Paleo-Friendly Chinese Chicken Salad – Fresh, Crunchy & Clean-Eating Approved!

If you’re following a paleo lifestyle but still crave something flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying, this Paleo-Friendly Chinese Chicken Salad is your dream dish.

It’s packed with shredded chicken, crisp cabbage, vibrant veggies, and tossed in a delicious sesame-ginger dressing—with no refined sugars, grains, or soy in sight.

This salad is light, protein-packed, and nutrient-dense, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

And with a dressing that’s naturally sweetened and soy-free, you’ll get all the classic Chinese chicken salad flavor while sticking to your clean-eating goals.

Why You’ll Love This Paleo Chinese Chicken Salad

🥗 Crunchy and colorful, loaded with fresh veggies
🐔 High-protein and satisfying, thanks to shredded chicken
🌱 Whole30 & paleo-compliant, with clean, simple ingredients
🥢 Savory-sweet sesame dressing, with no added sugar or soy
⏱️ Quick and easy, ready in 20 minutes or less

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• 1 large carrot, shredded or julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup toasted almonds or sunflower seeds (no sugar added)
• Optional: chopped cilantro, fresh basil, or mint for extra flavor

For the Paleo Sesame Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (soy-free alternative)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1–2 teaspoons raw honey (omit for Whole30)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Paleo Chinese Chicken Salad

🥗 In a large bowl, combine the green and red cabbage, chicken, carrots, bell pepper, and green onions. Add cilantro or other herbs if using.

🥄 In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lime for tang or more honey for sweetness.

🍗 Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well until everything is coated.

🌿 Sprinkle with toasted almonds or seeds, and chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

🥑 Add sliced avocado for healthy fats and creaminess
🥬 Mix in baby spinach, arugula, or romaine for extra greens
🍊 Toss in orange or mandarin slices (fresh, not canned)
🌶️ Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeño for a spicy kick
🥒 Use spiralized cucumber or zucchini for a noodle-like crunch

Tips for the Best Paleo Chicken Salad

✔ Use pre-cooked or rotisserie-style chicken (homemade if Whole30) for a quick meal
✔ Prep the dressing ahead of time—it stores well for several days
✔ Toast your nuts/seeds lightly for maximum flavor and crunch
✔ Let the salad sit a bit after dressing—it helps the flavors meld

Storage

📦 Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
🍴 Best served chilled or at room temperature
💧 Store dressing separately if making ahead to preserve crunch

Final Thoughts

This Paleo-Friendly Chinese Chicken Salad is crisp, clean, and bursting with flavor, without any of the added sugars, grains, or dairy you’re avoiding.

It’s perfect for anyone looking for a light but satisfying meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing taste.

Enjoy it as a quick lunch, a dinner, or a full meal—and feel good about every bite! 🥗🐔🥢