Name: Strawberry Crunch Salad: Sweet, Crunchy & Fresh Summer Favorite
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 people
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds; 3 tablespoons sugar; 10 ounces arugula greens; 8 ounces strawberries, hulled and quartered; 1 avocado, chopped; 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese; ⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios, chopped; 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar; ½ lemon, juiced; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove, freshly grated; Pinch kosher salt and pepper; ½ cup olive oil

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If you’re looking for a vibrant, sweet, and texture-loaded salad that screams summer, this Strawberry Crunch Salad is exactly what you need. It blends juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and two layers of crunch from almonds and pistachios. Plus, the homemade champagne vinaigrette takes it over the top. In this article, I’ll walk you through the story behind this dish, answer some burning salad questions, and share a step-by-step recipe that’s easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. Let’s dive in!

Why This Strawberry Crunch Salad Became My Summer Favorite

The Story Behind My Strawberry Crunch Salad Love Affair

Every recipe on my site has a little story, and this Strawberry Crunch Salad is no different. The first time I made it, I had just moved from Austin to the quieter suburbs of Denver. The air was crisp, and farmer’s market strawberries were at their peak. I was determined to build a salad that felt like summer in a bowl, something that was sweet but savory, creamy yet crunchy.

I remembered a dinner at my friend’s place where she served a basic spinach and strawberry salad. It was good, but I wanted something more exciting. More texture. More flavor layers. That night, I tossed in some pistachios I had on hand, caramelized a few almonds like I do for my Raw Carrot Salad, and finished it with crumbled goat cheese leftover from a Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa I made earlier that week.

The first bite was magical. Creamy goat cheese melting into sweet strawberries, the crunch from both the almonds and pistachios, and that punchy, bright vinaigrette pulling it all together. It became my go-to side for BBQ nights and an easy lunch when I craved something refreshing.

Gourmet strawberry avocado salad with arugula, feta, almonds, pistachios, and champagne vinaigrette. — A farm-to-table inspired strawberry avocado salad with arugula, feta, toasted almonds, pistachios, and a champagne vinaigrette dressing.

What Makes This Strawberry Crunch Salad So Good?

First, it’s all about the layered textures. You’re getting:

Sweet and juicy bites from ripe strawberries
Creamy softness from avocado and goat cheese
Double crunch from sugared almonds and roasted pistachios
Peppery notes from fresh arugula greens
A bright, slightly sweet kick from homemade champagne vinaigrette

Second, the flavors balance beautifully. The vinaigrette brings in acidity to cut through the creaminess. The sweet nuts add that special caramelized crunch, making every forkful exciting.

And don’t forget: this is also a salad that holds well at room temperature for about 30 minutes, great for potlucks, BBQs, or outdoor dinners.

Plus, you can easily adjust the toppings based on what’s in your pantry. No pistachios? Try sunflower seeds. No goat cheese? Feta works too.

How to Make the Perfect Crunch for Strawberry Crunch Salad

Step-by-Step: Making Sugared Almonds Without Burning Them

Getting the crunch factor right is key for this Strawberry Crunch Salad. The first time I tried making candied almonds, I got distracted texting my sister and… well… let’s just say the smoke detector was not happy.

Here’s the method that finally worked for me fast, simple, and burn-free.

Place ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons sugar directly on top. Stir continuously for about 6 to 8 minutes, making sure the sugar melts evenly and coats the almonds. You’ll notice the almonds turning golden brown, and the sugar gets that glossy caramel shine.

Once coated, transfer the almonds quickly onto a sheet of parchment paper. Spread them out fast clumps are fine, but you don’t want one big sticky mess. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes, then break apart any big clusters.

This simple sugared almond topping adds a caramelized crunch that takes this salad from good to irresistible. I also use these almonds on my Apple Fritter Bites when I want an extra touch of crunch.

Building More Texture: The Pistachio Factor

If you’ve never added pistachios to a salad, you’re missing out. For this Strawberry Crunch Salad, I use about ⅓ cup roasted salted pistachios, roughly chopped. The salty crunch balances the sweet strawberries and honey vinaigrette beautifully.

What I love about using pistachios here is how they hold their texture, even after being dressed. Unlike croutons that can get soggy, these little green gems stay crunchy.

If you want to experiment, you can also try toasted pepitas or chopped walnuts. But for the true Strawberry Crunch Salad experience, roasted pistachios are where it’s at.

