Lately, this Chinese chicken salad has been my go-to when I want something fresh but still deeply satisfying.
There’s something grounding about tossing together crisp greens, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables, then finishing it all with a silky sesame dressing that’s naturally sweetened with dates.
It comes together in minutes, yet feels thoughtful and nourishing—one of those simple meals that quietly becomes part of your weekly rhythm.
For the Chinese Chicken Salad
- Chicken – cooked and cubed for convenience; it makes this salad filling and protein-rich without any extra prep.
- Romaine Lettuce – crisp and refreshing, it provides a sturdy base that holds up well to the dressing.
- Red Cabbage – adds crunch, color, and a subtle peppery bite.
- Carrots – lightly sweet and crunchy, they balance the savory elements of the salad.
- Sliced Almonds – bring nuttiness and texture to every bite.
- Medjool Dates – chopped dates add natural sweetness without refined sugar.
- Green Onions – give the salad a mild onion flavor and a fresh finish.
- Sesame Seeds (optional) – a simple garnish that adds visual appeal and a hint of toasted flavor.
For the Sesame Dressing
- Medjool Dates – the base of the dressing’s sweetness, blended smooth for a creamy texture.
- Coconut Aminos – a Whole30-friendly alternative to soy sauce that adds savory depth.
- Rice Vinegar – provides acidity to balance the sweetness and richness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – adds body and smoothness to the dressing.
- Toasted Sesame Oil – delivers that signature nutty, sesame-forward flavor.
- Garlic – sharp and aromatic, it enhances the overall savoriness.
- Fresh Ginger – adds warmth and brightness to the dressing.
- Black Pepper – gives a gentle kick without overpowering the flavors.
- Sea Salt – ties everything together and enhances the natural flavors.
Fast Delicious Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates
This crisp chicken salad brings together fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a lightly sweet sesame dressing made with dates. It’s quick to assemble, full of texture, and balanced with savory and naturally sweet flavors—perfect for an easy lunch or light dinner.
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Servings: 6
Notes
Ingredients
Salad- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken (about 2 lb raw)
- 4 cups 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
- Optional sesame seeds, for garnish
- 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
Instructions
- Add all dressing ingredients to a blender. Allow the dates to soften while you prepare the salad components.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, romaine, cabbage, carrots, almonds, chopped dates, and green onions. Do not add sesame seeds yet.
- Blend the dressing until completely smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Finish with sesame seeds if desired, then serve immediately.
- Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Absolutely. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie bird. Just cube or shred it and you’re good to go—no extra cooking required.
- Do I really need to soak the dates first?
If your dates are soft and sticky, you can skip it. But if they’re a bit firm, letting them sit in the dressing ingredients for a few minutes makes a big difference. Softer dates = smoother, creamier dressing.
- What can I use if I don’t have coconut aminos?
If you’re not strictly Whole30, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari works just fine. The flavor will be slightly saltier, so taste before adding extra seasoning.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes—with one small rule. Prep everything in advance, but keep the dressing separate. Toss it together just before serving so the lettuce stays crisp and fresh.
- Is there a substitute for Medjool dates?
Medjool dates are ideal because they blend smoothly and add caramel-like sweetness. In a pinch, raisins or dried apricots will work, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
