Dinner

Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates Recipe

Name: Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cubed cooked chicken (about 2 lb raw); 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 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 piece fresh ginger; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp sea salt

ByNaomi Fletcher February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

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Introduction

This Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Packed with crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a flavorful date-based dressing, it’s both Paleo and gluten-free. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

A close-up of a colorful salad served on a white plate with a thin silver rim, placed on a white marbled texture. The salad has multiple layers and textures: at the bottom, there are chopped green lettuce leaves and purple cabbage strips, mixed with thin orange carrot shreds; on top, there are browned chicken pieces, small green onion slices, and toasted almond slivers scattered over; a creamy light brown dressing is drizzled across the salad, along with beige sesame seeds sprinkled over all the layers. The salad looks fresh and vibrant, with a mix of crunchy and soft textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 ginger
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Combine all ingredients for the sesame dressing in a blender and let the dates soak and soften while you prepare the salad ingredients.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed cooked chicken, romaine lettuce, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced almonds, chopped dates, and chopped green onions. Do not add sesame seeds yet.
Step 3: Once the dates have softened, blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad just before serving for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
Swap romaine for kale or spinach if you prefer a different leafy green.
For a nuttier dressing, toast the almonds before adding them to the salad.
If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Replace the dates in the dressing with a small amount of honey if not following Whole30 strictly.

Storage

Store any leftover salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain crispness. Reheat is not recommended as the salad is best enjoyed fresh and crunchy.

How to Serve

A close-up of a colorful salad served in a white plate with a thin black rim, filled with layers of chopped green lettuce leaves, thin strips of purple cabbage, and small orange shredded carrots. On top are thick pieces of grilled chicken with a light brown caramelized texture, bright green chopped scallions, and beige almond slices scattered throughout. The salad is drizzled with a creamy golden-brown dressing that adds shine and slight thickness, and sprinkled lightly with white sesame seeds. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of greens instead of romaine?

Yes! Kale, spinach, or mixed salad greens can be great substitutes depending on your preference. Just make sure to chop them finely or massage kale to soften it.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Keep the dressing separate and store the salad components in the fridge. Toss with dressing just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.