Date and Walnut Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A sweet-tart salad with Medjool dates, toasted walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette, ideal for a light lunch or side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed greens, Medjool dates, walnuts 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 195 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.6 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 195 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Kitchen tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup halved Medjool dates, and 1/4 cup toasted walnuts.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated, ensuring delicate greens are coated without bruising.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Date and Walnut Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Salad?

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 greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Date and Walnut Salad?

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 Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes