Strawberry Crunch Salad with Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette is a refreshing and vibrant dish that's perfect for any occasion. Packed with sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy nuts, it's tossed in a light, tangy vinaigrette. It’s a delicious salad for spring and summer!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The strawberries bring a natural sweetness, while the creamy avocado and goat cheese add richness. The roasted pistachios and sugared almonds provide a satisfying crunch, and the homemade vinaigrette ties everything together with a fresh and zesty kick. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make!

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out 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 quartered or chopped

• 1 avocado, chopped

• 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese

• ⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped

For the Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons vinegar

• ½ lemon, juiced

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 garlic clove, freshly grated

• Pinch of kosher salt and pepper

• ½ cup olive oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Sugared Almonds: 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. Be vigilant, as they can burn quickly. Transfer the almonds to a piece of parchment paper to cool. Break them into pieces if they clump together.

2. Make the Vinaigrette: In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk together, then slowly stream in the olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing emulsifies. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the arugula with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, chopped pistachios, and sugared almonds. Drizzle with the honey-lemon vinaigrette and toss well to combine. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Alternatives: I often swap the goat cheese for feta if I want a stronger, tangier flavor.

• Nut Substitutions: Feel free to use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds and pistachios for a different crunch.

• Greens Options: If you don’t have arugula, try using mixed greens or spinach.

• Add Protein: If I want to make it a heartier meal, I add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers:

• Storage: Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn't necessary.

FAQs

How can I prevent the avocado from browning?

I usually add the avocado just before serving to minimize browning. You can also toss the avocado pieces with a little lemon juice to help keep it fresh.

Can I make the sugared almonds ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the sugared almonds in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

What can I use if I don't have vinegar?

I sometimes substitute the vinegar with lemon juice or another mild vinegar, depending on what I have on hand. Both work great in the vinaigrette.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly. Just make sure the cheese is made without animal rennet if that’s a concern.

Can I prepare the vinaigrette in advance?

Yes, I often make the vinaigrette ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to one week. Shake well before using.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette is a refreshing and satisfying dish that I absolutely love. It's perfect for warm-weather meals, light lunches, or as a side dish to your favorite main course. The balance of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy vinaigrette will make it a hit every time.