture.
Prepare the Candied Almonds
Heat almonds and sugar in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often so the sugar melts evenly. Continue cooking until nuts are coated and lightly caramelized. Spread them out to cool so they stay crunchy.
Mix the Fresh Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, add arugula and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss in strawberries, avocado chunks, goat cheese, and pistachios so flavors distribute evenly.
Whisk the Champagne Vinaigrette
Combine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Slowly whisk in olive oil until smooth and emulsified.
Toss and Serve
Pour dressing over salad just before serving and gently toss everything together. Sprinkle candied almonds on top and serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my own experience, these small tricks make a big difference:
- I prepare the candied almonds ahead of time so everything comes together quickly.
- I always add dressing right before serving to keep greens crisp.
- I slice strawberries at the last minute for the juiciest texture.
- I taste the dressing before serving and adjust lemon or salt as needed.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe?
Serve this salad in a wide, shallow serving bowl so the vibrant colors stand out. Garnish with extra strawberries or a light drizzle of dressing for presentation. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or a light summer pasta for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional overview per serving:
- Calories: About 300 kcal
- Protein: Around 6 g
- Carbohydrates: Around 20 g
- Fat: Around 22 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Store salad components separately for best freshness. Greens and toppings remain fresh for 1–2 days when refrigerated in airtight containers.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended since greens, avocado, and fresh fruit lose texture after thawing.
Reheating or Restoring
No reheating is needed. Simply toss chilled ingredients with fresh dressing before serving to refresh the salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This salad quickly becomes a favorite once you try it:
- It’s quick and easy, perfect for both weeknights and entertaining guests.
- The combination of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy textures keeps every bite exciting.
- Ingredients are customizable based on diet or taste preferences.
- It looks impressive yet requires minimal effort.
- Works as a side dish or a satisfying light main meal.
This strawberry crunch salad truly delivers freshness, flavor, and texture in every bite, making it a recipe worth repeating all season long.
Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat almonds and sugar in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often so the sugar melts evenly. Continue cooking until nuts are coated and lightly caramelized. Spread them out to cool so they stay crunchy.
- In a large bowl, add arugula and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss in strawberries, avocado chunks, goat cheese, and pistachios so flavors distribute evenly.
- Combine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Slowly whisk in olive oil until smooth and emulsified.
- Pour dressing over salad just before serving and gently toss everything together. Sprinkle candied almonds on top and serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.
Notes
- I prepare the candied almonds ahead of time so everything comes together quickly.
- I always add dressing right before serving to keep greens crisp.
- I slice strawberries at the last minute for the juiciest texture.
- I taste the dressing before serving and adjust lemon or salt as needed.