Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that bursts with freshness, crunch, and a balance of savory and sweet, this Whole30 chinese chicken salad is about to become your new obsession. Crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a punchy sesame dressing naturally sweetened with dates come together in a bowl that’s honestly irresistible. Whether you’re following a Paleo or gluten-free lifestyle or just craving a wholesome, lighter meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this salad delivers in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this salad is how each ingredient plays a role: the crisp veggies, toasted nuts, and juicy chicken make for a satisfying, colorful meal. Even better, the naturally sweet and umami-packed dressing ties everything together perfectly.

• Cooked chicken: Use about 2 cups of cubed chicken—rotisserie or leftover chicken breast works wonderfully for quick assembly.
• Romaine lettuce: Crisp and mild, romaine serves as the ultimate crunchy base for the salad.
• Red cabbage: This adds a bold pop of color and satisfying crunch that makes every bite lively.
• Shredded carrots: Their gentle sweetness and bright hue round out the veggie mix beautifully.
• Sliced almonds: Essential for crunch and a toasty note—lightly toast them for best flavor if you have a minute.
• Pitted medjool dates: Tossed into the salad and blended into the dressing, dates offer natural sweetness without any refined sugar.
• Green onions: For freshness and a bit of zip, a few chopped green onions are the perfect addition.
• Sesame seeds (optional): A classic garnish for a little extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
• Coconut aminos: This is a Whole30-friendly, gluten-free stand-in for soy sauce that brings irresistible umami.
• Rice vinegar: Zippy and mild, rice vinegar adds essential tang to the dressing.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Smooth and rich, it helps blend the dressing for a luscious texture.
• Toasted sesame oil: Just a tablespoon adds a fragrant, nutty depth that is absolute magic in the dressing.
• Garlic and fresh ginger: These aromatics bring warmth and boldness to your homemade dressing.
• Ground black pepper and sea salt: Just a touch keeps the flavors bright and balanced.

How to Make chinese chicken salad

Step 1: Soak the Dates for the Dressing

Start by assembling all the dressing ingredients in your blender or food processor. Allow the pitted medjool dates to sit with the liquid components (coconut aminos, vinegar, and oils) while you prep the salad—this softens them and ensures your dressing becomes extra creamy and smooth!

Step 2: Chop and Prepare the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, pile in the chopped romaine, shredded red cabbage, carrots, cubed cooked chicken, sliced almonds, chopped dates, and green onions. The gorgeous mix of colors will have you anticipating every forkful. If you love extra crunch, toss in a few more almonds or cabbage.

Step 3: Blend the Sesame Dressing

By now the dates have had time to soften, making a seamless dressing easy to achieve. Blend everything together until the mixture is velvety and creamy, with no big chunks of ginger or garlic left. Taste and adjust for salt or pepper as desired—the flavor should be bright, savory, and just sweet enough.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Pour that luscious dressing over the bowl of salad and, using tongs or clean hands, give everything a generous toss. Make sure every piece of chicken and every ribbon of lettuce gets a coat of dressing. This ensures every bite is packed with the signature flavors of chinese chicken salad.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

If you’re feeling festive (and why not?), sprinkle a handful of sesame seeds over the top. Serve it up right away for peak crispness—this salad is wonderful at room temperature or chilled!

How to Serve chinese chicken salad

Garnishes

Finishing touches like a generous scatter of sesame seeds or extra sliced green onions really make this chinese chicken salad look straight out of a café. For extra flair, add a few extra toasted almonds or a dusting of black pepper just before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re serving guests, pair it with a light side—think mandarin orange slices, a bowl of Asian-style pickled veggies, or even some roasted sweet potatoes for a full Whole30-friendly feast. It also works beautifully next to cauliflower fried rice or simple steamed greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve your chinese chicken salad in individual lettuce cups or layered in glass jars for a perfect make-ahead lunch. On hot days, pile the salad into halved avocados for a fun, fresh twist. For a lunchbox option, keep the dressing on the side and toss just before eating so everything stays crisp!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stored properly, your chinese chicken salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain maximum crunch, or store the fully dressed salad in an airtight container if you want it to soak up extra flavor (just know the veggies may soften a bit).

Freezing

While freezing is not recommended for salads with fresh vegetables (they lose their crispness), you can freeze the cooked chicken on its own for quick meal prep. The sesame dressing can also be frozen in a small jar—just thaw and shake before use.

Reheating

For this salad, reheating isn’t really necessary—chinese chicken salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’re adding freshly cooked warm chicken to the salad, though, let it cool just a bit before tossing to avoid wilting the greens.

FAQs

Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded turkey, shrimp, or even thinly sliced steak would work beautifully and add their own delicious twist to your chinese chicken salad.

What if I don’t have medjool dates?

No problem—other soft, sweet dried fruits like figs or unsulfured apricots can be blended into the dressing. Just be sure to check that your options fit your dietary needs.

Is this chinese chicken salad kid-friendly?

Yes! The natural sweetness from dates and the familiar crunch of veggies often win kids over. You can even let little ones assemble their own bowls and add their favorite toppings.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely. In fact, letting the flavors meld in the fridge for a day makes the dressing even tastier. Store it in a sealed jar and give it a good shake before using.

How do I keep the salad crunchy for lunches all week?

The key is storing the dressing and salad separately. Pack the vegetables, chicken, and nuts in one container, and add the dressing just before serving to keep everything perfectly crisp.

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with this vibrant, Whole30 chinese chicken salad as much as I have! It’s crisp, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up—perfect for lunch, dinner, or sharing at your next gathering. Give it a try and let the fresh flavors and satisfying crunch brighten up your day!

Print