There’s something so grounding about the rhythm of chopping vegetables in the afternoon sun. I made this Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad one Sunday when I was craving something light but bold, with layers of crunch and zing. The moment the sesame dressing hit the bowl, the kitchen filled with garlic and ginger and this cozy, nutty aroma that had me grinning before the first bite. This isn’t just a salad—it’s a satisfying, Whole30-friendly hug in a bowl.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad
This Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad is the kind of recipe you keep coming back to. It’s vibrant, crunchy, and full of bold, satisfying flavor.
You’ll love how fast it comes together, especially if you have leftover chicken or a rotisserie bird on hand. Every bite bursts with texture—from crisp romaine and cabbage to tender dates and toasty almonds. And the sesame date dressing? Sweet, savory, and so creamy without a drop of added sugar.
Also, it’s gluten-free, Paleo, and Whole30-approved. Whether you’re meal prepping lunches for the week or pulling together a quick dinner, this salad fits the bill beautifully.
Clean Ingredients for a Whole30-Friendly Chinese Chicken Salad
Salad Base
This isn’t your average chicken salad. It starts with a sturdy, crunchy base that holds up beautifully even after dressing.
- Chicken: Cooked and cubed—grilled, poached, or rotisserie all work
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing
- Shredded cabbage: Red for color or green if that’s what you have
- Carrots: Shredded for sweetness and crunch
- Almonds or cashews: Add that toasty, nutty layer
- Natural Delights® Medjool dates: Chopped for natural sweetness
- Green onions: A gentle bite of freshness
- Sesame seeds (optional): A lovely little garnish
Sesame Date Dressing
The star of the show. Creamy, punchy, and slightly sweet thanks to dates.
- Medjool dates: Naturally sweet and packed with fiber
- Coconut aminos: Adds that umami, soy-like flavor without the soy
- Rice vinegar: Balances it all with a gentle tang
- Olive oil & toasted sesame oil: Richness and depth
- Garlic & fresh ginger: Bold flavor boosters
- Sea salt & black pepper: Essential finishing touches
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Step-by-Step
1. Prep the dressing
First, toss all the dressing ingredients into a blender. Let the dates soak in the liquid for a few minutes while you prep the veggies. This softens them and makes blending smooth and easy.
Once they’re soft, blend until the dressing is creamy and golden, with little flecks of ginger and garlic swirling through.
2. Chop and assemble the salad
Meanwhile, chop your lettuce, cabbage, carrots, onions, and dates. Add everything—along with the cooked chicken and almonds or cashews—to a big mixing bowl.
You want a mix of sizes and textures here, so don’t be afraid to keep things rustic.
3. Toss and garnish
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until every leaf is glossy and every piece gets a little love. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you like a finishing crunch.
Now serve it up. Or pack it away for lunch—you’ll thank yourself later.
Tips for the Best Chinese Chicken Salad
- Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and still gives you juicy, flavorful bites.
- Switch up the nuts: Cashews give a lovely buttery crunch if you’re out of almonds.
- Taste your dressing: Add more vinegar if you like extra tang, or a bit more sesame oil if you want it richer.
And don’t skip the soaking step with the dates—it makes the whole dressing silky smooth.
Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Sesame Date Dressing
PrintWhole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Sesame Date Dressing
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A bold and crunchy Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad tossed with a sweet and savory sesame date dressing. Perfect for meal prep, lunches, or a light dinner.
Ingredients
2 cups cubed cooked chicken (about 2 lbs raw)
4 cups romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded red cabbage (or green cabbage)
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup sliced almonds (or chopped cashews)
2 chopped Natural Delights® pitted medjool dates
2 chopped green onions
Optional: sesame seeds 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 ginger
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
1. Add all dressing ingredients to a blender and let dates soak while prepping salad.
2. Chop all salad ingredients and combine in a large mixing bowl.
3. Blend dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat evenly.
5. Top with sesame seeds if using and serve immediately.
Notes
This recipe is Whole30, Paleo, and gluten-free.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Coconut aminos provide umami flavor without soy or added sugar.
Medjool dates add natural sweetness and fiber.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 361
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 464mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 97mg
Related Recipes to Try
Looking for something sweet to balance your week? Try my Flourless Pumpkin Muffins with Cozy Fall Spices for a nourishing breakfast.
Or for a quick treat, Cinnamon Muffins – A Quick and Easy Treat always bring warm, nostalgic joy.
For a chocolate fix, Sour Cream Chocolate Chip Muffins for Moist Perfection are soft and dreamy.
And if it’s still pumpkin season, my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe is a crowd favorite.
Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad FAQ
What not to do when preparing chicken salad?
Don’t overdress it. A soggy salad loses its charm quickly. Also, don’t skip the seasoning. Even a Whole30 salad needs salt, acid, and that creamy balance to shine.
What is in a Chinese chicken salad?
Typically, it includes shredded chicken, crunchy greens, carrots, cabbage, nuts, and a sesame-soy dressing. This version swaps in Whole30-friendly ingredients and keeps the spirit of the dish.
Can you have chicken salad on Whole30?
Yes! As long as all ingredients are Whole30-compliant. That means no sugar, dairy, or processed sauces. This recipe uses dates and coconut aminos to keep it flavorful and on-plan.
How long is Chinese chicken salad good for?
It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you plan to store it, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to preserve the crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad is bold, fresh, and totally satisfying. It checks all the boxes—crunchy, creamy, savory, sweet. Whether you’re deep in a Whole30 round or just looking for something wholesome and flavorful, it’s a winning meal every time.
And if you’re ever craving more cozy, nourishing ideas, I’ve been pinning all my favorites over on Pinterest. Come say hi!
