Get ready for a refreshing burst of flavor with this Strawberry Crunch Salad Celebration! This vibrant, texture-loaded summer salad is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Sweet, juicy strawberries, creamy goat cheese, buttery pistachios, and a delightful champagne vinaigrette come together to create a salad that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is light, yet full of rich flavors and crunch—sure to be a showstopper at any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Crunch Salad isn’t just pretty to look at—it’s packed with contrasting textures and flavors that make every bite exciting. The sweet strawberries balance beautifully with the tangy goat cheese, while the pistachios add crunch and richness. The candied almonds bring a touch of sweetness, and the champagne vinaigrette ties it all together with a zesty, slightly sweet finish. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic, a festive gathering, or as a fresh side dish, this salad is bound to impress.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

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

For the Champagne Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, freshly grated
Pinch of kosher salt & pepper
½ cup olive oil

directions

Toast the Almonds: In a nonstick skillet, toast the sliced or slivered almonds with sugar over medium heat. Stir often to prevent burning. Continue cooking for about 6-8 minutes, until the sugar has melted and coats the almonds. Be sure to watch carefully—sugar can burn quickly! Once done, transfer the almonds to a piece of parchment paper to cool.
Make the Vinaigrette: In a bowl or jar, whisk together the champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, freshly grated garlic, kosher salt, and pepper until emulsified. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to combine, creating a smooth, shiny vinaigrette.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, and pistachios. Once the candied almonds are cooled, add them to the bowl.
Dress and Toss: Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and coat with the vinaigrette. Garnish with extra pistachios or goat cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 340 kcal

Variations

Add Protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon to make it a heartier meal.
Berry Mix: Add other fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful, mixed fruit salad.
Nut Swap: Swap the pistachios for walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Vegan Version: Omit the goat cheese and use vegan cheese or avocado to keep it plant-based while still creamy.
Crispy Tofu: Add crispy tofu cubes to make it vegan and add extra protein.

storage/reheating

This salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the salad ingredients (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. The almonds can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days. The avocado and strawberries may not hold up well after being dressed, so it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the candied almonds ahead of time?

Yes, the candied almonds can be made in advance. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week. They’ll add a sweet, crunchy texture when added to the salad.

Can I use regular vinegar instead of champagne vinegar?

While champagne vinegar adds a unique, delicate flavor, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a pinch. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or sprinkle some chili powder on the pistachios for a bit of heat to balance out the sweetness.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that all the ingredients, including the Dijon mustard and vinegar, are free of gluten. It’s a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

To prevent the salad from getting soggy, make sure to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. Keep the ingredients (like the avocado and strawberries) fresh and add them last.

Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, you can use feta, ricotta, or a soft cheese of your choice for a different flavor. Goat cheese adds a tangy creaminess, but other cheeses will still work well in the salad.

How can I make this salad more filling?

For a more substantial meal, you can add protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu. Adding quinoa or couscous would also help make the salad more filling.

Can I add a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can substitute arugula with spinach, mixed greens, or baby kale, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Salad Celebration is the perfect summer dish to showcase the vibrant, fresh flavors of the season. With sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a refreshing champagne vinaigrette, this salad offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, picnic, or a simple family dinner, it’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and customizable to suit any taste. Celebrate fresh ingredients and create a beautiful, flavor-packed salad with this recipe!