Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates

Crisp romaine, tender chicken, and a silky sesame dressing made with naturally sweet medjool dates — this Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates is everything a satisfying meal should be. Bright, crunchy, and packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors, it proves that clean eating never has to feel like a compromise. Whether you’re deep into a Whole30 round or simply craving a lighter dinner that still delivers, this salad brings serious flavor without a single off-plan ingredient. You’ll learn how to build the perfect salad base, blend a restaurant-worthy date-sweetened dressing, and customize the dish to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates is one of those rare dishes that manages to be completely compliant and completely craveable at the same time. The combination of shredded red cabbage, crunchy sliced almonds, and crisp romaine creates layers of texture in every bite, while the sesame date dressing ties everything together with a deep, nutty sweetness. Natural Delights medjool dates replace refined sugar in the dressing, keeping the entire recipe 100% Whole30 approved. It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or a crowd-pleasing lunch. There’s no cooking required beyond preparing your chicken in advance. It’s fresh, vibrant, satisfying, and proof that a Whole30 Chinese chicken salad can be just as exciting as anything you’d order at a restaurant.

Ingredients List for the Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates

Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients before you start. The dressing and salad components are listed separately to keep your prep organized and efficient.

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken (about 2lb 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)

For the Sesame Date 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

Pro Tips

Getting the most out of this Whole30 Chinese chicken salad comes down to a few key techniques.

Soak the dates long enough. The dressing only blends smooth when the dates have fully softened. Drop them into the dressing liquids first thing, before you do anything else. Even five to ten extra minutes makes a significant difference in texture.

Dry your greens thoroughly. Excess moisture on romaine or cabbage will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy within minutes. Spin your greens in a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels before assembling.

Use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken. This shortcut saves serious time without sacrificing flavor. Cube or shred it slightly larger than bite-size so the chicken holds its own against the bold dressing and crunchy toppings. Chilling your chicken before adding it keeps the salad refreshingly cold from the first bite.

Instructions

Step 1: Combine all ingredients for the sesame dressing in a blender, and let the dates soak and soften while you chop and put together the salad.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the salad, except sesame seeds.

Step 3: Once the dates have softened a bit, blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss together to coat.

Step 5: If using, sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Variations

This Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates is incredibly versatile, and a few simple swaps can take it in exciting new directions.

Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small piece of fresh jalapeño directly to the blender with the dressing ingredients. The heat balances beautifully against the natural sweetness of the medjool dates.

Swap the protein. Grilled shrimp or thinly sliced flank steak work wonderfully in place of chicken. Both options keep the recipe completely Whole30 compliant while giving the salad a different flavor profile that feels entirely new.

Add more crunch. Toss in julienned cucumber, thinly sliced snap peas, or mandarin orange segments for a Whole30 Chinese chicken salad variation that leans even fresher and more produce-forward. Each addition adds color, crunch, and a burst of brightness that pairs naturally with the sesame dressing.

Storage and Serving

Storage: For best results, store the salad components and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chopped salad base stays fresh for up to three days. The sesame date dressing keeps well refrigerated for up to five days — simply shake or stir before using. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately, as the greens will wilt within a few hours.

Serving: Serve this Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates chilled, straight from the refrigerator. It makes an excellent standalone lunch or a light dinner paired with a simple side of roasted vegetables or compliant soup. For meal prep, portion the salad into individual containers and pack the dressing separately to keep everything crisp until you’re ready to eat.

FAQs

Is this salad truly Whole30 compliant?
Yes. Every ingredient in this recipe, including the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and Natural Delights medjool dates, meets Whole30 guidelines. Always double-check your specific brand labels to confirm no non-compliant additives are included.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely. The sesame date dressing actually tastes even better after sitting overnight, as the flavors meld together. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to five days.

What can I use instead of coconut aminos?
Coconut aminos are the best Whole30-approved substitute for soy sauce in this recipe. There is no direct swap that maintains both the flavor and compliance, so this ingredient is strongly recommended.

Can I use a different lettuce?
Yes. Napa cabbage, butter lettuce, or a mixed green blend all work well in this Whole30 Chinese chicken salad recipe. Choose whatever variety you enjoy most or have on hand.

Do I have to use a blender for the dressing?
A blender produces the smoothest, creamiest result and is highly recommended. A food processor works as a secondary option, though the texture may be slightly less silky depending on how well your dates soften before blending.

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