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Radicchio and Rocket Salad with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Feta

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant radicchio and rocket salad offers a sophisticated balance of flavours and textures, making it an excellent choice for a contemporary vegetarian starter. The bitter notes of the radicchio and peppery rocket are perfectly offset by the honeyed sweetness of chewy dates and the savoury tang of crumbled feta. Toasted hazelnuts add a delightful crunch and an earthy depth that ties the dish together beautifully.

Quick to assemble and visually striking, this salad is ideal for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish to accompany grilled meats. The combination of colourful leaves and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients provides a wealth of antioxidants and healthy fats, ensuring it is as nutritious as it is delicious. For the best result, use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and serve immediately after dressing to retain the crispness of the leaves.

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Ingredients for Radicchio and Rocket Salad with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Feta

  • 120ml hazelnuts

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 80ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 small heads of radicchio (425g total), cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 2 cups rocket

  • 12 dates, pitted, quartered lengthwise

  • 90g feta cheese, crumbled

How to make Radicchio and Rocket Salad with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Feta

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Preheat oven to 177°C. Place hazelnuts on baking sheet; toast until fragrant and skins begin to crack, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool briefly. Wrap hazelnuts in kitchen towel; rub briskly to remove as much skin as possible. Chop hazelnuts coarsely; set aside. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Combine vinegars in small bowl. Whisk in olive oil; season with salt and pepper.Combine radicchio, rocket, dates, and hazelnuts in serving bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Sprinkle feta over salad.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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