I whipped up a Strawberry Crunch Salad that balances vibrant flavors perfectly. Mixed greens, juicy strawberries, candied pecans and tangy goat cheese mingle with thinly sliced red onion. A drizzle of champagne vinegar, olive oil, honey and Dijon mustard unites these ingredients, making this an easy salad healthy choice for a refreshing meal.

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I’ve been digging into new, easy salad recipes lately, and my latest find is a mouthwatering Strawberry Crunch Salad With Champagne Vinaigrette. I mixed 4 cups of fresh mixed greens, using both spinach and arugula for that perfect balance, with 2 cups of juicy, sliced strawberries.

The crunch comes from 1/2 cup of candied pecans that add a fun textural twist, and 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese brings in a zesty creaminess that I just can’t get enough of. I even tossed in 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion for that hint of spice.

The vinaigrette is what really sets it apart. A blend of 3 tablespoons of champagne vinegar, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, seasoned with salt and pepper, ties everything together beautifully.

This salad works for quick healthy dinners and as a standout side dish for a springtime gathering.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this salad for a few reasons. First, I like how the mix of fresh greens, juicy strawberries, and candied pecans comes together to create such a fun mix of textures and flavors. There is something refreshing about every bite that just wakes me up.

Second, the champagne vinaigrette really ties everything together. I mean, whipping up the dressing with champagne vinegar, olive oil, honey, and some Dijon mustard is like the best little hack ever. It gives the whole salad a tangy-sweet kick that goes great with the goat cheese and red onion.

Lastly, I appreciate how simple it is to make, yet it still tastes fancy. I just toss the greens, strawberries, and onions in a bowl, pour the dressing over it, and then sprinkle the goat cheese and chopped pecans on top. It might not look like much, but it’s my go-to recipe after a long day because it feels like a treat even on busy nights.

I call it my Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette because it’s all about that cool mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. Sure, it may not be perfect every time, but that’s part of its charm for me.

Ingredients

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Mixed greens: Light and fiber-loaded, adding crunch and fresh flavor to your salad
Fresh strawberries: Sweet, juicy berries bursting with vitamin C that brighten up the mix
Candied pecans: Crunchy and rich in healthy fats, offering a satisfying nutty twist
Goat cheese: Tangy and creamy; it brings protein and yummy subtle acidity
Champagne vinegar: A crisp, tangy drizzle that nicely balances the salad’s sweet elements

Ingredient Quantities

4 cups mixed greens (like spinach or arugula)

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

3 tablespoons champagne vinegar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Start by washing and drying your mixed greens and slicing the strawberries and red onion thinly.

2. In a big bowl, toss the greens, sliced strawberries, and red onions together.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard until it’s smooth.

4. Pour the dressing over your salad and toss gently to coat everything well.

5. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly on top of the tossed greens.

6. Add the roughly chopped candied pecans.

7. Taste the salad and then season with salt and freshly ground pepper as needed.

8. Let the salad sit for a couple of minutes so the flavours combine a bit.

9. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing strawberry crunch salad!

Equipment Needed

1. A colander for washing the mixed greens
2. A clean cloth or paper towels for drying the greens
3. A large mixing bowl for tossing the greens, strawberries, and red onion
4. A small bowl for whisking the dressing
5. A whisk for combining the dressing ingredients
6. A chef’s knife for slicing the strawberries and red onion, and for roughly chopping the candied pecans
7. A cutting board for safe slicing and chopping
8. A set of salad tongs or a large spoon to toss the salad with the dressing and other ingredients

FAQ

Q: Can i use a different kind of nut instead of candied pecans?

A: Yup, you can use toasted walnuts or almonds. Just be sure to candied them if you want that extra crunch and sweetness.

Q: What if i don't have champagne vinegar?

A: You can substitute with white wine vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different. If you add a pinch of sugar, it gets closer to the original taste.

Q: Is goat cheese the only cheese option for this salad?

A: Not at all. Feta cheese works just as well and gives a creamy, tangy twist to the salad.

Q: Can i add other fruits to the salad?

A: Sure, feel free to toss in some blueberries or orange segments. They all add a nice contrast to the strawberries.

Q: How fast can i whip up this salad?

A: The salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prep, making it a quick and refreshing option for any meal.

Strawberry Crunch Salad With Champagne Vinaigrette. Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Mixed greens: try baby kale or romaine lettuce if you prefer a crunchier bite.
Strawberries: raspberries or even sliced peaches work nicely as an alternative.
Candied pecans: swap for honey-roasted almonds or walnuts if pecans aren’t available.
Crumbled goat cheese: you can use crumbled feta or blue cheese for a different tangy twist.
Thinly sliced red onion: give shallots a go if you want a milder flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your greens are squeaky clean and completely dry – wet leaves can make the dressing slide right off and leave your salad kinda soggy.
2. When you’re throwing everything together, add the dressing last and toss lightly, so you don’t end up squishing the strawberries and onions.
3. For an extra punch of flavor, try lightly toasting your pecans in a dry pan for a couple of minutes before chopping them – it really brings out their nuttiness.
4. Taste your salad before serving and adjust the salt and pepper slowly, since the sweetness of the honey and tang of the vinegar might need a little balancing act.