The Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a delightful medley that sings with sweet freshness. Imagine the vibrant reds of sun-kissed strawberries mingling with the earthy greens of arugula, all topped off with the satisfying crunch of almonds. The zing of champagne vinaigrette brings it all together, transforming this salad into a symphony of flavors and textures that dances on your palate.
This dish isn’t just about the aesthetics; it’s about nostalgia, too. I remember gathering with friends on sunny afternoons, laughing and sharing stories, all while nibbling on this refreshing salad. It’s perfect for picnics and potlucks, or as a fancy side for your dinner parties. Get ready to treat your taste buds and impress your friends with every colorful bite!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
- This amazing Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette:
⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds – These nuts add a sweet crunch and are perfect for toasting, enhancing their flavor beautifully.
3 tablespoons sugar – This helps caramelize the almonds for an irresistible sweet touch that balances the salad.
10 ounces arugula greens – Featuring a peppery kick, arugula acts as the perfect base for this fresh salad.
8 ounces strawberries – Look for ripe, juicy strawberries; they are the star of this dish, offering sweetness and color.
1 avocado – This creamy fruit adds a rich texture while boosting the nutrient profile of the salad.
2 ounces crumbled goat cheese – Tangy and soft, goat cheese elevates this salad with a delightful creaminess.
⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios – These nuts add an amazing crunch and a pop of flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar – This serves as the backbone of our vinaigrette, providing a fruity acidity that brightens every bite.
½ lemon – Fresh lemon juice brings vibrancy and balances the flavors of the dressing.
2 tablespoons honey – This natural sweetener enhances the vinaigrette’s flavor, giving it a hint of sweetness.
1 teaspoon dijon mustard – Adding a gentle bite, dijon mustard combines beautifully with the honey for a tantalizing dressing.
1 garlic clove – Freshly grated garlic adds depth and warmth, making the vinaigrette undeniably delicious.
pinch kosher salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning, they elevate the dish and unify all the distinct flavors.
½ cup olive oil – This high-quality oil lends richness to the vinaigrette, promoting a smooth amalgamation of flavors.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette:
Step 1: Toast the Almonds
Begin by placing the sliced almonds into a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add in the sugar, stirring often until the sugar melts and coats the almonds with a glossy finish, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the almonds to a piece of parchment paper to cool, and break them apart if they clump together.
Step 2: Prepare the Greens
In a large mixing bowl, toss the arugula with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. This creates a well-seasoned base for the salad, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Mix in the Goodies
Add the hulled and quartered strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and pistachios to the bowl. Don’t skimp on these ingredients—their textures and flavors are what make this salad truly special.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Vinaigrette
In a separate bowl, combine the champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until everything is nicely blended and the flavors start to shine. Now, while whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is perfectly emulsified.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Use salad tongs or two forks to gently toss everything together evenly, ensuring that all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor, adding extra toasted almonds on top for added crunch. Enjoy your Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette chilled on warm days or as a vibrant side dish for grilled meats.
This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is not only refreshing but also customizable. You can easily switch out ingredients based on what you have. Celebrate its versatility while delighting your palate and impressing your guests!
You Must Know About Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
- This amazing Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Cooking Process
Begin by toasting the almonds first to ensure they’re crisp and flavorful. While they cool, prepare the dressing. Toss the arugula and other ingredients, then combine everything just before serving for the freshest taste.
Add Your Touch to Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Feel free to swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans, use feta cheese instead of goat cheese, or toss in some grilled chicken for added protein. Make it your masterpiece!
Storing & Reheating Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep the dressing separate to maintain crunchiness. It can be kept for up to three days; just avoid reheating.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
- This amazing Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette offers more than just flavor it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Chop the strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh. A teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper can elevate the flavor of the dressing. When making the sugared almonds, stir constantly to prevent burning.
I remember serving this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette at a summer picnic, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about how refreshing it was! They couldn’t believe how simple it was to make.
FAQs About Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
What is Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette?
Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that come together in a beautiful and vibrant dish. This salad features arugula, strawberries, avocado, and a variety of crunchy toppings like sugared almonds and pistachios, all tossed with a light and tangy champagne vinaigrette. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious meal perfect for any occasion.
How long does it take to make Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette?
Preparing the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette takes just about 30 minutes total. This time includes roughly 25 minutes for prepping your ingredients and an additional 5 minutes for cooking the almonds. It’s a quick and easy dish, making it ideal for any busy weeknight or last-minute gatherings.
Can I customize Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette?
Absolutely! The beauty of Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette lies in its versatility. You can substitute almonds with walnuts or pecans, use feta cheese instead of goat cheese, or even add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. Feel free to mix in seasonal fruits or veggies you have on hand to make it your own.
How should I store Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette?
To keep your Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, as it helps maintain the crunchiness of the salad. Enjoy your salad within three days for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion for Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
In summary, Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a delicious and colorful addition to your meal repertoire. With its mix of vibrant ingredients and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for casual lunches or elegant dinners alike. The easy customization options allow for personal touches to suit any taste. Make this salad your go-to for a fresh and satisfying dish!
Delicious Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and cook, stirring often, until the sugar melts and coats all of the almonds, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the almonds to a piece of parchment paper to cool and break them into pieces if they are clumped.
- Toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add in the strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds. Drizzle on the dressing and toss well. Serve immediately!
- For the champagne vinaigrette, combine vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and whisk together. Stream in the olive oil while constantly whisking until the dressing comes together. Store in the fridge for up to one week.
