Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a bright, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy. Packed with juicy strawberries, crisp greens, crunchy toppings, and finished with a sparkling, slightly sweet vinaigrette, it’s the kind of salad you’ll crave again and again. Ideal as a quick weeknight dinner or a stunning side dish for spring and summer gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Fresh: This salad comes together in 15 minutes or less. It’s effortless, colorful, and tastes like summer in a bowl.
• Incredible Texture: The mix of soft berries, crisp lettuce, creamy cheese, and nutty crunch makes every bite exciting.
• Versatile: It works as a light lunch, a dinner side, or even the main attraction with added protein.
• Showstopper Appeal: With its vibrant colors and elegant vinaigrette, this salad looks as good as it tastes—perfect for guests or potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making this fabulous Strawberry Crunch Salad. Each ingredient plays a special role in building that irresistible flavor and texture:

• Fresh Strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and the star of the show. Slice them thin for maximum distribution.
• Mixed Greens: Use a blend of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for a variety of textures and a peppery bite.
• Candied Pecans or Walnuts: Brings the crunch and a lovely caramelized sweetness.
• Goat Cheese or Feta: Adds creamy, tangy contrast that balances the fruitiness of the strawberries.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a pop of sharpness—optional, but recommended.
• Avocado (optional): If you want some extra creaminess and healthy fats, avocado is a luxurious touch.
• Champagne Vinegar: The base of our vinaigrette—light and bubbly with subtle fruit notes.
• Olive Oil: A smooth, rich fat to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Just a touch of sweetness to round out the vinaigrette.
• Dijon Mustard: For a bit of tang and to help emulsify the dressing.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning—adjust to your taste.

Variations

This salad is a dream to customize. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even seared tofu to make it more filling.
• Swap the Cheese: Try blue cheese for a bolder flavor or shaved parmesan for a more savory edge.
• Add More Fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, or thinly sliced apples all play well with strawberries.
• Crunch Options: Swap nuts for roasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for a nut-free version.
• Vinaigrette Twist: Use white balsamic vinegar or raspberry vinegar instead of champagne vinegar for a different note.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Wash and dry your greens thoroughly. Slice the strawberries and red onion. Crumble the cheese and chop the nuts (or use pre-candied nuts to save time).

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl or serving platter, layer the greens, then scatter strawberries, onions, cheese, and nuts evenly over the top.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat or serve the dressing on the side if you prefer.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: Their sweetness and juiciness are key to this salad’s success.
• Don’t Overdress the Salad: A light coating of vinaigrette is plenty—too much can make the greens soggy.
• Make the Vinaigrette Ahead: It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. Just shake it up before using.
• Chill Your Ingredients: Keep everything cold until you’re ready to serve for the best crisp texture and refreshing flavor.

How to Serve

This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and can shine in many settings:

###As a Light Main:
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even quinoa to turn it into a full meal.

###With a Main Course:
Serve alongside roasted salmon, grilled steak, or a lemony pasta dish.

###At Brunch or Potlucks:
It’s a perfect addition to a spring or summer buffet table. The colors and flavors are always a hit.

###As a Starter:
Serve smaller portions to kick off a special dinner or multi-course meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If dressed, this salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers can last up to 1 day in the fridge—just know the greens may wilt a bit.

Storing Undressed Salad

Keep the salad and vinaigrette separate. The undressed salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing

This salad is not freezer-friendly—fresh produce like strawberries and greens don’t thaw well.

Reheating

No reheating needed—this one’s best served cold and crisp!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of vinegar if I don’t have champagne vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Both have a mild acidity that works well in vinaigrettes.

What’s the best nut to use for the crunch?
Candied pecans are a classic choice, but walnuts, almonds, or pistachios also work beautifully. Toast them for extra depth of flavor.

How can I make this salad vegan?
Simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and use maple syrup in the vinaigrette instead of honey.

Can I make this salad in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Prep all your components ahead of time, but don’t dress the salad until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is the ultimate celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients in one ridiculously delicious bowl. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, a summer gathering, or just because strawberries are too good to resist, it’s a guaranteed hit. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

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