This Easy Strawberry Crunch Salad is super refreshing! It combines sweet strawberries, crispy crunchy toppings, and a yummy champagne vinaigrette that brings it all together.
The best part? It’s so bright and colorful that it will make any table look fancy! I love serving it at picnics or family dinners. Plus, it’s a salad that even kids enjoy! 🥗🍓
Ingredients & Substitutions
Arugula: Fresh arugula gives this salad a nice peppery kick. If you can’t find it, feel free to use any mixed greens or even spinach. I find that using a variety of greens adds nice color and texture!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key here for sweetness. If they’re out of season, consider using frozen strawberries that have been thawed. You can also swap for raspberries or blueberries for a tart twist.
Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. If you’re not an avocado fan, you can replace it with diced cucumbers or even edamame for a different texture.
Cheese: Goat cheese gives a tangy flavor, but feta works wonderfully as a substitute if you prefer a saltier taste. You could also skip cheese altogether for a dairy-free option.
Nuts: Roasted pistachios add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead. They provide a similar crunch without the allergens!
Coconut chips: These can add a sweet crunch! If you can’t find them, slivered almonds or even granola works well in their place.
How Do You Make a Creamy Vinaigrette?
Making a vinaigrette may seem tricky, but it’s super easy! The trick lies in the emulsification process, which combines oil and vinegar smoothly. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start by whisking together the vinegar, honey, and mustard. This helps dissolve the honey, making it easier to blend in.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This method incorporates air and creates that creamy texture, so don’t skip this step!
- Season with salt and pepper at the end to brighten the flavor. Taste and adjust if necessary!
If making this ahead, store the vinaigrette in the fridge and shake well before using—it might separate a bit, but that’s perfectly normal!
Easy Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh arugula (or mixed greens)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced or halved
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 1/3 cup roasted pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup crunchy toasted coconut chips or slivered almonds
For the Champagne Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes making the vinaigrette, toasting the nuts or coconut, and assembling the salad. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a light meal or as a fresh side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vinaigrette:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the champagne vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard until they’re nicely mixed. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking vigorously to create a smooth dressing. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set this tasty dressing aside!
2. Toast the Coconut Chips or Almonds:
Grab a small dry skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add your coconut chips or slivered almonds, making sure to stir often. Toast them until they become fragrant and golden brown, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let cool.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, start by placing the fresh arugula or mixed greens as your base. It creates a lovely, crisp foundation for all those delicious toppings!
4. Add the Toppings:
Next, artfully arrange the sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled goat cheese (or feta), roasted pistachios, and the toasted coconut chips or almonds over the greens in sections. This not only looks great but also allows everyone to mix their favorites in each bite.
5. Dress the Salad:
Now, take your champagne vinaigrette and lightly drizzle it over the salad. If you prefer, you can serve it on the side to keep everything crunchy longer. Just be gentle when tossing the salad to combine all those wonderful ingredients!
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, give the salad a final sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper if you like. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
This salad is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements. It’s perfect for brightening up any meal or enjoyed on its own during warm weather. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Greens Instead of Arugula?
Absolutely! If arugula isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute it with any mixed greens, spinach, or even kale. Each will give a different taste and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences!
What If I Don’t Have Champagne Vinegar?
If champagne vinegar isn’t available, white wine vinegar is a great alternative! You could also use apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to taste since some vinegars can be stronger than others.
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but I recommend waiting to add the vinaigrette until right before serving. This will keep the greens and toppings fresh and crunchy. You can store the vinaigrette separately in the fridge for up to a week!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
To store any leftover salad, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to separate the greens and toppings if possible to maintain freshness and crunch, ideally consuming leftovers within 1-2 days.
