– **Title**: Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, romaine)
– 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup candied pecans or walnuts
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, candied pecans or walnuts, crumbled feta cheese (if using), red onion, and fresh basil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, champagne vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and salt and pepper until well combined.
3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra strawberries or nuts if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Arugula: This leafy green gives the salad a peppery flavor. If you don’t have arugula, you can use baby spinach or mixed greens for a milder taste.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best, but you can swap them for other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor.
Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness. If it’s out of season, try using diced cucumber for crunch instead.
Feta Cheese: This adds a salty touch. If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even cottage cheese can be good alternatives.
Nuts: I love sliced almonds for crunch, but you can mix it up with walnuts or sunflower seeds if you prefer something different or have nut allergies.
How Do I Whisk the Perfect Vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is a key flavor enhancer for this salad. Start with a bowl that’s easy to whisk in. To make it great, follow these steps:
- Add champagne vinegar and Dijon mustard first; mix well to combine these tangy flavors.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This helps to emulsify the dressing, so it isn’t oily.
- Sweeten it up with honey or maple syrup, adjusting to taste based on how sweet you want it.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to get the balance just right.
Whisking together ingredients will ensure they blend well. If you prefer, you can also shake them in a jar for a quick option!
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or pecans
- 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Champagne Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup champagne vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a lunch or a light dinner. Just gather your ingredients, whip up the vinaigrette, and you’ll be ready to enjoy in almost no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by washing your fresh arugula thoroughly. In a large serving bowl, add the arugula as the base for your salad. This will give your salad a fresh and vibrant green foundation!
2. Add the Toppings:
Next, it’s time to make your salad beautiful! Arrange the sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, almonds or pecans, and chopped pistachios on top of the arugula. You can do this in sections or clusters to create a colorful presentation that’s sure to impress.
3. Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and smooth. This vinaigrette has a lovely balance of tart and sweet flavors that will elevate your salad!
4. Dress and Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. You can also serve it on the side, allowing guests to add the dressing to their liking. If you desire, toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients, but be careful not to mush the avocado!
5. Enjoy Your Salad!
Once everything is dressed and mixed, serve your salad immediately. It’s refreshing, crunchy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for enjoying on a sunny day!
Can I Use Different Greens in This Salad?
Absolutely! While arugula adds a peppery flavor, you can substitute it with mixed greens, spinach, or even kale for a different texture and taste. Just remember, if you use kale, it’s best to massage it a bit with olive oil to soften its leaves before assembling the salad.
What Can I Use Instead of Champagne Vinegar?
If you don’t have champagne vinegar on hand, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as great substitutes. Just keep in mind that each type of vinegar has a different acidity level, so taste the vinaigrette and adjust the sweetness or seasoning if needed!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
To keep the salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it’s best to keep the vinaigrette separate from the salad to prevent the greens from wilting. Consume leftovers within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture!
Can I Make the Vinaigrette Ahead of Time?
Yes! The champagne vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
