Name: Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula); 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts; ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta; ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; Optional: 1 avocado, sliced; 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 Tbsp champagne vinegar; 1 tsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Pinch of sea salt; Dash of freshly ground black pepper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it’s a perfect mix of flavors and textures—sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite. The champagne vinaigrette adds a delicate tang that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries, while the crunchy toppings make it extra satisfying. It’s quick to prepare, gorgeous to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups mixed greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
½ cup candied pecans or almonds
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced

For the champagne vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
A pinch sea salt
A dash freshly cracked black pepper

directions

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
In a large salad bowl, add the greens, strawberries, cheese, nuts, onion, and cucumber.
Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick lunch, a side salad, or a fresh addition to a dinner menu.

Variations

I swap goat cheese for blue cheese when I want a bolder flavor.
I sometimes add avocado slices for creaminess.
Toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds work well instead of candied nuts for a less sweet crunch.
For extra protein, I top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
I mix in blueberries or blackberries for a berry medley.

storage/reheating

I store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Once dressed, it’s best eaten right away to keep the greens crisp. The champagne vinaigrette can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days—just give it a shake before using.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the salad ingredients in advance but keep the dressing separate until serving.

What can I use if I don’t have champagne vinegar?

I use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as substitutes.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Do I have to candy the nuts?

No, I sometimes just toast them for a more savory crunch.

How can I make it more filling?

I add grilled protein or quinoa to turn it into a main dish salad.

Conclusion

This strawberry crunch salad with champagne vinaigrette is one of my favorite ways to enjoy fresh strawberries in a savory dish. It’s crisp, colorful, and full of flavor, with the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements. I love serving it for both casual lunches and special gatherings—it’s always a hit.