Satisfy Your Cravings with our Chicken Cabbage Salad Recipe
Attention foodies! Are you looking for a meal that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? Welcome to my Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad recipe – a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will leave your taste buds singing! This vibrant salad is a fusion of tender chicken, savory herbs, refreshing cabbage, and crunchy veggies, all drizzled with a tangy dressing that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and sour.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded meal that’s packed with nutrients, this recipe has got you covered. Not only is cabbage an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, but chicken provides a lean protein source that’ll keep you feeling full for hours. Plus, mint and basil leaves add an aromatic touch, while the fish sauce gives it an umami flavor that’s quintessentially Vietnamese.
Best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or packing lunch for work, this Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad will make any occasion feel special. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get ready to indulge in light yet satisfying meal bursting with fresh flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a salad recipe that is out of the ordinary? Do you want to savor Vietnamese cuisine in your own kitchen? Then, let me introduce you to this amazing Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad recipe.
This salad is crunchy, flavorful, and packed with fresh herbs and vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying food option. But what makes it so special is the combination of the traditional Vietnamese ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, mint leaves, and basil leaves that add unique flavor layers to the dish.
Plus, this chicken cabbage salad is extremely versatile – it can be served as an appetizer, side dish or even a main course when paired with some crusty bread. You can also add your own spin to it by including your favorite veggies or protein sources like shrimp or tofu.
So why settle for boring salads when you can try something new and delicious today? Trust me; this Vietnamese chicken cabbage salad recipe will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad recipe:
For the salad:
- 2 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage
- 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- juice of 1 lime
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Make sure to have all of these ingredients on hand before starting with the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started with the how-to for this Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad recipe!
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Breast
First, cook the chicken breast either by poaching or grilling them. I prefer to poach the chicken breast as it keeps the meat moist and juicy. For poaching, place the chicken in a pot of water with any aromatics you’d like to add such as ginger or sliced lemon. Bring the water to a boil on medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove chicken from pot and cool completely. Once cooled, shred 2 cups of chicken into bite-size pieces.
Step 2: Cut The Vegetables
Next, slice thinly 4 cups of napa cabbage, 1 cup of green cabbage, and 1 cup of red cabbage. Peel and slice 1 carrot, thinly slice 1 small red onion, and thinly slice 1 red bell pepper. This crunch-tastic combo adds sweetness and texture to our salad.
Step 3: Prepare Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp sugar until the sugar dissolves. Add more sugar if desired according to your taste preference.
Step 4: Mix in Ingredients
Add in all of the prepared vegetables along with shredded chicken (2 cups) into the large mixing bowl containing dressing. Toss everything together until they are coated well.
Step 5: Fresh Herbs and Basil Leaves
Add in fresh herbs such as mint leaves and Vietnamese coriander (rau ram) or regular coriander will work fine too. Tear some basil leaves roughly before throwing them in.
Step 6: Store and Serve
Store in the fridge until ready to serve. When serving, top off the salad with some freshly chopped peanuts and additional herbs.
There you have it! Your very own refreshing Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to experiment with the Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here are some exciting variations that will make your taste buds dance!
– Poached Chicken Breast: Instead of using boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can make use of the poached chicken breast. The poaching process results in moist and flavorful meat that is perfect for salads. Plus, it has fewer calories than pan-seared or rotisserie chicken.
– Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re in a rush and need to prepare the salad quickly, then rotisserie chicken would be your best bet. Just shred the chicken, and your salad will be ready in no time.
– Vegetarian Option: If you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry; we have something for you too! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh to make a healthy and delicious vegetarian version of this salad.
– Fish Sauce Substitute: If you don’t have fish sauce on hand or don’t like its strong flavor, then soy sauce is an excellent alternative. It’s savory and adds a distinct umami flavor to the salad.
– Swap Cabbage Varieties: This recipe uses both Napa cabbage and green cabbage, but feel free to use only one type if that’s all you have on hand. You can also try red cabbage for a new twist on this classic dish.
– Herbs Substitution: Although the recipe calls for basil leaves, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram) and mint leaves, the herb selection can be swapped depending on preference. Use cilantro or parsley leaves instead of the traditional herbs for an entirely different flavor profile.
These substitutions and variations offer limitless possibilities and personalized taste preferences to conform more closely to your taste buds — so dare to experiment!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve whipped up this crunchy Vietnamese chicken cabbage salad, serving it up is a total breeze. The salad is best served chilled, so make sure it’s had enough time to cooled after you’ve tossed in all the ingredients.
