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 at our family gatherings, combining fresh greens and a unique honey dressing that everyone raves about.
Ingredients
- Mixed salad greens: 120 g (e.g., arugula, baby spinach, frisée)
- Goat cheese: 150 g crumbled or sliced
- Medjool dates: 8, pitted and chopped
- Toasted walnuts: 40 g, roughly chopped
- Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
- Apple: 1 small, thinly sliced (optional)
- Honey: 3 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1/4 tsp
- Ground coriander: 1/4 tsp
- Chili flakes: 1/8 tsp (optional for mild heat)
- Fresh lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Prepare dressing:
- 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.
- Arrange salad:
- 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.
- Add dressing:
- Drizzle the warm spiced honey dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Serve:
- Toss gently to combine or serve with dressing on the side.
Save This dish makes an excellent light lunch and pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread for a more substantial meal and enjoy the mix of textures and flavors.
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 This salad combines fresh, sweet, and savory flavors for a delightful start or light meal.
Recipe Guide
- → What are the key flavors in this salad?
The combination of sweet dates, warm spiced honey dressing, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts creates a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy notes.
- → Can the honey dressing be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the honey dressing can be warmed and prepared in advance, then cooled before drizzling over the salad just before serving.
- → Are there suitable alternatives for dates in this dish?
Dried figs or apricots can be substituted for dates to maintain a similar sweetness and texture.
- → What greens work best for this salad?
A mix of peppery arugula, tender baby spinach, and slightly bitter frisée provides a fresh, varied base that complements the toppings well.
- → How can I add extra crunch to this salad?
Adding roasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios enhances texture and adds nutty flavor to the salad.