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Strawberry Crunch Salad Delight

Featured in Crisp and Refreshing Salads.

This vibrant strawberry crunch salad is full of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Arugula forms a peppery base, topped with sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and crunchy pistachios. The highlight is the sugared almonds, providing a caramel-like texture. Tossed in a zesty champagne vinaigrette made with honey, garlic, and dijon mustard, this salad is as delightful in flavor as it is in texture. Perfect for spring and summer, it's ready in just 30 minutes and serves four. A crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

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Ranah
Updated on Tue, 22 Apr 2025 21:11:17 GMT
A bowl of fruit and vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of fruit and vegetables. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This vibrant strawberry crunch salad combines sweet berries, creamy avocado, and candied almonds for a refreshing meal that perfectly balances flavors and textures. I created this recipe when searching for a show-stopping summer dish that would impress at gatherings while still being simple enough for weeknight dinners.

I first served this at a springtime brunch where guests practically licked their plates clean. The candied almonds have become such a favorite that my family now requests them as a standalone snack.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

A bowl of fruit salad with strawberries, avocado, and nuts. Pin it
A bowl of fruit salad with strawberries, avocado, and nuts. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

The candied almonds are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered them years ago when experimenting with salad toppings and have never looked back. Their sweet crunch against the tangy goat cheese creates a flavor combination that makes people ask for the recipe every single time.

Make It a Meal

A bowl of fruit salad with strawberries, avocado, and feta cheese. Pin it
A bowl of fruit salad with strawberries, avocado, and feta cheese. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Storage and Prep Tips

The dressing keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week. I often make a double batch to have on hand for quick salads throughout the week. Just bring to room temperature and shake well before using.

If preparing for guests, you can chop everything except the avocado several hours ahead. Store prepped ingredients separately in the refrigerator, then slice the avocado and assemble just before serving.

Seasonal Adaptations

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I prevent the almonds from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir the almonds with sugar continuously. Don’t walk away as the sugar can burn quickly.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, goat cheese can be substituted with feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

→ What can I use instead of champagne vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as alternatives to champagne vinegar.

→ How do I store leftover vinaigrette?

Store leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Shake or whisk before using.

→ Can this salad be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the sugared almonds and vinaigrette ahead of time, but assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture.

Strawberry Crunch Salad

Strawberry crunch salad with avocado, goat cheese, and sugared almonds in a champagne dressing.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ranah


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Salad

01 ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds
02 3 tablespoons sugar
03 10 ounces arugula greens
04 8 ounces strawberries, hulled and quartered or chopped
05 1 avocado, chopped
06 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
07 ⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped

→ Champagne Vinaigrette

08 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
09 1/2 lemon, juiced
10 2 tablespoons honey
11 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
12 1 garlic clove, freshly grated
13 Pinch kosher salt and pepper
14 1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions

Step 01

Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and cook, stirring often, until the sugar melts and coats the almonds, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the almonds to a piece of parchment paper to cool and break into pieces if clumped.

Step 02

In a large bowl, toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and sugared almonds. Drizzle on the dressing and toss well. Serve immediately.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper, then whisk to combine. Stream in the olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing emulsifies. Store in the fridge for up to one week.

Tools You'll Need

  • Nonstick skillet
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains nuts (almonds, pistachios)
  • Contains dairy (goat cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280.5
  • Total Fat: 21.4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18.2 g
  • Protein: 6.7 g