Strawberry Crunch Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Say goodbye to boring salads—this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Balsamic Dressing is fresh, colorful, and full of texture. Juicy strawberries, crisp cucumbers, toasted almonds, and a tangy-sweet balsamic dressing come together for the ultimate summer salad. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy.
If you’ve ever thought of salad as a side dish, this one might just change your mind. Packed with greens, fresh fruit, and protein-rich almonds, it’s filling enough for lunch but pretty enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, the simple homemade balsamic dressing is one you’ll want to keep on repeat—it’s delicious on everything from roasted veggies to grain bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Balsamic Dressing
- Fresh & seasonal – Strawberries add the perfect juicy sweetness.
- Full of texture – Creamy goat cheese, crunchy almonds, crisp cucumbers… every bite is exciting.
- Quick & easy – Comes together in 15 minutes or less.
- Healthy & satisfying – Packed with leafy greens, good fats, and nutrient-dense ingredients.
- Versatile – Enjoy it as a light main dish, side salad, or pair it with grilled chicken or salmon.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the salad:
- Fresh spinach – The base of the salad (you can mix in spring mix for extra variety).
- Strawberries – Sweet, juicy, and the star of the show.
- Cucumber – Adds a crisp, refreshing bite.
- Sliced almond – Toasted for the best flavor and crunch.
- Shallot – A little sharpness to balance the sweetness.
- Goat cheese (optional) – Creamy, tangy, and absolutely delicious with strawberries.
For the dressing:
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Honey or agave (for vegan)
- Dijon mustard
- Sea salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
Tips & Variations
- Swap feta or blue cheese for goat cheese if that’s what you have on hand.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.
- Try walnuts or pecans instead of almonds.
- For extra crunch, toss in some homemade croutons.
Make This Salad Your Go-To
This strawberry crunch salad is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for entertaining. Whether you’re making it for a summer BBQ, a picnic, or just a simple lunch at home, it’s guaranteed to brighten up your table.
Check out the step-by-step video here:
How to make Strawberry Crunch Salad with Balsamic Dressing
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Strawberry Crunch Salad with Balsamic Dressing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
Description
This Strawberry Crunch Salad is fresh, colorful, and full of texture. Juicy strawberries, crisp cucumbers, toasted almonds, and a tangy-sweet balsamic dressing come together for the ultimate summer salad.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach (5 oz. bag)
- about 2 oz. spring mix (optional)
- 8 oz. strawberries, hulled & sliced
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 of a large shallot, minced
- goat cheese for topping (optional)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or agave (for vegan)
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt & pepper. Then, drizzle the olive oil and continue to whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust ingredients to your preference.
- Make the salad: In a large bowl, add spinach & spring mix (if using), strawberries, cucumbers, sliced almonds, & shallots. Gently toss with the dressing. Top with goat cheese (optional).
