If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping salad that captures the very essence of summer, look no further than Strawberry Crunch Salad. This vibrant dish marries crisp mixed greens, juicy strawberries, candied nuts, and a sprinkle of crunchy granola or pretzels — all tossed in a perfectly balanced homemade balsamic vinaigrette. The combination of sweet, salty, tangy, and crunchy elements makes every bite a delightful surprise. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving something refreshing for lunch, this salad is bound to become your new obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of everyday ingredients can come together to create something so special. Each component in Strawberry Crunch Salad brings its own unique flavor and texture, making this recipe a celebration of contrast and harmony.
- Mixed greens (6 cups): The foundation of the salad, offering a crisp, fresh base that lets all the toppings shine.
- Fresh strawberries (1 1/2 cups, sliced): Sweet, juicy, and bursting with color, strawberries add a summery flair and natural sweetness.
- Candied pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup): Provide a satisfying crunch and a touch of caramelized richness that pairs beautifully with the berries.
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese (1/3 cup): Adds creamy, tangy notes that balance the sweetness and tie everything together.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Brings a gentle bite and a pop of color to every forkful.
- Crunchy granola or crushed pretzels (1/2 cup): The secret ingredient for extra texture and a playful crunch in every bite.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): The rich backbone of the homemade dressing, lending silkiness and depth.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Offers a tangy-sweet acidity that brightens up the salad.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the tartness of the vinegar and brings out the strawberries’ natural sweetness.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle kick.
- Salt and black pepper (pinch): Essential for rounding out the flavors in both the salad and dressing.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad
Step 1: Prep the Salad Base
Start by grabbing a large salad bowl — the bigger, the better, since you’ll want plenty of space for tossing. Add your mixed greens, making sure they’re dry and crisp for maximum texture. Layer on the sliced strawberries, candied nuts, crumbled cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and that irresistible crunchy granola or crushed pretzels. Don’t be shy about artfully arranging the toppings for a wow-worthy first impression.
Step 2: Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified and glossy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — a little extra honey for sweetness or an extra dash of pepper for punch is totally up to you.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad (you may not need every drop, so start with half and add more to taste). Gently toss everything together, making sure the greens and toppings get evenly coated but not bruised. The goal is to keep those beautiful layers and crunchy bits intact for the ultimate Strawberry Crunch Salad experience.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Transfer the salad to individual bowls or a large platter, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of berries, cheese, nuts, and crunch. Serve right away so the textures stay lively and the flavors are at their peak. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like that first bite!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad
Garnishes
Dress up your Strawberry Crunch Salad with a sprinkle of extra cheese, a few whole strawberries, and a handful of fresh herbs like mint or basil. A final drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a sophisticated touch and a gorgeous sheen.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or a bowl of chilled soup on a hot day. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon — the flavors mingle perfectly and make for a well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try layering Strawberry Crunch Salad in glass jars for an adorable grab-and-go option. You can also mound the salad on a large wooden board for a rustic, family-style presentation, letting everyone build their own perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Strawberry Crunch Salad, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the greens and toppings from getting soggy and preserves the delightful crunch.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh greens and strawberries, which lose their texture and flavor after thawing. Instead, enjoy your leftovers within a couple of days for the best possible taste and crunch.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Strawberry Crunch Salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. If your salad has been refrigerated, simply let it sit on the counter for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off and revive its flavors.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Crunch Salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the feta or goat cheese for a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. You’ll still enjoy all the sweet, tangy, and crunchy goodness.
What other fruits can I use besides strawberries?
Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches are wonderful alternatives if you’re looking to switch things up. Just make sure to use ripe, juicy fruit for the best flavor and texture in your Strawberry Crunch Salad.
How can I make this salad nut-free?
If you need a nut-free version, swap the candied pecans or walnuts for roasted sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas. You’ll maintain that irresistible crunch while keeping things safe for those with allergies.
Can I prepare Strawberry Crunch Salad in advance?
You can prep most of the components ahead of time — slice the strawberries, crumble the cheese, and whisk the dressing — but wait to toss everything together until just before serving so the greens and crunchies stay fresh.
What makes Strawberry Crunch Salad a crowd-pleaser?
It’s all about the blend of flavors and textures! Sweet strawberries, creamy cheese, savory nuts, and a zingy vinaigrette come together for a salad that’s anything but boring. Plus, the bright colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with salads all over again, give this Strawberry Crunch Salad a spot in your meal rotation. It’s fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor — the kind of dish that makes you excited to eat your greens. Try it once, and I promise you’ll be craving it all summer long!
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Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Crunch Salad featuring mixed greens, sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts and granola, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed with a zesty balsamic honey dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crunchy granola or crushed pretzels
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, candied pecans or walnuts, crumbled feta or goat cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and crunchy granola or crushed pretzels. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing without crushing the berries or greens.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the salad and serve immediately to maintain the freshness and crunchiness of the ingredients.
Notes
- This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp to make a more filling and balanced meal.
- For a nut-free variation, substitute the candied nuts with sunflower seeds or roasted chickpeas.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Granola adds sweetness and crunch, while crushed pretzels give a savory twist; choose based on preference.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
