If you are craving a salad that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and a delightful crunch, let me introduce you to the irresistible Strawberry Crunch Salad with Caramelized Almonds and Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe. This dish is a true celebration of textures and tastes—from the peppery bite of arugula to the juicy sweetness of strawberries, all enhanced by the rich creaminess of avocado and goat cheese. The crowning glory is the caramelized almonds, providing a toasty caramel crunch, perfectly complemented by a bright, tangy champagne vinaigrette that ties everything together. It’s an elegant yet approachable salad that’s sure to become a favorite fast.*
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this salad just right is all about simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch individually but harmonize beautifully when combined. Each ingredient not only adds its unique flavor but also plays with different textures and colors, making the salad as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- â…” cup sliced or slivered almonds: These become the star of the caramelized topping, adding a sweet crunch that makes every bite exciting.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Needed to gently melt and coat the almonds for that perfect caramelized glaze.
- 10 ounces arugula greens: Peppery and tender, arugula gives the salad a fresh, slightly spicy base tone.
- 8 ounces strawberries, hulled and quartered or chopped: Fresh, juicy berries bring a sweet brightness that balances the savory elements.
- 1 avocado, chopped: Creamy and mild, avocado enriches the texture and adds healthy fats.
- 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese: Its tangy creaminess pairs beautifully with the fruit and greens.
- â…“ cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped: These add saltiness and another layer of crunch that contrasts nicely with the softer ingredients.
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar: Light and elegant, this vinegar forms the base of the bright vinaigrette dressing.
- ½ lemon, juiced: Adds fresh acidity to brighten the vinaigrette.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally and balances the acidity perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 garlic clove, freshly grated: Adds just a hint of savory depth to the vinaigrette.
- Pinch kosher salt and pepper: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ½ cup olive oil: Creates a smooth, rich texture in the dressing and unites all the ingredients.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad with Caramelized Almonds and Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Almonds
Start by heating a nonstick skillet over medium heat and adding the sliced almonds. Sprinkle in the sugar and stir frequently. Watch closely as the sugar melts into a golden caramel and coats the almonds, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma and ensures those almonds are sweet, crunchy, and deeply flavorful. Be careful not to walk away as caramel can burn quickly. Once coated, transfer the almonds to parchment paper to cool, then gently break apart any clumps—this crunchy topping will transform your salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Champagne Vinaigrette
In a large bowl, combine the champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, freshly grated garlic, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these together until well blended. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking vigorously to form a smooth and slightly thickened vinaigrette. This dressing is a perfect balance of bright acidity, sweetness, and a touch of savory punch, elevating the entire salad experience. You can make and store this vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to a week, which makes meal prep easier and gives you a ready-to-go gourmet touch for any salad craving.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Place the arugula in a large bowl and season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance its natural peppery flavor. Add the gently quartered strawberries and chopped avocado, which contributes creaminess and freshness. Then, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese for tangy richness and chopped roasted pistachios for a burst of salty crunch. Finally, scatter the caramelized almonds over the top, adding that irresistible sweetness and crunch that makes this salad truly stand out. Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette generously over everything and toss gently to evenly coat all the ingredients without bruising the delicate berries or greens.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad with Caramelized Almonds and Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of color and flavor, consider garnishing the salad with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. A light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few whole caramelized almonds on top can elevate the presentation. These little flourishes not only make the salad look stunning but deepen the sensory experience as you dig in.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a light main course but also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside cheesy garlic bread or a warm quinoa pilaf to complement the cool, crisp salad with something comforting and hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, serve the salad in individual clear glass bowls or shallow martini glasses to showcase the vibrant colors. Alternatively, build the salad on a large platter, arranging the ingredients in layers or sections so your guests can admire the beautiful textures before mixing it up. Another fun idea is to serve it deconstructed, letting guests toss in their preferred amount of caramelized almonds and dressing themselves—they’ll appreciate the interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad components separately for best results: keep the vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and store the greens and fruit chilled in another container. The caramelized almonds should be kept in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch. Avoid tossing everything together too early as the salad will become soggy.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for freezing due to the delicate greens and fresh fruit. However, you can prepare and freeze the vinaigrette ahead of time in small portions—just thaw and whisk before using.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge after a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and crunch! If you’ve stored components separately, assemble a fresh batch in minutes.
FAQs
Can I substitute the arugula with another green?
Absolutely! While arugula’s peppery flavor adds a lovely bite to this salad, you can swap it out for baby spinach, mixed greens, or even kale for a heartier texture. Just keep in mind that the peppery zest will be milder if you use spinach.
How do I prevent the strawberries from getting mushy?
The key is to toss the strawberries with the salad just before serving and avoid overmixing. Using fresh, firm berries helps, and cutting them into larger quarters rather than small pieces reduces bruising.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
Feta cheese is a fantastic substitute if you prefer a tangy cheese but want something a bit firmer. For a creamier texture, fresh mozzarella or ricotta salata works well, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Yes! Simply omit the goat cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or toasted nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Ensure the vinaigrette is made without honey by substituting maple syrup or agave nectar.
Can I make the caramelized almonds in advance?
Definitely. You can prepare the caramelized almonds a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just break any large clumps apart before using to ensure even crunch throughout the salad.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Caramelized Almonds and Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe a try—it’s such a joyful and satisfying way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients that feel both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re serving it for a friendly get-together or a solo lunch that needs a little sparkle, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you taste the harmony of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy, you might just find yourself making it repeatedly. Enjoy every bite!
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Strawberry Crunch Salad with Caramelized Almonds and Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Crunch Salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and a delightful crunch from caramelized almonds and pistachios, all tossed in a homemade champagne vinaigrette. This 30-minute salad is perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- â…” cup sliced or slivered almonds
- 10 ounces arugula greens
- 8 ounces strawberries, hulled and quartered or chopped
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- â…“ cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped
For the Champagne Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, freshly grated
- Pinch kosher salt and pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons sugar (for caramelizing almonds)
Instructions
- Caramelize Almonds: Place the sliced or slivered almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar melts and caramelizes, coating all the almonds evenly, about 6 to 8 minutes. Be attentive to prevent burning. Once caramelized, transfer the almonds to parchment paper to cool and break into pieces if clumped together.
- Make Champagne Vinaigrette: In a large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, freshly grated garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly. While continuously whisking, slowly stream in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth vinaigrette. Refrigerate if not using immediately, up to one week.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, toss the arugula greens with a pinch of salt and pepper to season lightly and enhance the flavors.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the hulled and quartered strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, chopped roasted salted pistachios, and the cooled caramelized almonds to the seasoned arugula.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette evenly over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat all components with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Watch the caramelizing almonds closely as sugar can burn quickly once melted.
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta or blue cheese if preferred.
- For added protein, grilled chicken or tofu can be added.
- The vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Ensure the avocado is ripe but firm for the best texture in the salad.
