Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a crunchy texture and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. The champagne vinaigrette adds a light, crisp flavor that perfectly complements the juicy strawberries and mixed greens. This salad is the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, a side dish, or a summer gathering. It’s quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

this Recipe

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

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or a spring mix)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (or your favorite nuts)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup crispy quinoa or granola (optional for added crunch)

For the Champagne Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional for extra tang)

Directions

For the Salad:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens and sliced strawberries.
2. Sprinkle the sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the top. Add crispy quinoa or granola if you want to add more texture and crunch.

For the Champagne Vinaigrette:

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the champagne vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. If desired, add a little lemon juice for extra brightness.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for acidity.

To Serve:

1. Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
2. Toss everything together gently to coat the greens and strawberries in the vinaigrette.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with additional nuts or cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: For a more filling meal, top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Use different berries: Swap the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, or mix a combination of them.
• Make it dairy-free: Omit the feta or substitute with dairy-free cheese.
• Add other veggies: Toss in some cucumber, avocado, or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
• Make it vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a completely vegan-friendly salad.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store the greens and strawberries separately from the vinaigrette and toppings to prevent the salad from wilting. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the champagne vinaigrette can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using.

Can I use other types of vinegar?
If you don’t have champagne vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a similar tang.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing right before serving to keep the greens fresh.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, but if using frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the salad.

Conclusion

Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is the perfect combination of light, fresh, and flavorful. With the sweetness of strawberries, the crunch of almonds, and the tangy, crisp vinaigrette, this salad makes a refreshing addition to any meal. It’s an easy-to-make, healthy, and versatile dish that will brighten up your plate and your taste buds!

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