Date and Walnut Mediterranean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A bright Mediterranean salad combining sweet chopped dates, crunchy walnuts, and fresh greens tossed in a zesty citrus vinaigrette. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs mixed salad greens, dried dates, chopped, walnuts, toasted and chopped into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
- 3/4 cup dried dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified into a smooth vinaigrette.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 3/4 cup chopped dried dates, 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese.
- Step 3: Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the salad looks vibrant.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Date and Walnut Mediterranean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Date and Walnut Mediterranean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mixed salad greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Date and Walnut Mediterranean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Date and Walnut Mediterranean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Date and Walnut Mediterranean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
