Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates Recipe

Introduction

This Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates offers a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Packed with crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a sweet, tangy dressing made with medjool dates, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 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

1. Step 1: Combine all ingredients for the sesame dressing in a blender, and let the dates soak and soften while you chop and assemble the salad.
2. 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.
3. Step 3: Once the dates have softened, blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss well to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving for an extra nutty crunch.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein boost.
• Substitute coconut aminos with soy sauce for a different umami flavor, or choose tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Add mandarins or orange segments for a citrusy brightness.
• Toast the almonds lightly to enhance their flavor and crunch.

Storage

Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp. Reheating is not recommended as the fresh ingredients taste best chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra almonds or tofu for protein. The flavorful dressing will still shine with vibrant veggies and dates.

What if I don’t have medjool dates?

You can substitute with other soft dried dates or dried figs. Soak them in warm water briefly to soften before blending into the dressing.

Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 96 reviews

A refreshing and wholesome Chinese Chicken Salad featuring tender cooked chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, vibrant red cabbage and carrots, crunchy almonds, and sweet medjool dates. Tossed in a flavorful homemade sesame dressing made with coconut aminos, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, this salad offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Chinese-American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken (about 2 lb raw weight before cooking)
• 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 ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing Ingredients: Combine all dressing ingredients—including the 2 pitted medjool dates, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, olive oil, toasted sesame oil, garlic clove, ginger, ground black pepper, and sea salt—in a blender. Let the dates soak and soften while assembling the salad components.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed cooked chicken, romaine lettuce, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced almonds, chopped medjool dates, and chopped green onions. Do not add sesame seeds yet if using.
3. Blend the Dressing: After the dates have softened from soaking, blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring the garlic and ginger are fully incorporated.
4. Toss the Salad: Pour the blended sesame dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the dressed salad for an added crunch and nutty flavor before serving immediately.

Notes

• For best texture, use cooked chicken that is cooled before cubing and adding to the salad.
• You can substitute coconut aminos with low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
• The salad is best served fresh to retain crispness of the vegetables.
• To make this salad vegan, substitute cooked chicken with baked tofu or tempeh and ensure the dressing ingredients are vegan-friendly.
• Sesame seeds garnish is optional but adds a nice visual appeal and a subtle crunch.

Keywords: Chinese Chicken Salad, Medjool Dates Salad, Sesame Dressing, Healthy Chicken Salad, Gluten Free Salad, Asian Inspired Salad