Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe

If you’re looking for a salad that feels like a celebration in every bite, the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful combination of sweet strawberries, tangy feta, toasty almonds, and a vibrant champagne vinaigrette creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s fresh, crisp, and utterly irresistible. It’s simple enough for a quick lunch yet elegant enough to impress at a dinner party—a true crowd-pleaser that brightens any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this salad’s perfect harmony of taste and texture. Each component plays an essential role—from the juicy strawberries adding a refreshing sweetness, to the crunchy almonds giving that satisfying bite, and the champagne vinaigrette tying it all together with a subtle tang and delicate shine.

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: Choose ripe, fragrant berries for maximum sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1 cup mixed greens: A fresh mix offers the perfect leafy base, balancing the salad’s richer notes.
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds a creamy, salty contrast that elevates every forkful.
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds: Toasted for a crunchy, nutty accent that adds texture and depth.
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a slight bite and sharpness that brightens the salad.
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Contributes tangy sweetness that supports the vinaigrette’s complexity.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: A rich, smooth base that helps marry all the dressing’s flavors.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances acidity perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each ingredient shine.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth to round out the vinaigrette.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing the fresh strawberries thoroughly, then slice them evenly to showcase their bright red flesh and natural juiciness. Setting them aside allows you to add their vibrant color at just the right moment for maximum freshness.

Step 2: Prepare the Greens

Wash and dry your mixed greens carefully to ensure there’s no excess moisture, which helps the dressing cling better. Place the greens into a large salad bowl—this will be your salad’s crisp and leafy foundation.

Step 3: Add Feta Cheese

Crumble the feta cheese over the bed of greens. The feta’s creamy texture and tangy taste bring a welcoming contrast that complements the sweet strawberries beautifully.

Step 4: Incorporate Red Onion

Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl, sharing its zesty bite evenly amongst the other ingredients for a perfect balance of flavor complexity.

Step 5: Toast the Almonds

Heat a small pan over medium heat and toast the sliced almonds, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and fragrant. This step amps up their nuttiness and crunch, turning those almonds into little bursts of flavor.

Step 6: Whisk the Champagne Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified—this vinaigrette is the magic that unifies all the elements of your salad.

Step 7: Dress the Salad

Pour the freshly made champagne vinaigrette over the salad ingredients just before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.

Step 8: Toss Gently

Using salad tongs or clean hands, toss the salad carefully to coat the greens, feta, and onions with the dressing, making sure every bite is infused with that lovely vinaigrette.

Step 9: Add Strawberries

Gently fold in the sliced strawberries on top, preserving their shape and juiciness, so they stay the star of the show.

Step 10: Top with Toasted Almonds

Sprinkle the warm, crunchy almonds on top, creating delightful texture contrasts that make this salad so enjoyable to eat.

Step 11: Serve Immediately

Serve the salad right away to savor the fresh, crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their peak. This final step truly brings the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe to life.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, try adding a few edible flowers or fresh mint leaves on top. These not only enhance the visual appeal but also complement the salad’s freshness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside grilled chicken or fish, pairing perfectly with light protein dishes. It also makes a refreshing side for heavier meals like roasted meats or pasta, balancing the plate with brightness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this salad in individual glass jars layered with the dressing and ingredients for a charming presentation at picnics or parties. Another fun idea is arranging the salad on a large platter in a colorful pattern, making it both a feast for the eyes and palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the vinaigrette separate to prevent sogginess, and add it just before serving again.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing will alter the texture of the fresh greens and strawberries. However, you can freeze the vinaigrette in small portions to have it ready for next time.

Reheating

No reheating is needed for this salad. If you want to revive the crunch after storage, add fresh greens, almonds, and strawberries before tossing with the chilled vinaigrette.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Frozen strawberries tend to be softer and release extra moisture when thawed, which can make the salad watery. Fresh strawberries are highly recommended for that crisp, juicy bite.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or queso fresco are excellent alternatives that maintain a similar creamy and tangy profile.

Is there a vegan version of the dressing?

Absolutely! Simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the vinaigrette plant-based and delicious.

How long does the vinaigrette keep?

The champagne vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to whisk it again before each use.

Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or even thinly sliced apples add exciting twists that work wonderfully with the existing flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe that makes every bite dance with brightness, crunch, and subtle elegance. Whether you’re serving it as a quick lunch or an elegant side, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and compliments every time. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to salads in no time!

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