Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe

If you’re ready to turn everyday greens into something truly extraordinary, the Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe is your answer. This salad captures everything wonderful about summer in one vibrant, textured bowl, with sweet strawberries, tangy feta, a riot of crunchy toppings, and a simple dressing that lets every flavor shine. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight treat, this is the kind of dish that brightens the table and sparks happy conversation with every bite.

Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe is chosen to deliver bold flavor, brilliant color, and irresistible texture. A few staples plus some fun add-ins make an easy salad into an unforgettable dish—here’s how each one plays its part.

  • Mixed greens (6 cups): A blend of spinach, arugula, and romaine gives a fresh, crisp, and peppery base that supports all the salad’s toppings.
  • Fresh strawberries (1 1/2 cups, hulled and sliced): Sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor, they bring brightness and a pop of color.
  • Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Brings salty, tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the fruit and greens.
  • Candied pecans or walnuts (1/3 cup): These add a sweet, crunchy bite—feel free to use your favorite nut or swap in granola for something different.
  • Crispy fried onions or crushed pretzels (1/4 cup): A secret weapon for crunch—add just before serving to keep them crisp!
  • Sliced red onion (1/4 cup): A sharp, colorful counterpoint that keeps each forkful interesting.
  • Balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing (1/4 cup): Either dressing adds just the right balance of tang and sweetness to tie everything together.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Greens and Toppings

Start by rinsing and drying your mixed greens thoroughly. Dice up your strawberries and slice the red onion into thin half-moons. Crumble the feta and set out all your toppings so assembly is a breeze, making the Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe come together in a flash.

Step 2: Layer the Salad

In a large salad bowl, add your mixed greens as the foundation. Scatter sliced strawberries, red onions, and crumbled feta on top. Sprinkle over the candied pecans or walnuts, making sure every bite will get a bit of sweet crunch.

Step 3: Add the Crunch

Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy fried onions or crushed pretzels over the salad. Wait until the last moment to add these so they stay satisfyingly crunchy—this is what makes the Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe truly crave-worthy!

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the whole salad with your chosen dressing—balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy finish, or poppy seed dressing for something creamier and a touch sweet. Gently toss everything together to mix without bruising the greens.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve your Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe right away while everything is fresh, crisp, and colorful. The combination of juicy berries, creamy cheese, and crunchy toppings will have everyone coming back for seconds!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe

Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Take your presentation up a notch by scattering a few extra slices of strawberry, a final crumble of feta, and a handful of fresh herbs like basil or mint on top just before serving. These small details make the salad look as stunning as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a main course with a slice of crusty bread, or as a standout side with grilled chicken, salmon, or a simple bowl of summer soup. For a vegetarian option, add chickpeas or white beans to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow a crowd, try layering the Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe in mason jars for portable picnics, or arrange individual portions on small plates for a dinner party. You can even serve as a “build-your-own” salad bar, letting guests add their favorite crunchy toppings and dressings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and crunchy toppings separately. Place the dressed greens and other ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge, and keep the fried onions or pretzels in a sealed bag at room temperature. That way, you can sprinkle them on fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Freezing

This Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe is not freezer-friendly—the fresh produce and crispy toppings won’t thaw well! For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a day of assembly.

Reheating

No reheating needed! This is a no-cook, ready-to-eat salad. If your salad gets a little chilled in the fridge, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes so the flavors come through beautifully again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese in the Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Goat cheese is a tangy, creamy swap, or you can try blue cheese for more bite. Even a mild shredded cheese works in a pinch.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Simply substitute the feta for a dairy-free cheese or add more crunchy nuts. Choose a vegan-friendly dressing as well, and your Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe is instantly plant-based.

What’s the best dressing to use?

Balsamic vinaigrette offers a lovely tang that complements strawberries, but poppy seed dressing adds a sweeter touch. Both work beautifully, so choose what you love or even try a honey-mustard for something a little different.

Can I add extra protein?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make a wonderful addition. Add these on top for a more filling meal without taking away from the salad’s fresh flavors.

How far in advance can I prep this recipe?

You can assemble the greens, cheese, and strawberries a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Wait until just before serving to add the crunchy toppings and dressing so everything stays crisp and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with this Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe as much as I have. It’s a celebration of fresh flavors, a satisfying crunch in every bite, and so simple to pull together. Try it soon—you just might find yourself craving this vibrant salad all season long!

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Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe

Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Description

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful mix of fresh greens, sweet strawberries, tangy feta cheese, crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of dressing. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures for a light and refreshing meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Mixed Greens:

  • 6 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)

Strawberries:

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Feta Cheese:

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Candied Pecans or Walnuts:

  • 1/3 cup candied pecans or walnuts

Crispy Fried Onions or Pretzels:

  • 1/4 cup crispy fried onions or crushed pretzels

Red Onion:

  • 1/4 cup sliced red onion

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix the greens, strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and pecans.
  2. Add Crunch: Just before serving, sprinkle the fried onions or pretzels on top.
  3. Drizzle Dressing: Add the dressing of your choice and gently toss to combine.
  4. Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately.

Notes

  • For extra protein, top with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
  • Try goat cheese instead of feta and sunflower seeds or granola for a different crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

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