Save A vibrant salad featuring creamy goat cheese, sweet dates, crisp greens, and a warm spiced honey dressing—perfect for an elegant starter or a light meal.
This salad quickly became a favorite in my home thanks to its balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- Salad: 120 g mixed salad greens (e.g arugula, baby spinach, frisée)
- Salad: 150 g goat cheese, crumbled or sliced
- Salad: 8 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- Salad: 40 g toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- Salad: 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Salad: 1 small apple, thinly sliced (optional)
- Spiced Honey Dressing: 3 tbsp honey
- Spiced Honey Dressing: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Spiced Honey Dressing: 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Spiced Honey Dressing: 1/4 tsp ground coriander
- Spiced Honey Dressing: 1/8 tsp chili flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- Spiced Honey Dressing: 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Spiced Honey Dressing: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Spiced Honey Dressing: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes (if using). Warm gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring until aromatic. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let cool slightly.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the salad greens on a large platter or individual plates. Scatter the goat cheese, chopped dates, toasted walnuts, red onion, and apple slices (if using) evenly over the greens.
- Step 3:
- Drizzle the warm spiced honey dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Step 4:
- Toss gently to combine, or serve with dressing on the side.
Save This salad always brings smiles and sparks conversations during family gatherings.
Notes
For extra crunch, add roasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios. Substitute figs or dried apricots for dates if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a more substantial meal. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé.
Required Tools
Small saucepan, whisk, salad bowl or serving platter, knife and cutting board.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 320 calories, 17 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, 9 g protein.
Save A perfect easy salad that pairs wonderfully with many main dishes.
Kitchen Q&A
- → Can I substitute the Medjool dates with other dried fruits?
Yes, figs or dried apricots make excellent alternatives that complement the salad's flavors well.
- → What nuts work best for this salad?
Toasted walnuts add a rich crunch, but you can also try roasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios for a different texture.
- → Is the dressing served warm or cold?
The spiced honey dressing is gently warmed to bring out the spices, then drizzled over the salad just before serving.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Replacing goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative will make the dish vegan-friendly while maintaining creaminess.
- → What wine pairs well with this salad?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé matches beautifully with the salad’s fresh and spiced flavors.