Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad with Sweet Dates Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is the star here. Both grilled and rotisserie chicken work great. If you’re short on time, rotisserie is my go-to for its flavor and convenience. You could also use tofu for a vegetarian option!

Mixed Greens: A mix of romaine, napa cabbage, and baby spinach adds crunch and nutrition. If unavailable, consider using kale or arugula. They provide a nice texture, too.

Dates: Chopped dates give a lovely sweetness. If you don’t have dates, try using raisins or dried cranberries instead. They’ll provide similar sweetness and a chewy texture.

Nuts and Seeds: I love using sliced almonds for crunch, but chopped peanuts or cashews work well, too. If you’re allergic, sunflower seeds are a great nut-free substitute.

Coconut: Shredded coconut adds flavor but is optional. If you want a different taste, toasted breadcrumbs can add a nice crunch.

How Do I Make the Dressing Just Right?

The dressing brings all the flavors together, and it’s pretty simple to whip up! Just make sure to balance the salty soy sauce with the sweetness from honey or syrup. Here’s how to get it perfect:

• In a small bowl, start by whisking soy sauce and rice vinegar together.
• Add in sesame oil—this adds a nutty flavor! Then mix in honey for sweetness.
• Finally, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. These add a fresh zing!
• Season with salt and pepper, but remember that soy sauce is salty, so taste before adding too much.

This dressing can also be made in advance, so feel free to whisk it up ahead of time for a quicker salad prep.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (grilled or rotisserie)
• 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, napa cabbage, and baby spinach)
• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/2 cup dates, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts (for crunch)
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Chinese Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Just toss everything together, and you are ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad Base:

In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro if you decided to use it. This colorful blend will form the base of your salad!

2. Add the Chicken and Fruits:

Now, add the shredded chicken to the bowl along with the chopped dates, unsweetened shredded coconut (if you’re including it), nuts for a crunchy texture, and sesame seeds. This combination will give your salad a lovely mix of flavors and textures.

3. Whisk Together the Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, minced fresh ginger, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing will bring all the ingredients together beautifully!

4. Combine and Serve:

Pour the dressing over your salad ingredients and toss everything gently until well coated. It’s all about mixing those tasty flavors! Once tossed, your salad is ready to serve. You can garnish it with a few extra sesame seeds and green onions on top if you like.

Enjoy your lovely Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates! It’s great on its own or as a side dish, and it’s sure to impress your family or guests!

Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?

Absolutely! You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, whether it’s grilled, rotisserie, or even leftover baked chicken. Just ensure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and eating!

What Can I Substitute for the Dates?

If you’re not a fan of dates, you can substitute them with other dried fruits such as dried cranberries or apricots for a similar sweetness. Fresh fruits like sliced apples or pears can also work, just keep in mind that they may alter the texture slightly!

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting. You can also keep the dressing in a jar for up to a week!

Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

Yes! To make this salad vegan, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and replace honey with maple syrup. You can also use a vegan soy sauce to enhance the flavor without any animal products!