And speaking of nuts and texture, have you checked out my recipe for Cranberry Fluff? It’s another dish that plays with textures, from creamy to crunchy, perfect for potluck tables.

The Ultimate Champagne Vinaigrette for Strawberry Crunch Salad

How to Make the Best Champagne Vinaigrette at Home

Now that the salad layers are prepped, let’s talk about the dressing that ties everything together. This Champagne Vinaigrette is light, citrusy, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s a go-to in my kitchen, especially for fruity salads like this.

Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of champagne vinegar, the juice from half a lemon, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 freshly grated garlic clove, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper.

Then, slowly drizzle in ½ cup of olive oil, whisking constantly until the dressing emulsifies and looks silky. Taste and adjust for balance, if you like it sweeter, add a touch more honey.

If you’re a make-ahead cook like me (because who wants to whisk vinaigrette at the last second during a BBQ?), this dressing keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a good shake before serving.

I’ve used variations of this vinaigrette on other fruit-forward salads like my No Bake Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake for a lighter twist.

Fresh arugula strawberry salad with avocado, feta cheese, toasted almonds, pistachios, and champagne vinaigrette. — A nutrient-packed arugula strawberry salad topped with avocado, feta, toasted almonds, pistachios, and finished with a champagne vinaigrette.

Can You Switch Up the Greens and Toppings?

Absolutely! This Strawberry Crunch Salad recipe uses arugula for that peppery bite, but you’ve got room to play here. If you want something milder, swap in baby spinach or mixed spring greens.

Not a fan of goat cheese? Feta or blue cheese crumbles work great too.

And if you’re like me and always looking for ways to sneak more veggies into your meals, thinly sliced cucumbers, or even shredded green papaya, like the one I use in my Green Papaya recipe, can add a fresh and crunchy layer.

Another fun tip? For more savory depth, add thin slices of grilled chicken or salmon on top. Or if you’re prepping for a larger gathering, serve it alongside Cocktail Meatballs for that sweet and savory pairing everyone loves.

Why You’ll Make This Strawberry Crunch Salad Again and Again

This Strawberry Crunch Salad recipe has become a summer staple in my house for a reason. It’s easy, colorful, and hits all the right flavor and texture notes. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a backyard BBQ, or a light lunch for friends, it always impresses.

And best of all? It’s endlessly flexible. You can swap the nuts, change the cheese, or even try a new vinaigrette next time.

If you’re already planning your next cooking project, head over and check out my Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa or my sweet favorite, No Bake Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake.

FAQs About Strawberry Crunch Salad

What to Put in a Strawberry Salad?

A good strawberry salad starts with fresh strawberries and a great mix of textures. For this Strawberry Crunch Salad, I love layering arugula, avocado, goat cheese, caramelized almonds, and pistachios. The key is balance, sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy.

If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some cucumbers, red onions, or even a handful of fresh herbs like mint or basil. And don’t forget the dressing, a bright vinaigrette like my homemade champagne one brings everything together beautifully.

For other salad inspiration, check out how I use unexpected greens in my Cauliflower Hash Browns side dish.

What Is in the Chick-fil-A Crunch Salad?

Chick-fil-A’s seasonal Strawberry Crunch Salad typically features a base of mixed greens, fresh strawberries, blue cheese crumbles, roasted almonds, and a zesty dressing. Sometimes they top it with crispy chicken for extra protein.

My homemade version here focuses on whole foods and homemade crunch, with candied almonds and salted pistachios bringing that crave-worthy texture. Plus, you’re skipping the preservatives and controlling the sweetness and salt levels at home.

If you love sweet and savory combos like this, you’ll also enjoy my Green Papaya slaw-style dishes.

What Can I Put in a Salad to Make It Crunchy?

For guaranteed crunch in any salad (especially in this Strawberry Crunch Salad), try adding:

Candied or toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
Chopped roasted pistachios
Crispy bacon bits
Crispy wonton strips
Toasted seeds (pumpkin or sunflower)
Crispy onions

Another idea? For a totally different crunch layer, you can serve this salad alongside Raw Carrot Salad for double texture fun.

Does Wendy’s Have the Strawberry Salad Back?

As of this summer, Wendy’s has brought back their Strawberry Fields Salad, featuring strawberries, mixed greens, grilled chicken, bacon, blue cheese, and a sweet dressing.

But honestly? Making your own Strawberry Crunch Salad at home is way more rewarding. It’s fresher, and you can customize every bite.

Strawberry Crunch Salad: Sweet, Crunchy & Fresh Summer Favorite