Fresh, fruity, and irresistibly crunchy — this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, prepping a light lunch, or looking to impress at a potluck, this vibrant salad checks all the boxes: colorful, nutritious, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
To make this refreshing salad, you’ll need a combination of fresh produce, crunchy elements, and a light, tangy dressing. Here’s everything required:
For the Salad:
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5 oz (about 6 cups) baby spinach or spring mix
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1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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½ cup candied pecans or almonds (for crunch)
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½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
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½ avocado, sliced (optional)
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¼ cup crushed pretzels or crispy quinoa (optional for extra crunch)
For the Champagne Vinaigrette:
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3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
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¼ teaspoon sea salt
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To prepare the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette, gather these basic kitchen tools:
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Cutting board and knife
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Large salad bowl
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Small whisk or jar with lid (for mixing the vinaigrette)
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Measuring spoons and cups
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Salad tongs or forks for tossing
 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and dry the spinach or salad mix thoroughly. Slice the strawberries, red onion, and avocado (if using). Crumble the goat cheese and set aside all toppings.
Step 2: Make the Champagne Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or mason jar, combine:
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3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon pepper
Whisk or shake the jar until well combined. Slowly drizzle in â…“ cup olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, layer the spinach or spring mix first. Top with:
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Sliced strawberries
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Crumbled goat cheese
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Candied nuts
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Thinly sliced red onion
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Avocado slices
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Crushed pretzels or quinoa for extra crunch
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Just before serving, drizzle the champagne vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently with salad tongs to ensure even coating. Serve immediately for best texture.
Helpful Tips & Variations
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Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or baked tofu for extra protein.
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Nut alternatives: Substitute candied nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
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Cheese options: Goat cheese gives a creamy tang, but feta, blue cheese, or even shaved parmesan work beautifully.
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Meal prep tip: Store dressing separately until ready to serve to maintain crunchiness.
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Serving idea: For individual servings, layer ingredients in mason jars for portable salads.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
This is a general estimate based on 4 servings:
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Calories: ~280
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Protein: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fat: 20g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 8g (mostly from strawberries and vinaigrette)
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Cholesterol: 10mg
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
This salad isn’t just a pretty dish — it’s a flavor bomb. The sweet strawberries complement the tangy vinaigrette perfectly, while the crunch from nuts and pretzels adds contrast to the tender greens. The champagne vinaigrette brings a light elegance that elevates the whole plate. Whether you’re enjoying a solo lunch or impressing dinner guests, the Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette always delivers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a light, flavorful, and Instagram-worthy salad, this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is your answer. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and the vinaigrette is a versatile dressing you’ll want to use again and again.
