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If you’re on the hunt for a salad that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and an irresistible mix of textures, the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Caramelized Almonds and Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe is going to become your new obsession. This salad brings together peppery arugula, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, all topped with crunchy caramelized almonds and a bright, zesty champagne vinaigrette. It’s a delightful harmony of sweet, savory, crisp, and creamy in every bite, making it perfect for a light lunch or an elegant side dish that will wow your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad really shines through how simple, fresh, and thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each item adds a specific layer of flavor, texture, or color, creating a beautifully balanced dish that’s as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat.
- Sliced or slivered almonds (â…” cup): These get caramelized to add a sweet, crunchy contrast that elevates the salad.
- Sugar (3 tablespoons): Essential for caramelizing the almonds to perfection without bitterness.
- Arugula greens (10 ounces): Peppery and fresh, arugula forms the vibrant leafy base of the salad.
- Strawberries (8 ounces, hulled and quartered or chopped): Their juicy sweetness adds a refreshing burst of flavor in every forkful.
- Avocado (1, chopped): Creamy and mild, it balances the acidity and crunch beautifully.
- Crumbled goat cheese (2 ounces): Tangy and smooth, goat cheese gives a lush richness to the salad.
- Roasted salted pistachios (â…“ cup, chopped): Adds an extra layer of crunch and a subtle nutty saltiness.
- Champagne vinegar (3 tablespoons): Bright and slightly sweet, it’s the star of the vinaigrette’s flavor profile.
- Lemon juice (½ lemon): Adds a fresh citrus zing that lifts the dressing.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Provides balanced sweetness to the vinaigrette without overpowering the other flavors.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Helps emulsify the dressing, adding subtle depth and a touch of spice.
- Freshly grated garlic (1 clove): Adds a gentle savory punch that complements the salad’s fruity and nutty notes.
- Kosher salt and pepper (pinch): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
- Olive oil (½ cup): Smooth and fruity, it rounds out the vinaigrette for a luscious finish.
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 almonds. Stir in the sugar and keep the mixture moving frequently to melt and caramelize the sugar, coating every almond evenly. This process takes about 6 to 8 minutes and requires your attentive eye as the sugar can burn quickly. Once beautifully golden and crunchy, transfer them to parchment paper to cool and separate any clumps carefully. These caramelized almonds bring a sweet, snappy crunch that’s absolutely addictive in this salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Champagne Vinaigrette
In a large bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, freshly grated garlic, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking vigorously until the dressing thickens and emulsifies perfectly. This bright and tangy vinaigrette is the flavor backbone of the dish, highlighting the freshness of the greens and fruit while balancing all the rich, crunchy elements.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Gently toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper to season the leafy greens. Then add the quartered strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, chopped pistachios, and the caramelized almonds you prepared earlier. Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette generously over the salad and toss everything together to combine each component harmoniously. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and crunchiest.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad with Caramelized Almonds and Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To add a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle extra caramelized almonds or pistachios on top for an eye-catching crunch. A few additional fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of goat cheese crumbles can elevate the visual and flavor appeal, making your salad look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, fresh dishes like grilled chicken or fish, and even a warm baguette on the side for a simple but satisfying meal. Its lively flavors and textures make it a perfect companion to mild mains without overwhelming their taste.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in a rustic wooden bowl or on a crisp white platter to let the colors pop. For a fun twist, consider layering the ingredients in individual glass jars or mason jars for a charming presentation that’s perfect for picnics or brunch parties. A drizzle of extra vinaigrette on the plate before plating the salad adds a professional touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad components separate if possible, especially the dressing and caramelized almonds. Store the salad greens and fresh ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator and the dressing in a small jar. Toss the salad just before serving again to maintain the crisp texture.
Freezing
Because of the fresh fruits, greens, and creamy avocado, this strawberry crunch salad is not suitable for freezing. Freezing would compromise the texture and flavor, especially the delicate arugula and juicy strawberries.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh. Reheating is not recommended, as it would diminish the freshness and cause the greens to wilt and the creamy ingredients to lose their appeal.
FAQs
Can I substitute the arugula with another green?
Absolutely! While arugula adds a peppery bite, baby spinach or mixed spring greens can be great alternatives if you prefer a milder flavor or want to change things up.
How do I make sure the caramelized almonds don’t burn?
Stay attentive and stir often over medium heat. The sugar melts quickly, so continuous stirring is key to prevent burning, and removing them from the heat as soon as they turn golden helps keep the perfect crunch.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Yes! Simply swap out the goat cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or omit it entirely. The salad will still be delicious with the creamy avocado and caramelized nuts providing plenty of texture.
Can I prepare the vinaigrette in advance?
Definitely. The champagne vinaigrette keeps well in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a good whisk or shake before using to recombine any separated oil and vinegar.
What if I don’t have champagne vinegar?
You can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy, fruity note, though the subtle champagne essence is uniquely delightful.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Caramelized Almonds and Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh ingredients and thoughtful flavor combinations. Its ease of preparation paired with a wow-factor taste makes it a perfect dish to keep in your repertoire for spring and summer meals, or anytime you want something light, crispy, and full of personality. Give it a try and watch how it instantly becomes a crowd favorite, brightening your table and your mood.
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Strawberry Crunch Salad with Caramelized Almonds and Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad combining peppery arugula, sweet caramelized almonds, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy pistachios, all tossed in a bright and flavorful champagne vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a delightful side dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Crunchy Toppings
- â…” cup sliced or slivered almonds
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- â…“ cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped
Salad Base
- 10 ounces arugula greens
- 8 ounces strawberries, hulled and quartered or chopped
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
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
Instructions
- Caramelize 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 coats the almonds in a golden caramel layer, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Be vigilant to avoid burning the sugar. Transfer the caramelized almonds to parchment paper to cool and break apart any clumps formed.
- Make Champagne Vinaigrette: In a large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth vinaigrette. Refrigerate if not using immediately, up to one week.
- Prepare Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, toss the arugula greens lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper to season.
- Add Salad Ingredients: To the arugula, add the quartered strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, chopped roasted pistachios, and the cooled caramelized almonds.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette evenly over the salad ingredients. Toss the salad gently but thoroughly to coat everything with the dressing. Serve the salad immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Watch the caramelizing almonds closely as sugar burns quickly once melted.
- The vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to one week.
- Use fresh and ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- The avocado adds creaminess; ensure it is ripe but firm to avoid mushiness.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almonds and pistachios and substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if desired.
