Prepare to fall head over heels for Strawberry Crunch Salad, a vibrant medley of fresh, crisp greens, juicy-sweet strawberries, tangy cheese, and the most irresistible, crunchy toppings. This salad is a joyful celebration of color and texture, bringing together the flavors of summer in every bite. Whether you’re sprucing up a casual family dinner or impressing guests at a sunny brunch, the combination of fruit, nuts, and a honey-kissed vinaigrette guarantees that this dish turns any meal into a special occasion.

Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about simple ingredients that pack a punch! Each component of this salad brings something a little magical to the bowl—crunch, sweetness, creaminess, or a bit of salty flair. Freshness is key, and these easy-to-find picks work together to create a symphony of flavors and colors you’ll crave again and again.

Mixed salad greens: A fresh, sturdy base that’s both flavorful and visually appealing—try a blend of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for extra interest.
Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Sweet and juicy, these berries offer gorgeous color and burst-in-your-mouth freshness.
Crumbled feta or goat cheese: Adds a welcome tang and creaminess; choose which suits your taste or what you have on hand.
Candied pecans or walnuts: For a sweet, caramelized crunch that elevates each forkful.
Crunchy pretzel pieces: The secret weapon for extra crunch and a salty twist—feel free to get creative and crush them coarsely.
Thinly sliced red onion: Just the right amount of bite, balancing the richness and sweetness of the other ingredients.
Balsamic vinaigrette: Brings all the flavors together with its deep, tangy notes.
Honey: A drizzle mixed into the dressing lends a delicate sweetness that makes the whole salad sing.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Start things off by making the honey-balsamic vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinaigrette and honey. Whisk them together until the honey melts into the vinaigrette, leaving you with a smooth, glossy dressing. This simple step ensures every leaf and berry in your Strawberry Crunch Salad gets an even, sweet-tangy coating.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Components

Gather all your main ingredients: the mixed greens, strawberries, cheese, candied nuts, pretzel pieces, and sliced red onion. Toss each into a large salad bowl, arranging them so every ingredient is showcased. Don’t worry about perfection—just aim for a pleasant mix so every scoop has a bit of everything.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the honey-balsamic dressing over your salad right before serving. Using salad servers or clean hands, gently toss everything together, making sure the flavorful dressing lightly coats each component. Handle with care so the tender strawberries stay intact and the crunchies remain crisp.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Your Strawberry Crunch Salad is ready! Dish it up immediately while everything is still fresh and delightfully crunchy. Whether you serve it in a large salad bowl or divided onto individual plates, this salad is meant to be enjoyed right after tossing for the best texture and burst of flavors.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way in making your Strawberry Crunch Salad truly stunning. Try finishing with a few extra strawberry slices on top, a sprinkling of crumbled feta or goat cheese, and a handful of candied nuts right before serving. For a chic touch, a crack of fresh black pepper or a few sprigs of fresh mint will wow your guests and add a subtle aromatic lift.

Side Dishes

This lively salad shines alongside simple grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a complete meal. Looking for a vegetarian pairing? A hearty grain dish, like quinoa or farro, or a bowl of soup, such as tomato basil or chilled cucumber, balances out the meal perfectly and complements the Strawberry Crunch Salad flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine! Portion Strawberry Crunch Salad into mason jars for chic picnic-ready servings, or assemble in a shallow platter so the colors and toppings are on full display. If you’re entertaining, fill individual martini glasses for a playful and elegant starter—guests will be delighted before the first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Strawberry Crunch Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate as soon as possible. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, it will keep for a day. Be aware that the pretzel pieces may soften as it sits, so add a few fresh croutons or crunchies when serving leftovers to revive that irresistible texture.

Freezing

Salads like this one don’t freeze well—the greens and strawberries lose their crispness and vibrant color after thawing, and the cheese and nuts can take on a different texture. For best results, enjoy Strawberry Crunch Salad freshly made and avoid freezing.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad, as Strawberry Crunch Salad is at its best when served cold or at room temperature. If you do want to bring chills off from refrigeration, simply let the salad sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?

Absolutely! While strawberries are the star, you can also try blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches for a twist. Just make sure to choose ripe, seasonal fruit for the best results in your Strawberry Crunch Salad.

What’s the best cheese for this salad?

Both feta and goat cheese work beautifully, each bringing their own personality. Feta is saltier and more crumbly, while goat cheese is tangy and creamy. Pick your favorite, or even mix the two!

How can I make this salad vegan?

It’s simple! Swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative, use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing, and double-check that your candied nuts are vegan-friendly. The salad will still be vibrant and delicious.

Can I prep this salad in advance?

You can prep the components ahead by slicing the strawberries, crumbling the cheese, and mixing the dressing. Store everything separately and assemble just before serving to preserve the crunch and freshness of your Strawberry Crunch Salad.

What can I use instead of pretzels for crunch?

Crushed pita chips, granola, or even roasted seeds are great alternatives. Each offers a different kind of crunch, so feel free to experiment based on what’s in your pantry or your favorite textures.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the play of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy that makes Strawberry Crunch Salad a must-have for any table. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your salad rotation—it’s pure joy in every bite!

Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Strawberry Crunch Salad is a delightful mix of fresh salad greens, juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese, candied nuts, crunchy pretzel pieces, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette with a hint of honey. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

6 cups mixed salad greens
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup crunchy pretzel pieces
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Dressing:

1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
1 tablespoon honey

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette and honey until smooth.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, strawberries, feta or goat cheese, candied nuts, pretzel pieces, and red onion.
Add the Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Serve: Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Notes

For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
You can substitute pretzels with crushed pita chips or granola for a different texture.
If making ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American