Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette.

Imagine a symphony of crisp greens and juicy strawberries dancing with candied nuts and creamy cheese, all harmonized by a sparkling champagne vinaigrette. This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette delivers bright, refreshing flavors with a satisfying textural contrast that makes ordinary salads pale in comparison. Perfect for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or whenever you crave something light yet indulgent. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-quality salad that balances sweet and savory notes while maintaining that addictive crunch factor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette isn’t just another salad—it’s an experience that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The juicy, sweet strawberries burst with flavor against the backdrop of crisp mixed greens, while candied pecans provide that irresistible crunch that keeps you coming back for another bite. The champagne vinaigrette adds a sophisticated tang that elevates the entire dish.

What makes this salad truly special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creaminess of goat cheese or feta creates a luxurious mouthfeel that contrasts beautifully with the crisp lettuce and crunchy nuts. And unlike many restaurant salads, this version takes just minutes to prepare while delivering gourmet results.

This recipe is incredibly versatile—dress it up for special occasions or simplify it for weeknight dinners. The champagne vinaigrette comes together in seconds but tastes like it took hours, making this Strawberry Crunch Salad your new go-to impressive yet effortless dish.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups mixed greens or spring mix (about 5-6 oz)
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 1 pint)
• 3/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (2-3 oz)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 avocado, diced (optional but recommended)

For the Champagne Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup champagne vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 small shallot, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

The strawberries should be ripe but firm for the best texture and flavor. Choose high-quality champagne vinegar for a more refined dressing that makes this Strawberry Crunch Salad truly memorable.

Pro Tips

Use Room Temperature Cheese
Always bring your goat cheese or feta to room temperature before crumbling onto the salad. Cold cheese doesn’t distribute as evenly and lacks the creamy mouthfeel that makes this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette so luxurious. Let the cheese sit out for about 15-20 minutes before assembling your salad.

Dress Just Before Serving
The biggest mistake when making any salad, especially one with delicate greens, is adding dressing too early. Toss your greens with just enough vinaigrette to coat them lightly right before serving. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and store it in a mason jar in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to a week—just shake vigorously before using.

Layer Don’t Mix
For the most impressive presentation, layer your ingredients rather than tossing everything together. Start with greens, then arrange the strawberries, nuts, cheese, and onions in sections across the top. This not only looks stunning but allows guests to choose their perfect bite combination. For a family-style meal, toss everything except the candied nuts just before serving, then sprinkle the nuts on top to maintain their crunch.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Champagne Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced shallot, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continually whisking to create an emulsion. Alternatively, if using a mason jar, add all ingredients including oil, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The dressing should be slightly tangy with a hint of sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare Your Greens
Wash and thoroughly dry your mixed greens using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels. Properly dried greens ensure the dressing adheres better and prevents a watery salad. Place the dried greens in a large serving bowl. If preparing ahead, refrigerate the greens in the bowl with a slightly damp paper towel over the top to maintain freshness.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruit and Toppings
Hull and slice the strawberries into thin, even pieces. Thinly slice the red onion—if the flavor is too strong, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 5-10 minutes, then drain and pat dry to mellow the flavor. If using avocado, dice it just before assembling to prevent browning.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
For a stunning presentation of your Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette, layer the ingredients rather than mixing. Start with the bed of greens, then artfully arrange sections of sliced strawberries, candied nuts, crumbled cheese, red onion slices, and diced avocado if using. This creates a beautiful display and allows guests to choose their preferred combination of ingredients.

Step 5: Dress and Serve
Right before serving, drizzle about half of the champagne vinaigrette over the salad. Provide the remaining dressing on the side for guests to add more if desired. For a more casual family meal, you can gently toss all ingredients except the nuts with enough dressing to lightly coat everything, then sprinkle the candied nuts on top just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Variations

Berry Medley Crunch Salad
Transform your Strawberry Crunch Salad into a celebration of summer berries by incorporating a colorful mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries alongside the strawberries. This variation adds different flavor notes and creates a visually stunning presentation. The varying sweetness levels of different berries create a more complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the champagne vinaigrette.

Protein-Packed Meal Salad
Turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp. For vegetarian options, add grilled halloumi cheese or crispy baked tofu cubes. The protein addition makes this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette substantial enough for lunch or a light dinner, while maintaining its refreshing qualities.

Vegan-Friendly Option
Create a plant-based version by substituting the cheese with avocado chunks or vegan feta alternatives. Replace the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar. Add some chickpeas or edamame for protein, making this a satisfying vegan option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or the signature crunch that makes this salad special.

Storage and Serving

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is best enjoyed immediately after assembly, but with proper storage techniques, components can be prepared ahead of time. Store the washed and dried greens in a container lined with paper towels for up to 2 days. Keep the prepared vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days – just bring to room temperature and shake well before using.

For serving, pair this vibrant salad with grilled proteins like lemon herb chicken or cedar plank salmon for a complete meal. It also makes an elegant side dish for brunch alongside quiche or frittata. For an impressive dinner party presentation, serve the Strawberry Crunch Salad on chilled plates with extra champagne vinaigrette on the side.

If you need to transport this salad, pack components separately and assemble just before serving. Place the greens in a large container, the strawberries and other toppings in separate containers, and the dressing in a leak-proof jar. This prevents soggy greens and maintains the perfect texture contrast that makes this salad special.

FAQs

Can I make the champagne vinaigrette without champagne vinegar?
Yes! While champagne vinegar provides a delicate flavor that complements the Strawberry Crunch Salad beautifully, you can substitute white wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar in a pinch. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile but will still create a delicious dressing.

How do I make my own candied nuts for this salad?
To make candied pecans or walnuts, combine 1 cup nuts with 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon water in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and coats the nuts (about 5 minutes). Transfer to parchment paper to cool completely before adding to your salad.

Can this salad be prepared in advance?
Yes, with some adjustments. Prepare all components separately and store refrigerated: wash and dry greens, slice strawberries, make dressing, and prepare other toppings. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent soggy greens.

Is there a suitable cheese substitute if I don’t like goat cheese or feta?
Absolutely! Try crumbled blue cheese for a bolder flavor, shaved parmesan for a nutty note, or fresh mozzarella pearls for a milder option in your Strawberry Crunch Salad.

What can I serve with this salad to make it a complete meal?
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp. For vegetarian options, serve with a quiche, frittata, or crusty bread and soup for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is fresh, vibrant eating at its finest — a perfect balance of sweet juicy berries, creamy cheese, and addictive crunch all brought together with a sophisticated champagne dressing. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special, making everyday meals feel like celebrations. Whether you’re hosting friends for lunch or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this salad delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Prepare to collect compliments and recipe requests whenever you serve it!

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