If you want to wow your friends with a salad that bursts with flavor and delightful texture, you have to try this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette. It’s a sensational blend of peppery arugula, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, all complemented by a crisp and slightly sweet champagne vinaigrette. The sugared almonds and roasted pistachios add a wonderful crunch that makes every bite exciting. This is not your everyday salad; it’s a fresh, vibrant dish that showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and memorable.

Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Preparing the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette couldn’t be easier thanks to these straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing the dish’s flavors and textures, from the sweet crunch of sugared almonds to the zesty brightness of the vinaigrette.

⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds: These are caramelized to add a sweet, crunchy element.

3 tablespoons sugar: Used to transform the almonds into crispy, sugared delights.
10 ounces arugula greens: Provides a peppery, leafy base that adds freshness.

8 ounces strawberries (hulled and quartered or chopped): Offers juicy sweetness that brightens the salad.
1 avocado (chopped): Adds creamy richness and smooth texture.

2 ounces crumbled goat cheese: Brings a tangy, creamy element that complements the fruit and nuts perfectly.
⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios (chopped): Adds another layer of savory crunch and visual appeal.
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar: The star of the dressing, delivering a light, crisp acidity.

½ lemon (juiced): Gives a fresh, citrus punch to the vinaigrette.
2 tablespoons honey: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides depth and emulsifying power to the dressing.

1 garlic clove (freshly grated): Adds subtle pungency and warmth.
Pinch kosher salt and pepper: Highlights all the flavors perfectly.
½ cup olive oil: Smooths and rounds out the vinaigrette with richness.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Step 1: Caramelize the Almonds

Start by heating a nonstick skillet over medium heat to gently toast the almonds. Sprinkle in the sugar and stir constantly; this step is where the magic happens. You’ll watch the sugar melt and coat the almonds in a beautiful, golden caramel glaze. Keep a close eye on them because caramel can turn from perfect to burnt quickly! Once done, spread the almonds on parchment paper to cool and then break apart any clumps. These sugared almonds will deliver that signature crunch that elevates this salad to something extraordinary.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

In a large bowl, toss the fresh arugula with just a pinch of salt and pepper. The peppery greens create a vibrant bed that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. Gently fold in the quartered strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, chopped pistachios, and the cooled sugared almonds. Each addition brings a new flavor, texture, or burst of color that’s absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Champagne Vinaigrette

For the dressing, combine the champagne vinegar, honey, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, freshly grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk them together until well mixed. Then, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to create a silky, emulsified vinaigrette. This tangy, slightly sweet dressing brightens up all the salad components flawlessly. You can prepare it ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to one week, making it a convenient and delicious staple anytime you want to dress up a salad.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette generously over the salad, then toss carefully to coat every leaf and ingredient without bruising the delicate strawberries or avocado. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad’s freshness, the crunch of the nuts, and the lively zing from the dressing. This final step brings everything together in perfect harmony.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Garnishes

To make your Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette even more stunning, consider sprinkling a few fresh strawberry slices or a few extra chopped pistachios on top before serving. A few edible flower petals can also add a gorgeous pop of color that makes this salad an elegant centerpiece for any meal.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with a simple grilled chicken breast or a piece of pan-seared salmon, making for a light yet satisfying main course. If you’re craving something vegetarian, serve it alongside a warm baguette and a slice of creamy brie for a lovely brunch or lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, try serving the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette in individual clear glass bowls or mason jars. This presentation showcases the vibrant colors and textures perfectly. Alternatively, lay the salad on a large platter for a shared family-style experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately. Keep the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Toss the salad greens and toppings without dressing if possible, to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The delicate ingredients like avocado and strawberries lose their texture and flavor after thawing, and the nuts may become soggy.

Reheating

Since the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a cold dish designed for a fresh bite, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Instead, enjoy it fresh for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of greens instead of arugula?

Absolutely! While arugula gives a peppery kick, baby spinach or mixed spring greens can also work wonderfully if you prefer a milder flavor.

Is there a substitute for champagne vinegar?

If you don’t have champagne vinegar on hand, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are great alternatives that will keep the dressing bright and tangy.

Can I make the dressing without garlic?

Yes, feel free to omit the garlic if you’re sensitive to it or prefer a milder vinaigrette. The dressing will still be flavorful thanks to the vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.

What type of goat cheese works best for this salad?

Soft, fresh chèvre is ideal because it crumbles nicely and adds a creamy, tangy component without overpowering the other ingredients.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning in the salad?

To slow down browning, toss the avocado pieces with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This helps preserve their lovely green color and fresh taste.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette has quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes for spring and summer. It’s light, bright, and full of textures and flavors that never get old. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something fresh and delicious, this salad delivers every time. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy sugared almonds and pistachios, all tossed in a bright and zesty champagne vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a stunning side for any meal.

Instructions

Caramelize the Almonds: Place the sliced or slivered almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and cook, stirring often, until the sugar melts and forms a caramel coating on the almonds—about 6 to 8 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning! Transfer the almonds to parchment paper to cool and break into smaller pieces if necessary.
Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the hulled and quartered strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, chopped roasted pistachios, and the cooled sugared almonds pieces.

Make the Champagne Vinaigrette: In a separate bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly. You can store extra dressing in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared champagne vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp textures.

Notes

Keep a close eye on the almonds while caramelizing to avoid burning.

For extra crunch, you can add other nuts like walnuts or pecans if desired.
The vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days; whisk again before using.
Substitute arugula with baby spinach or mixed greens if preferred.

Adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by adding more or less honey to taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes

Category: Salad
Method: No-cook with toasted caramelizing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 12 g

Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g

Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g

Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg

Keywords: Strawberry crunch salad, champagne vinaigrette, arugula salad, summer salad, light salad, healthy salad