Pin 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 my dinner parties for its balance of textures and flavors.
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
Pin This salad often sparks lively conversations at family dinners and always receives compliments.
Notes
For extra crunch add roasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios 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 Calories 320 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 35 g Protein 9 g
Pin This salad is best served fresh but can be prepared a few hours in advance with dressing added just before serving.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of cheese is used?
Creamy goat cheese is used, crumbled or sliced to complement the salad's textures.
- → Can the honey dressing be made in advance?
Yes, the spiced honey dressing can be prepared ahead and gently warmed before serving for the best flavor.
- → Are there suitable nut alternatives?
Yes, toasted walnuts provide crunch, but roasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios can be used as substitutes.
- → What greens are recommended for the salad?
Mixed greens like arugula, baby spinach, and frisée offer a fresh, crisp base for the salad.
- → Is this salad suitable for special diets?
It is vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for those dietary preferences.