Spiced Honey Date Salad

Featured in: Weekend BBQ Favorites

This salad features mixed greens combined with creamy goat cheese, sweet Medjool dates, toasted walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion and apple. A warm dressing made with honey, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and lemon juice is gently heated and drizzled over the salad to add aromatic spice and sweetness.

The combination of crunchy, sweet, tart, and creamy elements creates a harmonious and refreshing dish, ideal for a light meal or elegant starter. Optional nuts and fruit variations offer easy customization. Perfect for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:41:00 GMT
A close-up shot of the Spiced Honey and Date Goat Cheese Salad, drizzled with warm dressing. Save
A close-up shot of the Spiced Honey and Date Goat Cheese Salad, drizzled with warm dressing. | grilto.com

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 my favorite light meal during warm evenings and always impresses guests.

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.
Freshly assembled Spiced Honey and Date Goat Cheese Salad, featuring vibrant greens and creamy goat cheese. Save
Freshly assembled Spiced Honey and Date Goat Cheese Salad, featuring vibrant greens and creamy goat cheese. | grilto.com

My family enjoys this salad especially during gatherings when we want something fresh and flavorful.

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

Calories: 320. Total Fat: 17 g. Carbohydrates: 35 g. Protein: 9 g per serving.

The delicious Spiced Honey and Date Goat Cheese Salad, a perfect blend of sweet dates & spiced honey. Save
The delicious Spiced Honey and Date Goat Cheese Salad, a perfect blend of sweet dates & spiced honey. | grilto.com

This spiced honey and date goat cheese salad is a delightful balance of flavors that’s sure to brighten any meal.

Recipe Help & Answers

How is the spiced honey dressing prepared?

Warm honey with cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and optional chili flakes over low heat for a few minutes. Stir in lemon juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper before drizzling.

Can I substitute the dates with other fruits?

Yes, dried figs or apricots can be used instead of dates to maintain a sweet, chewy texture in the salad.

What greens work best for this salad?

Mixed salad greens like arugula, baby spinach, and frisée provide a crisp and peppery base that complements the creamy cheese and sweet dressing.

How can I add more crunch to the salad?

Adding roasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios enhances texture and provides a pleasant crunch to each bite.

What beverages pair well with this salad?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé wine pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy flavors, balancing the overall taste profile.

Spiced Honey Date Salad

A vibrant blend of greens, goat cheese, dates, and a warm spiced honey dressing for a fresh, flavorful salad.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
5 min
Complete Time
25 min
From grilto Jake Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style Mediterranean-Inspired

Serves 4 Portions

Diet Details Meatless, No Gluten

What You Need

Salad

01 4.25 oz mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, frisée)
02 5.3 oz goat cheese, crumbled or sliced
03 8 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
04 1.4 oz toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
05 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 1 small apple, thinly sliced (optional)

Spiced Honey Dressing

01 3 tbsp honey
02 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
03 1/4 tsp ground cumin
04 1/4 tsp ground coriander
05 1/8 tsp chili flakes (optional)
06 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
07 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
08 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How-To

Step 01

Prepare spiced honey dressing: Warm honey, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes (if using) in a small saucepan over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until aromatic. Remove from heat, then whisk in lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 02

Assemble salad base: Spread mixed salad greens onto a large platter or individual plates. Evenly scatter goat cheese, chopped dates, toasted walnuts, red onion, and optional apple slices over the greens.

Step 03

Dress the salad: Drizzle the warm spiced honey dressing evenly over the salad immediately before serving.

Step 04

Serve: Toss the salad gently to combine or serve with the dressing on the side according to preference.

Essentials

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Salad bowl or serving platter
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Advisory

Review every component for allergens. Reach out to a health pro if you’re concerned.
  • Contains tree nuts (walnuts) and milk (goat cheese).

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Facts listed here are for your info, not medical advice. Always double-check if needed.
  • Energy: 320
  • Lipids: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 9 g