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- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, baby kale) - 2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 cup crunchy granola - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup sliced almonds - 1/4 red onion, paper-thin slices The base of this salad shines with fresh greens. I love using a mix of spinach, arugula, and baby kale. Each green adds its unique taste and texture. The ripe strawberries bring a sweet burst of flavor. I slice them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Crunchy granola adds a satisfying layer of texture. Look for granola with no added sugars for a healthier option. The creamy feta cheese pairs well with the sweet strawberries. I crumble it over the top for a tasty touch. Sliced almonds add extra crunch and nutty flavor. Finally, thin slices of red onion give a sharp balance to the salad. - 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and black pepper The dressing is vital for tying all flavors together. I use apple cider vinegar for its tangy kick. Honey sweetens the dressing and balances the vinegar's acidity. Extra virgin olive oil gives it a rich texture. Dijon mustard adds depth and a slight spice. To finish, I season it with salt and black pepper. These simple ingredients create a zesty vinaigrette that enhances the salad. - Prep time: 15 minutes - Total time: 15 minutes - Servings: 4 This salad is quick to make, taking just 15 minutes. It serves four people, making it perfect for a family meal or a small gathering. You can find the full recipe for more details on making this delicious dish. To start, you need to whisk the dressing ingredients. In a small bowl, combine: - 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Mix these well until they blend smoothly. This step is key for a tasty vinaigrette. Next, it’s time to emulsify the vinaigrette. While you whisk, slowly drizzle in: - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Keep whisking until the mixture looks silky. This means the oil and vinegar are combined well. Set this zesty vinaigrette aside to let the flavors meld. Now, let’s move on to the salad. In a big bowl, combine: - 4 cups mixed greens - 2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/4 red onion, paper-thin slices - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled Mix these ingredients gently. They should be well combined but not squished. After that, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad. Toss everything together. Make sure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Before serving, add the final touches. Scatter: - 1 cup crunchy granola - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted This adds a lovely crunch. For presentation, serve the salad in a beautiful bowl or on individual plates. You can garnish with an extra strawberry on top. A little drizzle of vinaigrette on the side makes it look fancy. Enjoy this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. To pick ripe, flavorful strawberries, look for bright red color. They should feel firm but not hard. A sweet scent often means they are ripe and ready to eat. Avoid berries with green or white spots. Check for any signs of mold or softness. Fresh strawberries should feel plump and have a shiny skin. If you can, buy them at a local market. They often have better flavor than store-bought ones. You can prepare parts of the salad ahead of time. Wash and slice the strawberries a few hours before serving. Store them in the fridge in a covered bowl. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can also make the vinaigrette a day in advance. Just whisk all the dressing ingredients together and store it in a jar. Shake it well before using. Keep the granola and nuts separate until you serve the salad. This keeps them crunchy. To add more flavor, consider seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches. Nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can add a nice crunch. You can even mix in some herbs, like mint or basil, for a fresh twist. Try using different types of cheese too. Goat cheese offers a tangy taste that works well. Remember, the key is to balance flavors and textures for a delightful bite. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette. {{image_4}} You can switch the greens for different flavors. Try using romaine or butter lettuce for a milder taste. Kale adds a hearty crunch, while arugula gives a peppery kick. You can also mix in some watercress for a fresh, bright note. Each green brings its unique texture and flavor to the salad. If you want a vegan option, you can leave out the feta cheese. Try using vegan cheese made from nuts or tofu. These alternatives can mimic the creaminess of feta without dairy. Nutritional yeast is another great option. It adds a cheesy flavor while keeping things plant-based. Add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for a filling meal. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or black beans. Other crunchy elements include sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These toppings enhance the salad's texture and flavor, making it even more enjoyable. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep your Strawberry Crunch Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Layer the ingredients to avoid sogginess. Place the mixed greens, strawberries, and feta at the bottom. Keep the crunchy granola and almonds separate to maintain their crispness. This way, you can enjoy the salad just like when it was freshly made. Always store the vinaigrette apart from the salad. This keeps the greens from wilting. If you mix the dressing with the salad too early, it will lose its crunch. By keeping the vinaigrette separate, you can drizzle it just before serving. This method ensures your salad remains vibrant and fresh. In the fridge, the salad lasts about 1-2 days. The vinaigrette can remain fresh for up to a week. However, the salad loses its crispness over time. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. For the best taste, eat the salad within a day of making it. For the full recipe, visit the main article. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. However, there are some things to think about. Frozen strawberries can be soft when thawed. This might change the texture of your salad. If you use them, thaw and drain them first. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This way, your salad stays fresh and crunchy. Yes, this salad can be gluten-free. You just need to check the granola and other ingredients. Some granolas have gluten. Look for brands that specifically say "gluten-free." Also, check any packaged items for hidden gluten. When you choose good ingredients, you keep the salad safe for everyone. If you want a heartier salad, add grains or proteins. Quinoa or farro makes a great base. You could also mix in grilled chicken or chickpeas. These additions give more flavor and make your salad satisfying. Toss them in with the greens and strawberries for a complete meal. This salad recipe is simple and full of flavor. You can mix fresh greens with ripe strawberries, crunchy granola, and creamy feta. The homemade vinaigrette adds a tasty kick. Remember to serve the granola and nuts last for crunch. You can try different greens or toppings for a twist. Store leftovers carefully for best taste. Enjoy your fresh salad anytime!

Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Delight in the vibrant flavors of Strawberry Crunch Salad with Zesty Vinaigrette! This refreshing dish combines mixed greens, juicy strawberries, crunchy granola, and creamy feta, all drizzled with a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side at your next gathering, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups mixed greens (a mix of fresh spinach, peppery arugula, and vibrant baby kale)

2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup crunchy granola (opt for a variety without added sugars for a healthier choice)

1/2 cup feta cheese, delicately crumbled for added creaminess

1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted to enhance flavor and crunch

1/4 red onion, paper-thin slices for a hint of sharpness

For the Zesty Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick

2 tablespoons honey to balance the acidity with sweetness

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for a rich, smooth texture

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for depth of flavor

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, a sprinkle of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper until well combined. Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is silky and emulsified. Set this zesty vinaigrette aside to allow the flavors to meld.

    In a generously sized salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, freshly sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.

      Drizzle the prepared zesty vinaigrette over the salad mixture, then gently toss everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well coated in the dressing.

        Just prior to serving, scatter the crunchy granola and toasted almonds over the top of the salad for an alluring texture contrast.

          Serve immediately to relish the delightful crunch from the granola and enjoy the fresh flavors.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Present the salad in an attractive large bowl or on individual plates. For an added touch of elegance, garnish with an extra strawberry on top and drizzle a little vinaigrette on the side, enticing your guests with a beautiful and appetizing display.