Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad – Delicious & Easy Recipe

Name: Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad – Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cubed cooked chicken (about 2 lbs raw); 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 cup shredded red cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 2 Natural Delights® pitted Medjool dates, chopped; 2 green onions, chopped; Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); **Sesame Dressing:**; 2 Natural Delights® pitted Medjool dates; 3 tbsp coconut aminos; 3 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 1 garlic clove, peeled; 1/2 inch fresh ginger; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp sea salt

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Some dinners just click into place. One hot August evening, I had cold chicken in the fridge, half a cabbage I couldn’t ignore, and a bowl of dates I’d been picking at all week. I tossed them together, added a quick dressing, and wow. This Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates became an instant keeper crisp, sweet, savory, and totally satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad

This salad checks all the boxes: it’s crunchy, colorful, protein-packed, and full of bold flavor. Better yet, it’s completely Whole30, paleo, and gluten-free.

The mix of shredded veggies with juicy chicken and sweet Medjool dates creates the kind of flavor balance that makes each bite interesting. You’ve got crunch from almonds, brightness from green onion, and just enough sweetness from those tender, fiber-rich dates to pull it all together. It’s clean, real food but it tastes like something from your favorite takeout spot.

And the sesame dressing? Tangy, creamy, and naturally sweet, thanks again to Medjool dates. This is a no-guilt, all-reward kind of meal.

Close-up of Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with creamy sesame dressing, fresh vegetables, and chopped dates

Ingredients for the Salad

Fresh Salad Components

Here’s everything you need for the base of this dish:

Chicken: 2 cups cubed cooked chicken (roughly 2 lbs raw), great use for leftovers or rotisserie
Romaine lettuce: 4 cups, chopped — refreshing and crisp
Red cabbage: 1 cup shredded, brings color and crunch
Carrots: 1 cup shredded, slightly sweet and earthy
Almonds: 1/2 cup sliced (or swap with chopped cashews)
Natural Delights® Medjool dates: 2 pitted, chopped — little bites of caramel-like sweetness
Green onions: 2, chopped for bite and brightness
Sesame seeds: optional garnish, for extra toasty flair

Customization Tips

No red cabbage? Green cabbage works just as well. You can also swap almonds for cashews if that’s what you have. And don’t overthink the chicken use roasted thighs, poached breasts, or leftover rotisserie. This salad wants to be easy.

Naturally Sweet & Savory Sesame Dressing

Dressing Ingredients Breakdown

This dressing is the star of the dish. It’s sweet, tangy, and creamy, with just enough depth from toasted sesame oil. Here’s what you’ll need:

Natural Delights® Medjool dates (2): soften and blend for natural sweetness
Coconut aminos (3 tbsp): savory and soy-free
Rice vinegar (3 tbsp): adds a gentle tang
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): rich and smooth
Toasted sesame oil (1 tbsp): nutty and deep
Garlic clove (1): punch of flavor
Fresh ginger (1/2 inch): sharp and zesty
Black pepper (1/2 tsp) and sea salt (1/4 tsp): balance and bite

Why Use Medjool Dates in the Dressing?

Medjool dates bring more than sweetness. They add texture, fiber, and that warm caramel flavor you just can’t get from sugar or syrup. Plus, Natural Delights® dates are Non-GMO and pesticide-free, so you can feel good about what’s going into your blender.

Plated Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad topped with sesame seeds and creamy dressing on white plate

How to Make Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 – Blend the Dressing

dd all your dressing ingredients to a blender. Let the dates soak in the liquids for a few minutes so they blend smoother. Then blitz until creamy. That’s it.

Step 2 – Prep and Combine Salad Ingredients

While the dates soften, chop your lettuce, cabbage, carrots, chicken, and onions. Toss them together in a big bowl with the chopped dates and almonds. You’ll want room to mix!

Pouring creamy sesame dressing over Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad ingredients in glass bowl

Step 3 – Toss and Serve

Pour that dreamy sesame dressing over the top. Use tongs to toss until everything’s coated. Sprinkle sesame seeds if you like, and serve right away.

Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates – Recipe Card

More Such Recipes

If you loved this one, try pairing it with my Grilled California Avocado Chicken for a protein-packed summer salad or pack it alongside these Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps with a bold, Asian-inspired flavor. You might also enjoy this Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad for a light and crunchy side, or explore my Chinese Chicken Breast Salad with a tangy homemade dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, with a couple of tips. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. Store the chopped ingredients in an airtight container, and add the almonds and dressing right before serving for best texture.

What can I use instead of dates?

If you’re not Whole30, you could use dried figs or a small splash of honey. But for Whole30, Medjool dates are your best bet for that touch of sweetness.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It holds up well, especially if you pack the dressing separately. It’s a balanced lunch with protein, veggies, and healthy fat, all in one bowl.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed meal that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates delivers. It’s colorful, nourishing, and full of texture and it just might become your new weekly staple.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Leave a comment or connect with me on Pinterest or Facebook let’s keep sharing real meals that feel as good as they taste.