Description

This refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates combines tender cooked chicken with crisp romaine lettuce, shredded cabbage and carrots, crunchy almonds, and sweet medjool dates. The Paleo and gluten-free dressing, made with coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil, brings a tangy and slightly sweet flavor balanced by fresh ginger and garlic. Easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, this salad offers wonderful textures and a delightful blend of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad 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

Dressing Ingredients

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

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing Ingredients: Combine all the ingredients for the sesame dressing in a blender. Let the dates soak and soften while you prepare the salad ingredients; this will help create a smooth, creamy dressing.
Assemble the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed cooked chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced almonds, chopped dates, and chopped green onions. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
Blend the Dressing: Once the dates in the blender have softened, blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring that garlic and ginger are fully incorporated for balanced flavor.
Toss the Salad: Pour the freshly blended dressing over the salad mixture. Toss the salad thoroughly but gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving to add an extra layer of texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best freshness.

Notes

You can use leftover cooked chicken or roast chicken breasts specifically for the salad.
For a nut-free version, substitute sliced almonds with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit altogether.
Adjust the amount of dates in the dressing depending on desired sweetness.
If you don’t have coconut aminos, low-sodium tamari or soy sauce can be a substitute, but note that those are not Paleo.
This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; toss again before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired

Keywords: Chinese chicken salad, Paleo salad, gluten free salad, chicken salad with dates, healthy chicken salad, low carb salad