Lunch

Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Name: Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound strawberries hulled and sliced; 6 cups mixed salad greens; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1 cup crispy wonton strips; 1/4 cup champagne vinegar; 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 small shallot minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Jason Brooks March 25, 2026

Total Time: 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Bright strawberries, crunchy almonds and wontons tossed in a tangy champagne vinaigrette offer a refreshing burst of flavor and texture in every bite.

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette brightens your lunch with juicy berries, crisp greens and toasty almonds all tossed in a silky, zippy dressing. Bright strawberries, crunchy almonds and wontons mingle under a tangy champagne vinaigrette for sweet, tart and nutty notes in a light, crunchy salad that’s as delightful to eat as it is to serve. You’ll love how quickly this beginner-friendly dish comes together—perfect for busy weekdays or easy entertaining!

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to assemble this refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette:

1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced: Sweet, juicy berries that add vibrant color and flavor contrast.

6 cups mixed salad greens: A crisp base providing light, leafy texture and freshness.
1/2 cup sliced almonds: Toasty crunch that complements the soft berries and greens.

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion: Sharp bite to balance sweetness and add a pop of color.
1 cup crispy wonton strips: Golden, airy crunch that elevates the salad’s texture.
1/4 cup champagne vinegar: Tangy backbone of the dressing for a bright, delicate acidity.
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Silky mouthfeel that helps emulsify the vinaigrette.

1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetness to round out the tart vinegar.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Emulsifier and mild heat to deepen the dressing’s flavor.
1 small shallot, minced: Subtle onion flavor for savory complexity.

1/4 teaspoon salt: Seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gentle spice to finish the vinaigrette.

How To Make Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Let’s dive into crafting this salad! You’ll start by whisking together the vibrant dressing, then layer the fresh components in a large bowl. Once everything is assembled, a gentle toss ensures every bite is coated in that tangy-sweet vinaigrette. Follow these simple steps to maintain the crisp textures and bright flavors that make this salad so irresistible.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together champagne vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

2. While whisking vigorously, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil to fully emulsify the vinaigrette into a silky dressing.

3. Rinse and dry the mixed salad greens thoroughly—use a salad spinner or pat them carefully with paper towels—and place them in a large serving bowl.

4. Arrange the sliced strawberries, red onion, sliced almonds, and crispy wonton strips on top of the greens in an even layer.

5. Drizzle the Champagne vinaigrette evenly over the assembled salad to ensure every ingredient gets a coating.

6. Gently toss the salad with clean salad tongs or two large spoons until all components are lightly dressed and mixed.

7. Serve immediately to preserve the crisp crunch of the wonton strips and almonds.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with light proteins and makes a stunning side for brunch or a picnic. Keep portions modest so the flavors shine, and consider complementary dishes that won’t overpower the delicate vinaigrette.

Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a balanced meal that offers protein and fresh produce.

Top with crumbled goat cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast that highlights the strawberries.
Plate it next to a slice of whole-grain bread or baguette to add heartiness and soak up any extra dressing.
Present in individual bowls garnished with a fresh basil leaf for an elegant, restaurant-style finish.

Tips For Perfect Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

This salad is a breeze, but a few smart moves can elevate it to perfection. From ingredient prep to plating timing, these friendly tips ensure you get the best crunch, flavor balance, and visual appeal every time.

For a creamier twist, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or feta over the top just before serving to add tangy richness.
Vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week—just whisk again before using.

Swap sliced almonds for toasted pecans or pistachios to customize the nutty flavor and texture to your liking.
Let the salad sit for 5 minutes after tossing to allow the strawberries and greens to mingle, deepening the flavors without losing crunch.

How To Store It

Keeping your salad fresh and crisp is all about separating components and choosing the right containers. With these storage methods, you’ll preserve flavors and textures for later enjoyment.

Store the vinaigrette in an airtight jar or container in the fridge; shake well before each use to re-emulsify.
Keep leftover greens and toppings separate from the dressing in sealed bags or containers to prevent wilting.
If you’ve assembled the salad, cover it tightly and refrigerate—consume within 2–3 hours to maintain crunch.

Store any unused wonton strips in a sealed bag at room temperature to keep them crisp for your next salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are quick answers to help you nail this salad every time:

How long does it take to prepare this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette?

It takes about 15–20 minutes from start to finish, including hulling and slicing the strawberries, whisking the vinaigrette, and assembling all the ingredients. Allow a few extra minutes to rinse and dry the greens thoroughly.

Can I make the Champagne vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vinaigrette up to one week in advance. After whisking together the vinegar, honey, mustard, shallot, salt, and pepper, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk before using to re-emulsify.

How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy and maintain the crunch?

Ensure the mixed greens are completely dry by spinning or patting them with paper towels. Add crispy wonton strips just before serving, and toss the salad gently and immediately after drizzling the dressing to prevent wilting.

What nut substitutions work well in this recipe?

You can swap sliced almonds for toasted pecans, pistachios, or walnuts to vary the flavor and crunch. Each nut brings its own distinct taste that pairs nicely with the sweet strawberries and tangy vinaigrette.

Can I add cheese to the salad for extra flavor?

Absolutely. For a creamier element, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or feta over the top just before serving. The tangy creaminess balances beautifully with the sweet berries and sharp Champagne vinaigrette.

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

If Champagne vinegar isn’t available, substitute with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar. Taste and adjust the honey to balance any increased acidity, ensuring the dressing remains both sweet and tangy.

How should I store leftovers or unused components?

Store leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For assembled salad, consume within a few hours; otherwise, keep greens, toppings, and dressing separate and combine just before serving to preserve freshness and crunch.

What Makes This Special

This Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is special because it strikes the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and crunchy in every bite. The crisp greens and wonton strips play off the juicy strawberries, while the champagne vinaigrette ties everything together with a zippy twist. It’s so easy and fun to make that you’ll want to print and pin this recipe for all your summer gatherings. Give it a whirl, and let me know in the comments how yours turned out or if you have any questions—I’m here to help!

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