This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a colorful mix of fresh strawberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese, all drizzled with a light champagne vinaigrette! It’s a perfect summer dish.
I love how the sweet strawberries pair with the tangy dressing—it makes my taste buds dance! This salad is a hit at picnics, and I can’t resist sneaking in extra strawberries! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Arugula: This peppery green is the salad’s base. If you can’t find arugula, spinach or mixed greens can work nicely too. They offer different flavor profiles but are still delicious.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring sweetness and color. You can swap them with other berries like blueberries or raspberries if strawberries are out of season, though each has its unique taste.
Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness. If you’re avoiding avocados, consider substituting with cubed cucumber or sliced apples for a different texture.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings saltiness and tang. If you’re not a fan, crumbled goat cheese or shaved Parmesan could be good alternatives.
Pecans and Pistachios: These nuts add crunch. If you’re nut-free, try using seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead. They provide great flavor and crunch too!
Honey or Maple Syrup: Either sweetener works in the vinaigrette for different flavors. If you prefer a sugar substitute, agave syrup is a great option.
How Do I Make the Perfect Champagne Vinaigrette?
Making the champagne vinaigrette is a simple but important step that adds flavor to your salad. Here’s how to get it just right:
- In a bowl, combine the champagne vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard.
- Whisk them together until the mixture is well blended and a bit thickened.
- Add salt and pepper to taste; don’t forget to taste for balance!
- If you find it too tart, a bit more honey or maple syrup can help mellow the flavor.
Drizzle this vibrant dressing over your salad right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp. Enjoy the burst of flavors!
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad With Champagne Vinaigrette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup chopped pecans (or slivered almonds)
- ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Champagne Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup champagne vinegar
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy dish to whip up. You’ll spend a few minutes chopping and slicing the ingredients and mixing the vinaigrette. Perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, add the arugula as the base of your salad. This leafy green will provide a beautiful and peppery foundation for all your delicious toppings.
2. Add the Fresh Ingredients:
Carefully arrange the sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, chopped pecans, and pistachios over the arugula. Try to place them in sections for a colorful and enticing presentation that will impress anyone at your table!
3. Sprinkle on Extra Flavor:
If you want to add an extra touch of sweetness and color, sprinkle the dried cranberries on top of the salad. They’ll add a lovely burst of flavor and a pop of color.
4. Make the Champagne Vinaigrette:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. Keep whisking until everything is well combined. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste so it’s just right!
5. Combine and Toss:
Just before you’re ready to serve, drizzle the champagne vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to mix everything together, making sure that all the delicious ingredients are evenly coated with that yummy dressing.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Strawberry Crunch Salad right away as a bright and refreshing side dish or a light main meal. Enjoy every bite of this beautiful salad!
Can I Substitute Other Greens in This Salad?
Absolutely! While arugula gives a nice peppery flavor, you can use mixed greens, spinach, or even kale if you prefer. Just keep in mind that different greens may slightly change the salad’s flavor profile, so choose what you enjoy the most!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the salad and vinaigrette separate. Place any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The vinaigrette can also be stored in a jar for up to a week. When you’re ready to eat, just drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad to freshen it up!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Certainly! If you don’t have pecans or pistachios on hand, walnuts, hazelnuts, or even sunflower seeds make great alternatives. Just remember that each nut carries its own unique flavor, so pick whichever you prefer or have available!
What’s a Good Substitute for Champagne Vinegar?
If you don’t have champagne vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch. Just be mindful that the taste might vary slightly, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to your liking!
