Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, creamy goat cheese, and a bright champagne vinaigrette, this salad offers a balance of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. It’s easy to prepare and is perfect as a side salad or a light main course. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cook’s Notes and Tips
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 6 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion (optional)

For the Champagne Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup champagne vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

1. Mix Vinaigrette Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the champagne vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard.
2. Add Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

3. Layer the Greens: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens as the base.
4. Add Toppings: Arrange the sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, candied pecans, and sliced red onion (if using) over the greens.

Step 3: Dress and Serve

5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra pecans or goat cheese if desired.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

• Freshness: Use the freshest strawberries you can find for the best flavor.
• Dressing Consistency: For a thicker vinaigrette, you can add an extra teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
• Candied Nuts: To make your own candied nuts, toast the pecans or walnuts in a skillet with a tablespoon of sugar until caramelized.

Variations

• Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein to make this salad more filling.
• Vegan Version: Replace the goat cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.
• Berry Mix: Add other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry salad.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dish: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled salmon or roasted chicken.
• Light Lunch: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a light, satisfying lunch.
• Brunch: This salad is a wonderful addition to a brunch spread, offering a fresh and vibrant option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make the Vinaigrette Ahead of Time?

Yes, the champagne vinaigrette can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and shake well before using.

How Do I Store Leftover Salad?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but note that the greens may wilt. It’s best to store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.

Can I Use Another Type of Cheese?

Absolutely! Feta or blue cheese are great alternatives if you don’t have goat cheese on hand.

What Other Greens Can I Use?

You can use any combination of greens you prefer—baby kale, butter lettuce, or even just arugula work well in this salad.

Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a quick meal at home, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors. Gather your ingredients, whip up the champagne vinaigrette, and enjoy this elegant and refreshing dish!

Happy Cooking!