Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette – A Bright, Sweet & Savory Delight
Say hello to your new favorite summer salad: the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette. This recipe blends juicy strawberries, crunchy toppings, creamy cheese, and a light, tangy dressing into a salad that’s anything but ordinary.
Perfect for picnics, brunches, or just when you want to level up your everyday greens, this salad delivers texture, flavor, and color in every forkful. Whether you serve it as a light lunch or alongside grilled meats, it always brings a bright, gourmet touch to the table.
Let’s make salad the star of the meal! 🥗🍓✨
Ingredients
🍓 Fruits et légumes:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 6 cups mixed greens spinach, arugula, or spring mix
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 avocado sliced (optional)
- ½ cup cucumber thinly sliced
🧀 Produits laitiers:
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
🌰 Crunch Toppings:
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds or candied pecans
- ½ cup crunchy croutons or crushed honey granola
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds optional
🍾 Champagne Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp champagne vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Produce
- Wash and slice strawberries, cucumber, avocado, and red onion.
- Pat everything dry for crisp freshness.
Step 2: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl or mason jar, combine:
- Champagne vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Honey or maple syrup
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Whisk (or shake) until emulsified.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, layer:
- Mixed greens
- Sliced strawberries
- Onion, cucumber, avocado
- Crumbled cheese
- Crunch toppings
Step 4: Dress & Serve
- Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad right before serving.
- Toss gently and serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair this vibrant salad with: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon Quiche or savory tarts A crisp glass of white wine or rosé Crusty bread or herbed focaccia 🔄 Variations
Berry Blend: Add blueberries or raspberries for a mix of berry flavors. Protein Power: Top with grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. Vegan Swap: Use vegan cheese or avocado slices instead of dairy. Nut-Free Option: Use seeds or granola instead of nuts. Make it a Meal: Serve over cooked quinoa or farro. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Keep dressing separate until ready to serve. Store salad (undressed) in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Leftovers with dressing should be eaten within 24 hours for best crunch. Reheating:
No reheating needed. This is best enjoyed chilled or room temperature. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different vinegar for the dressing?
Yes! White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work great as substitutes. 2. What’s the best cheese for this salad?
Goat cheese adds creaminess, but feta or even shaved parmesan are delicious too. 3. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes — if you use gluten-free croutons or omit them. 4. Can I use bottled vinaigrette?
You can, but homemade is fresher, healthier, and quick to make. 5. How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Add just before serving and squeeze a little lemon juice on it. 6. Can I prep this salad ahead of time?
Yes, just assemble everything except the dressing and store separately. 7. What can I use instead of nuts?
Try roasted seeds, granola, or even crispy chickpeas. 8. Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely — skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative and honey-free vinaigrette. 9. What makes it a “crunch” salad?
The combination of croutons, nuts/seeds, and fresh produce gives it that addictive crunch. 10. What greens work best?
Spinach, arugula, spring mix, or baby kale all make great bases. 💡 Pro Tips
Use ripe, juicy strawberries for natural sweetness. Make the vinaigrette ahead of time for quick tossing when serving. Layer salad carefully if meal prepping, with wet items like strawberries at the top. Toast your nuts for extra flavor. Serve cold and toss right before serving to keep that satisfying crunch! 🏁 Conclusion
This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy. It’s proof that a salad can be exciting, flavorful, and downright crave-worthy. Whether you're dressing up your weekday lunch or impressing at a dinner party, this salad delivers a restaurant-quality dish with barely any effort. It’s healthy. It’s beautiful. It’s everything a summer salad should be. 🍓🥗🌟
Pair this vibrant salad with: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon Quiche or savory tarts A crisp glass of white wine or rosé Crusty bread or herbed focaccia 🔄 Variations
Berry Blend: Add blueberries or raspberries for a mix of berry flavors. Protein Power: Top with grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. Vegan Swap: Use vegan cheese or avocado slices instead of dairy. Nut-Free Option: Use seeds or granola instead of nuts. Make it a Meal: Serve over cooked quinoa or farro. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Keep dressing separate until ready to serve. Store salad (undressed) in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Leftovers with dressing should be eaten within 24 hours for best crunch. Reheating:
No reheating needed. This is best enjoyed chilled or room temperature. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different vinegar for the dressing?
Yes! White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work great as substitutes. 2. What’s the best cheese for this salad?
Goat cheese adds creaminess, but feta or even shaved parmesan are delicious too. 3. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes — if you use gluten-free croutons or omit them. 4. Can I use bottled vinaigrette?
You can, but homemade is fresher, healthier, and quick to make. 5. How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Add just before serving and squeeze a little lemon juice on it. 6. Can I prep this salad ahead of time?
Yes, just assemble everything except the dressing and store separately. 7. What can I use instead of nuts?
Try roasted seeds, granola, or even crispy chickpeas. 8. Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely — skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative and honey-free vinaigrette. 9. What makes it a “crunch” salad?
The combination of croutons, nuts/seeds, and fresh produce gives it that addictive crunch. 10. What greens work best?
Spinach, arugula, spring mix, or baby kale all make great bases. 💡 Pro Tips
Use ripe, juicy strawberries for natural sweetness. Make the vinaigrette ahead of time for quick tossing when serving. Layer salad carefully if meal prepping, with wet items like strawberries at the top. Toast your nuts for extra flavor. Serve cold and toss right before serving to keep that satisfying crunch! 🏁 Conclusion
This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy. It’s proof that a salad can be exciting, flavorful, and downright crave-worthy. Whether you're dressing up your weekday lunch or impressing at a dinner party, this salad delivers a restaurant-quality dish with barely any effort. It’s healthy. It’s beautiful. It’s everything a summer salad should be. 🍓🥗🌟