Can I make the caramelized almonds ahead of time?

Yes and making them ahead is actually ideal. The caramelized almonds can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will retain their crunch and their beautiful amber coating perfectly for the full 5 days. Making them ahead removes the most technically involved step of the recipe from day-of preparation and is especially practical for a Mother's Day brunch where timing and stress levels matter.

Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?

Absolutely. Feta cheese is the closest substitute in terms of tangy and salty flavor profile and crumbles similarly throughout the salad. Fresh mozzarella torn into small pieces adds a creamier and milder element. Shaved Parmesan adds a nutty and sharp contrast. Each choice produces a slightly different salad with its own distinct character but all pair beautifully with the strawberries and champagne vinaigrette.

How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown?

Toss the chopped avocado pieces immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before adding to the salad bowl. The acid in the lemon juice slows the oxidation process significantly and keeps the avocado green and fresh-looking for considerably longer. Also keep the avocado out of the refrigerator and add it to the salad as close to serving time as possible for the best color and texture.

Strawberry Crunch Salad Easy Fresh Mother's Day Brunch Recipe

Name: Strawberry Crunch Salad The Most Vibrant and Crunchy Spring Salad You Will Ever Make
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup Sliced or Slivered Almonds; 3 tbsp Granulated Sugar; 10 oz Arugula Greens; 8 oz Fresh Strawberries hulled and quartered; 1 Ripe Avocado chopped; 2 oz Crumbled Goat Cheese; 1/3 cup Roasted Salted Pistachios roughly chopped; 3 tbsp Champagne Vinegar; 1/2 Lemon juiced; 2 tbsp Honey; 1 tsp Dijon Mustard; 1 clove Garlic freshly grated; Pinch Kosher Salt and Black Pepper; 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Description

The most vibrant and crunchy Strawberry Crunch Salad made with caramelized sugared almonds fresh strawberries creamy avocado tangy goat cheese roasted pistachios and arugula tossed in a bright champagne honey lemon vinaigrette. The perfect Mother’s Day brunch salad and spring celebration recipe ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

2/3 cup Sliced or Slivered Almonds

3 tbsp Granulated Sugar

10 oz Arugula Greens

8 oz Fresh Strawberries hulled and quartered

1 Ripe Avocado chopped

2 oz Crumbled Goat Cheese

1/3 cup Roasted Salted Pistachios roughly chopped

3 tbsp Champagne Vinegar

1/2 Lemon juiced

2 tbsp Honey

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

1 clove Garlic freshly grated

Pinch Kosher Salt and Black Pepper

1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

1. Place almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sugar and cook stirring constantly 6 to 8 minutes until sugar melts and caramelizes coating all almonds.

2. Transfer immediately to parchment paper. Cool completely. Break apart any clumps.

3. Whisk champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

4. Stream in olive oil while whisking until dressing emulsifies. Store refrigerated up to 1 week.

5. Place arugula in a large salad bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

6. Add strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, and caramelized almonds.

7. Drizzle champagne vinaigrette over the salad.

8. Toss gently to coat without crushing avocado or strawberries.

9. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 30g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: strawberry crunch salad, mothers day brunch salad, spring salad recipe, strawberry arugula salad champagne vinaigrette