If there’s one recipe that captures the very essence of summer in a single, vibrant bowl, it’s the Strawberry Crunch Salad. Imagine sweet, juicy strawberries mingling with crisp salad greens, tangy feta, and the irresistible crunch of candied nuts and chow mein noodles or pretzels—all tossed together with a crave-worthy balsamic-honey dressing. This salad is not just a side, it’s the showstopper that’ll turn any meal into a celebration of color, flavor, and texture. From casual picnics to festive dinners, the Strawberry Crunch Salad is bound to become your next go-to dish for every sunny gathering!

Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh, and thoughtfully chosen, these ingredients each play a starring role in crafting the flavor-packed, texture-rich experience that makes this salad so memorable. Don’t be tempted to swap out too many elements—their harmony is what makes the Strawberry Crunch Salad so unforgettable!

Mixed salad greens: The base of the salad, providing a crisp, refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory toppings.
Fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced): Luscious, ripe strawberries bring natural sweetness and a pop of cheerful color.
Feta cheese (crumbled): Adds lovely tang and creamy richness that balances the other textures.
Candied pecans or walnuts: For sweet, buttery crunch and nutty depth; store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
Crunchy chow mein noodles or crushed pretzels: The unexpected crunch that gives this salad its signature bite—use gluten-free pretzels if needed!
Red onion (thinly sliced): Delivers just enough sharpness without overpowering the other flavors.
Olive oil: Your salad dressing’s velvety foundation; choose extra-virgin for the most flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: Brings a tangy-sweet kick to the dressing, complementing the strawberries perfectly.
Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to round out the acidity of the vinegar and balance the salad.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle zing and helps emulsify the dressing.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances every other ingredient—never skip seasoning!

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Salad

Step 1: Assemble the Salad Base

Start with a large salad bowl and scatter in your mixed greens. These greens will serve as the fresh, crisp foundation for all the goodness to come—make sure they’re nice and dry for the best crunch!

Step 2: Add the Sweet and Crunchy Toppings

Next, layer in the sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, candied pecans or walnuts, crunchy chow mein noodles or crushed pretzels, and the thin slices of red onion. Try to distribute everything evenly for a balanced bite every time. This is what gives the Strawberry Crunch Salad its colorful, irresistible appeal.

Step 3: Prepare the Balsamic-Honey Dressing

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch each of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk until the dressing looks smooth and glossy—give it a little taste and adjust with more honey or vinegar if you like.

Step 4: Toss and Serve Immediately

Just before serving, pour the dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss everything together with salad tongs. Serve the Strawberry Crunch Salad right away, so those crunchy toppings stay perfectly crisp!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Salad

Garnishes

A few extra sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of extra candied nuts make for a gorgeous finish. Sometimes, a handful of fresh basil or mint leaves can add a bright, herbal flair—totally optional, but always impressive.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. For a vegetarian spread, try it alongside a cheesy quiche, a hearty grain salad, or a crisp crostini. It’s the ideal match for anything fresh and summery.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off the beautiful layers by assembling the Strawberry Crunch Salad in a large, clear trifle bowl or deep platter. Or, make individual parfait-style jars for picnics and lunchboxes. It’s a star on any buffet table and makes even a simple weeknight dinner feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Strawberry Crunch Salad, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the crunchy toppings can soften over time, but leftovers still taste lovely for up to a day.

Freezing

This salad is all about fresh textures, so it’s not a candidate for freezing. The greens and strawberries lose their crispness and vibrance after thawing, and the crunch layer loses its appeal.

Reheating

Since Strawberry Crunch Salad is served cold, there’s no reheating involved! If prepping in advance, store the dressing and crunchy toppings separately, then toss together just before serving for the most luscious texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the Strawberry Crunch Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just keep the salad ingredients and dressing separate in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, toss them together and sprinkle on the crunchy toppings so everything stays fresh and crispy.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Goat cheese is a fantastic swap if you prefer a creamier, tangier flavor, or try blue cheese crumbles for something bolder. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cheese or just omit it—the salad still delivers tons of flavor.

How can I add more protein?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are tasty ways to make the Strawberry Crunch Salad more filling. Just slice and layer right on top, or serve on the side for easy customization.

What kind of nuts work best if I can’t find candied pecans?

Roasted walnuts, slivered almonds, or any favorite nut you have on hand will add crunch and richness. Toss them with a little maple syrup and bake until crisp for a quick homemade touch!

Is this salad gluten-free?

It absolutely can be! Use gluten-free pretzels instead of chow mein noodles, or look for a gluten-free crispy topping at your store. All the other ingredients in the Strawberry Crunch Salad are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the mingling flavors, colors, and textures in a good Strawberry Crunch Salad. Don’t wait for a special occasion—gather the ingredients and give it a try soon! You might just find yourself making it on repeat all season long.

Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

A delightful and refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the savory crunch of feta cheese, nuts, and crispy noodles. Tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for a light summer meal or as a side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

6 cups mixed salad greens
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles or crushed pretzels
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine salad greens, strawberries, feta, nuts, noodles or pretzels, and red onion.
Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Toss and Serve: Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

Notes

For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
Substitute goat cheese for feta if preferred.
If making ahead, prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately, then toss together just before serving to keep it crunchy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American