Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe

If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with freshness, texture, and a touch of sparkle, the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is an absolute showstopper. This vibrant medley blends peppery arugula, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese with toasted sugared almonds and pistachios, all dressed in a delicate yet lively champagne vinaigrette. It’s the kind of dish that feels light and healthy but also indulgently satisfying—a perfect springtime or summer favorite that never gets old.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a star role, delivering unique textures and flavors that come together in perfect harmony. Fresh greens add peppery notes, nuts contribute a sweet crunch, and the vinaigrette ties everything with a subtle tang and sweetness.

• Sliced or slivered almonds, ⅔ cup: Toast and sugar-coat these for a delightful crunch that balances creamy elements.
• Sugar, 3 tablespoons: Used to caramelize the almonds, adding depth and sweetness.
• Arugula greens, 10 ounces: Provides a peppery, fresh base for the salad.
• Strawberries, 8 ounces (hulled and quartered or chopped): Juicy, sweet, and vibrant, strawberries brighten up every forkful.
• Avocado, 1 (chopped): Adds creamy richness and smooth texture.
• Goat cheese, 2 ounces (crumbled): Offers tangy creaminess that’s a perfect foil for the fruit and greens.
• Roasted, salted pistachios, ⅓ cup (chopped): Provide a buttery crunch and a pop of color.
• Champagne vinegar, 3 tablespoons: The star of the vinaigrette, bringing a light, fruity acidity.
• Lemon juice, ½ lemon: Adds fresh zing to brighten the dressing.
• Honey, 2 tablespoons: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness.
• Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon: Gives a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
• Freshly grated garlic clove, 1: Adds savory depth.
• Kosher salt and pepper, pinch each: Enhances all the flavors.
• Olive oil, ½ cup: Smooths out the dressing with fruity richness.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Step 1: Caramelize the Almonds

Place the sliced or slivered almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the sugar over the almonds and cook while stirring frequently until the sugar melts into a golden caramel that evenly coats the nuts, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step requires careful attention to avoid burning, but the reward is a crunchy, sweet nut that adds incredible texture and flavor to your salad. When done, transfer to parchment paper to cool, then gently break up any clumps.

Step 2: Prepare the Champagne Vinaigrette

In a large bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly stream in the olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing until it’s smooth and slightly thickened. This vinaigrette showcases that elegant champagne vinegar’s delicate acidity and fruitiness, perfectly complementing the salad’s fresh ingredients. If you’re not using it immediately, it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper to season the greens right from the start. Add the quartered strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, chopped roasted pistachios, and the cooled sugared almonds. Pour the freshly made champagne vinaigrette over the top, then toss everything gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all the ingredients. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the perfect crunch of the almonds and pistachios alongside the juicy berries and creamy avocado.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Garnishes

To elevate your Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette, consider adding a few fresh herbs like mint or basil for an herbaceous lift. A sprinkle of edible flower petals can bring a whimsical touch, making the plate as beautiful as it is delicious. For some extra zing, a few shaved parmesan curls add a savory note that contrasts beautifully with the fruity sweetness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with simple grilled chicken or fish for a light yet satisfying meal. It’s also fantastic alongside crusty bread and a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling rosé—perfect for an al fresco lunch or elegant dinner party starter. The balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy makes it flexible enough to complement a variety of main dishes or stand proud on its own.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the salad in individual glass jars to showcase the vibrant layers of greens, strawberries, and nuts. You can also build it on a large platter, artfully arranging the avocado slices and cheese crumbles on top for a beautiful buffet display. Drizzling a little extra champagne vinaigrette just before serving keeps everything fresh and lively.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Keep the salad ingredients refrigerated and toss with dressing just before serving to maintain the crispness and prevent sogginess. The sugared almonds are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The delicate ingredients like avocado and strawberries do not freeze well and will lose their texture and flavor upon thawing. If you want to prepare parts ahead, consider freezing only the champagne vinaigrette (without oil) and adding oil fresh when ready to serve, though even this is better kept refrigerated for a week.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is not advised. The ingredients shine brightest with their natural crispness and flavor contrasts. If you need to warm up a side dish alongside, consider serving the salad on the side cold and fresh rather than trying to warm it.

FAQs

Can I substitute the arugula with another green?

Absolutely! While arugula’s peppery flavor is perfect here, you can use baby spinach, mixed spring greens, or even kale if you prefer a milder or heartier base. Just keep in mind the texture will vary slightly.

How long does the champagne vinaigrette last?

Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, the vinaigrette will stay fresh for up to one week. Always give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the oil and vinegar may separate over time.

Can I make the sugared almonds ahead of time?

Yes, sugared almonds can be made a day or two before and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure they cool completely and avoid moisture to keep them crisp.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

To make the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette vegan, simply omit the goat cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

What can I use instead of champagne vinegar?

If you don’t have champagne vinegar, a mild white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work well. Just adjust the quantity to taste, as some vinegars are stronger than others.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is truly one of those recipes that feels like a burst of sunshine on your plate. Its balance of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy elements is irresistible and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress and delight. I can’t recommend enough giving this salad a try—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate strawberries all year round!

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