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 because of its balance of flavors and textures.
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
- Make 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.
- Assemble 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.
- Dress salad:
- 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 salad always brings a smile at family dinners, especially when shared with fresh crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this salad with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé to complement its flavors.
Substitutions
Use figs or dried apricots instead of dates for a different sweetness.
Tips for Preparation
For extra crunch, sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios on top.
Save This spiced honey and date goat cheese salad is both elegant and simple to prepare, perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients create the spiced honey dressing?
The dressing combines honey warmed with cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and optional chili flakes, then mixed with fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- → Can I substitute the dates with other fruits?
Yes, dried figs or apricots work well as alternatives, adding similar sweetness and texture to the salad.
- → What nuts are used in this salad?
Toasted walnuts add crunch and a rich, nutty taste complementing the creamy goat cheese and sweet dates.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains vegetarian-friendly ingredients like goat cheese, nuts, and fresh produce with no meat products.
- → How should I serve this salad for best flavor?
Drizzle the warm spiced honey dressing over the salad greens just before serving and toss gently to coat evenly, enhancing all the fresh and rich elements.
- → Can this salad be prepared ahead of time?
For best freshness, prepare the dressing and salad components separately and combine just before serving to maintain the texture and flavor balance.