Description
A vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad combining peppery arugula, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds and pistachios, all tossed in a zesty honey-Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 10 ounces arugula greens
- 8 ounces strawberries, hulled and quartered or chopped
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- â…“ cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped
- â…” cup sliced or slivered almonds
- 3 tablespoons sugar
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, freshly grated
- Pinch kosher salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Toast the almonds: In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds with sugar for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently until they are coated and golden brown. Transfer the toasted almonds onto parchment paper and let them cool completely to retain their crunch.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula greens with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add in the quartered strawberries, chopped avocado, crumbled goat cheese, chopped roasted pistachios, and the cooled toasted almonds. Gently toss to mix the ingredients.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is well emulsified and combined.
- Dress and serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to evenly coat all the ingredients. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and optimal texture.
Notes
- To keep the salad fresh and crunchy, add the dressing just before serving.
- You can substitute pistachios with walnuts or pecans if preferred.
- For a vegan version, omit goat cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Adjust sugar in the almond toast to your preferred sweetness level or try honey as a substitute.
- Use freshly grated garlic for the best flavor impact in the dressing.
