This colorful salad bursts with fresh strawberries, crunchy almonds, and a tasty champagne vinaigrette. It’s light, sweet, and perfect for a sunny day!
Honestly, I can’t resist a salad that feels like a dessert—you know what I mean? Plus, the crispy topping adds a fun twist that keeps me coming back for more!
I love serving this salad at picnics or parties. It’s super easy to whip up, and it impresses everyone with its vibrant colors and flavors. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Arugula: Arugula has a peppery flavor that pairs well with strawberries. If arugula isn’t available, you can substitute with spinach or mixed salad greens for a milder taste.
Fresh Strawberries: Look for ripe, sweet strawberries, which add a delightful sweetness. You can replace them with blueberries or sliced peaches if strawberries aren’t in season.
Avocado: The creaminess of avocado adds a nice texture. If you’re avoiding avocados, consider using diced cucumbers or creamy tahini dressing to mimic that richness.
Goat Cheese: For a tangy burst, goat cheese is perfect, but feta works beautifully too. If you’re dairy-free, try using a nut-based cheese for a similar flavor.
Pistachios: Chopped pistachios add crunch and flavor. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead for a crunchy element.
How Do I Make Sure My Vinaigrette is Perfectly Emulsified?
Emulsifying the vinaigrette is key to a smooth dressing that coats your salad well. Here’s how to do it right:
- Whisk the vinegar, honey, and mustard together first to combine flavors.
- As you whisk the mixture, very slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This gradual mixing allows the oil and vinegar to blend seamlessly.
- Keep whisking until the vinaigrette thickens and looks uniform. A good vinaigrette should hold together without separating.
- Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed!
This technique ensures your dressing is creamy and full of flavor, making your salad shine!
Easy Strawberry Crunch Salad With Champagne Vinaigrette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh arugula (or mixed greens)
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped salted pistachios
- ½ cup toasted almond slivers (or crunchy toasted coconut flakes for crunch topping)
For the Champagne Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup champagne vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a bit of time making the vinaigrette and toasting the nuts, plus putting everything together. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a delightful meal any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vinaigrette:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the champagne vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until everything is well combined. Next, very slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This helps emulsify and thicken the dressing, ensuring all the flavors blend nicely together. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set this delicious vinaigrette aside for later!
2. Toast the Almond Slivers:
Take a dry skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the almond slivers and toast them, stirring frequently, until they become golden and fragrant—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to watch closely so they don’t burn! Once toasted, remove them from the heat and let them cool.
3. Assemble the Salad:
Grab a large bowl (or individual serving bowls) and start by arranging a bed of fresh arugula. On top of the arugula, add piles of the sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled goat cheese or feta, and chopped pistachios. Finally, sprinkle the toasted almond slivers or coconut flakes on the top for that satisfying crunch!
4. Dress the Salad:
Just before you’re ready to enjoy the salad, drizzle the prepared champagne vinaigrette over the top. Gently toss everything together to combine, or you can leave the ingredients separated for a beautiful presentation.
5. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your crunchy and refreshing strawberry salad right away! Each bite is bursting with sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts, all complemented by that light, fruity champagne vinaigrette. Perfect for any spring or summer meal!
This salad not only looks great but also balances flavors and textures beautifully, making it a delightful addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy! 🍓✨
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Other Greens for Arugula?
Absolutely! If arugula isn’t available or you prefer a milder flavor, you can use spinach, mixed salad greens, or even kale as a base for your salad. Just ensure that whatever greens you choose are fresh!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply omit the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative such as cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also skip the honey and use maple syrup in the vinaigrette for sweetness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If you have dressed the salad, it’s best to keep the dressing separate to maintain the crispness of the greens. When ready to eat, simply toss the salad with vinaigrette again!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for taste and texture, if you have to use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them fully before adding to the salad. However, be aware that frozen strawberries may be softer and less crunchy than fresh ones.
