Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad (Paleo, Gluten-Free)

Craving something crisp, colorful, and packed with flavor? This Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad has tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a naturally sweet sesame dressing. It’s refreshing, protein-rich, and perfect for quick healthy meals.

Why You’ll Love This Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad

This Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad is a restaurant-style favorite made healthier for your table. It skips added sugars and processed ingredients, relying on fresh vegetables and dates for natural sweetness. The crunchy mix of romaine, red cabbage, and carrots pairs beautifully with juicy chicken and nutty almonds, giving every bite a mix of texture.

Because it’s loaded with lean protein, this salad will keep you full and satisfied while staying completely Whole30, Paleo, and gluten-free. The sesame dressing has a sweet, tangy, and umami balance that feels indulgent without straying from clean ingredients.

It also works well for meal prep. You can chop and store the veggies ahead, cook a big batch of chicken, and blend the dressing in minutes. When you’re ready, just toss and serve. It’s light yet filling, crunchy yet creamy, and always satisfying. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch that travels well, this recipe delivers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salad Ingredients

Start with 2 cups of cubed cooked chicken, which you can make fresh or grab from a leftover rotisserie. This adds lean protein that makes the salad hearty enough for a full meal. Add 4 cups of romaine lettuce for a fresh, crisp base. Next, layer in 1 cup shredded red cabbage for color and crunch; green cabbage works too if that’s what you have.

For sweetness and vibrant color, use 1 cup of shredded carrots. Add a nutty crunch with ½ cup sliced almonds; cashews can be swapped in for a creamier texture. Toss in 2 chopped medjool dates for bursts of natural sweetness that balance the tangy dressing. Finish with 2 chopped green onions for freshness. If you like a little garnish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch.

Whole30 Sesame Dressing

The dressing is where this salad shines. Blend 2 medjool dates with 3 tbsp coconut aminos for a soy-free, salty-sweet base. Add 3 tbsp rice vinegar for tang, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil for richness. A single garlic clove and ½ inch fresh ginger give it bold flavor, while ½ tsp black pepper and ¼ tsp sea salt round it out.

The dates soften in the liquid before blending, creating a smooth, creamy texture without any refined sugar. The result is a dressing that clings beautifully to the veggies and chicken, making every bite pop.

How to Make Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step)

Prepare the Dressing

Place the dates, coconut aminos, vinegar, oils, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper into a blender. Let the dates soften for a few minutes while you prep the vegetables. Then blend until smooth and creamy. The dressing should be thick but pourable with a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

Chop and Assemble the Salad

While the dressing rests, chop your lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Shred the cabbage and carrots if not already prepped. Dice the chicken into cubes and slice the green onions. Add everything to a large salad bowl, including the chopped dates and sliced almonds. This mix of crunchy, tender, and sweet ingredients is the heart of the dish.

Toss and Serve

Pour the blended sesame dressing over the salad. Toss gently until every piece is coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you like, then serve right away for the freshest crunch. For meal prep, store the salad and dressing separately, then toss just before eating. This keeps everything crisp and vibrant.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

For a shortcut, pick up a store-bought rotisserie chicken and cube it. It saves time while keeping the recipe Whole30 friendly. If you don’t have red cabbage, green cabbage works fine, though the color won’t be as bold. Cashews can replace almonds for a softer bite, or you can even use sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free option.

This salad is best served fresh, but you can chop and store the veggies in airtight containers up to two days in advance. Keep the dressing in a jar in the fridge for up to four days and shake before using. If making ahead, wait to toss until serving so the lettuce stays crisp.

Another fun variation is to add sliced bell peppers for even more crunch or swap romaine for spinach for a softer texture. You can even grill the chicken for extra smoky flavor. However you mix it, this salad remains a flexible, meal-prep friendly option that keeps you full without weighing you down.

Conclusion

This Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad is crunchy, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavor. With its sweet sesame dressing and high-protein base, it’s both nourishing and satisfying. Best of all, it’s Paleo, gluten-free, and perfect for busy days when you need something quick yet wholesome. Try it as a weeknight dinner, a packed work lunch, or a refreshing side dish that everyone will love.

If you’re looking for more healthy meals, check out my favorite chicken recipes or browse the latest recent recipes. For even more ideas, you’ll find plenty of inspiration on my Pinterest boards