Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Introduction

If you’re looking to wow your guests—or simply elevate your lunch—this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette brings a bright, refreshing twist to your table. Juicy strawberries, crunchy toppings, creamy cheese, and crisp greens come together under a tangy, sparkly dressing. The irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes this salad a crowd-pleaser, perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a light yet satisfying meal.

Why Make This Strawberry Crunch Salad?

What makes this salad truly memorable is the play between sweet and savory: lush strawberries, nutty seeds, and creamy goat cheese meet a lively, lightly sweet vinaigrette. The addition of a “crunch” factor—like toasted nuts, crispy croutons, or granola—gives each bite a delightful texture. This salad takes just minutes to assemble but looks (and tastes) gourmet.

How to Prepare Strawberries and Crunchy Toppings

For perfect, even slices of strawberries and vegetables, a tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can quickly save you time and effort while ensuring uniform cuts. Gather your strawberries, cucumber, and red onion and prep them into bite-sized pieces for maximum flavor distribution.

For the crunch, choose your favorite topping: roasted pecans, candied walnuts, or a handful of crispy granola. To save time and keep things neat, use a Bamboo Cutting Board Set—perfect for prepping fruits, veggies, and nuts without cross-contamination.

Making the Champagne Vinaigrette

A good vinaigrette transforms a salad from ordinary to extraordinary. Combine champagne vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and fresh cracked pepper. For an emulsified, perfectly blended vinaigrette, shake everything together in a mason jar, or use a compact blender like the Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender to quickly whisk your dressing to silky smoothness.

Taste and adjust the balance—aim for bright acidity, a gentle sweetness, and a touch of sharpness from the mustard.

Assembling the Strawberry Crunch Salad

In a large bowl, gently layer your fresh greens (like arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix) with the sliced strawberries, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Scatter the crunchy toppings and creamy goat cheese crumbles across the top.

If you plan to take this salad on the go or prepare in advance, a Bentgo Salad Container keeps greens, toppings, and dressing separate until you’re ready to mix and enjoy, ensuring everything stays fresh and crisp.

Serving and Variations

Right before serving, toss the salad with the champagne vinaigrette, or drizzle it on top for a picture-perfect presentation. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or swap out goat cheese for feta for a brinier punch. This salad pairs well with a sparkling beverage—try serving it with a cold sip from your Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler for a refreshing meal.

Nutritional Information and Servings

This recipe serves 4 as a main or 6 as a side. Each serving features vibrant antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats. With customization options, calories usually range from 200–350 per serving, depending on crunchy toppings and cheese amount.

Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette (Recap)

This salad is the ultimate summer showstopper: bright, crunchy, creamy, and tangy, all in one. It’s easy to assemble, stunning on the plate, and endlessly adaptable for special occasions or everyday enjoyment.

Ingredients
For the Salad:
6 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach or spring mix)
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup roasted pecans, candied walnuts, or crunchy granola

For the Champagne Vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse and dry your produce. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for fast slicing of strawberries, cucumbers, and onions.
2. Toast Pecans or Walnuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium and gently toast your nuts of choice until fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. (If using granola, no toasting needed.)
3. Prepare the vinaigrette: In a jar or using the Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, combine champagne vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shake or blend until well combined.
4. Layer greens in a large bowl (or your Bentgo Salad Container for on-the-go). Arrange strawberries, cucumbers, and red onions over the top. Scatter with nuts/granola and goat cheese crumbles.
5. Drizzle chilled vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, tossing gently to coat. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes (unless toasting nuts, about 5 minutes)

Total Time: 15–20 minutes