To serve, dish the salad into a large bowl or individual serving plates. The vibrant colors and fresh herbs are sure to stand out and leave your family and guests salivating.
This salad can work as a stand-alone meal or paired with other dishes such as rice or noodles. It also pairs really well with grilled meats such as pork or beef, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to your meal.
If you’re creating a more traditional Vietnamese feast, try serving it alongside other classic dishes like chicken congee or goi salad. Trust me – your taste buds will thank you.
Don’t forget about drinks! A crisp lager beer or light white wine can complement the fresh flavors of this salad perfectly. However, if you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, try pairing it with Vietnamese iced coffee or a refreshing glass of unsweetened iced tea.
Overall, the possibilities for pairing this delicious Vietnamese chicken cabbage salad are endless. So get creative and let your taste buds run wild!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making ahead and storing this Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad Recipe is simple and straightforward. You can easily prepare the chicken salad and the dressing ingredients in advance, then store them in separate containers until it’s time to assemble the salad for a quick and healthy meal.
To make ahead, cook and shred the chicken and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Also, you can shred the cabbage, carrots, and onions and store them in a separate container in your fridge. Keep the fresh herbs like mint and basil leaves refrigerated as well until they’re ready to use.
For best results, don’t mix everything together until you’re ready to serve. That way, you’ll maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables, and they won’t turn soggy. Instead, you can just layer all the ingredients on top of each other into a container or serving dish and add your dressing right before serving.
In terms of re-heating, it’s not necessary since most of the ingredients are served cold. However, if you want to warm up your chicken or keep your vegetables from being too chilly, you can heat up a small amount of oil in a pan and lightly sauté them until warm.
Overall, this Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad Recipe is perfect for making ahead or meal prepping for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Store leftovers with dressing separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
Tips for Perfect Results
When making Vietnamese chicken cabbage salad, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the perfect flavor and texture.
First, make sure to shred the cabbage finely. Finely shredded cabbage will help you get the crunch you’re looking for in a Vietnamese salad. Use a mandoline slicer or food processor to evenly slice the cabbage.
Secondly, poaching chicken is a great technique for getting moist and tender chicken. You can either poach bone-in chicken breasts for 40 minutes or boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 20 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Thirdly, use fresh herbs such as mint leaves and basil to add aromatic flavors to your salad. Shred them finely and use them as a garnish on top of your salad.
Fourthly, don’t forget the zest from lime! The zest gives it an extra limey flavor that complements the fish sauce dressing well.
Lastly, marinate the shredded chicken in the dressing before mixing them with the rest of the salad ingredients. This will help infuse the flavor into the chicken and make every bite more flavorful.
Follow these tips and enjoy your delicious Vietnamese chicken cabbage salad!
FAQ
Before we wrap up this recipe article, let’s take some time to address common questions and concerns regarding Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad. Whether you’re a beginner or have made it before, it’s important to clarify any uncertainties so that you can confidently prepare this dish with ease. So, let’s dive into the frequently asked questions and clear any doubts you may have about this yummy dish!
What is goi in Vietnamese?
Goi ga, also known as Vietnamese chicken salad, is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine. This salad is served cold and is made from chicken, cabbage, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), and fried shallots, and then it’s topped with nuoc cham. Although these are the classic ingredients, there are variations where other vegetables are used.
Are Vietnamese salads healthy?
This recipe is a delectable and nourishing option for those who crave Vietnamese flavors. It consists of a mix of crisp veggies, fragrant herbs, and tender chicken. The dish features an assortment of sauces and seasonings, which come together to create a tasty and healthy salad. With wholesome ingredients such as these, you can enjoy a low-calorie meal that is packed with protein and vitamin C.
What are the benefits of Vietnamese salad?
Vietnamese cuisine offers a variety of soups and salads that pack a punch of vitamins and antioxidants. These dishes are made with fresh herbs, spices, vegetables and lean proteins which promote healthy aging by combating free radicals in the body. Specifically, Vitamin E and A are bountiful in these healing dishes.
How many calories are in a chicken Goi salad?
This Roll’d Goi Vietnamese Salad Poached Chicken Breast, made for one serving, provides a calorie count of 246 and zero grams of total carbs, net carbs, fat, and protein.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad recipe is a must-try for those who love the vibrant and fresh flavors of Asian cuisine. With its combination of tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and an array of fresh herbs and vegetables, this salad is perfect for any occasion – from a light lunch to a dinner party. The dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and rice vinegar adds a tangy-sweet flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
I hope this recipe has inspired you to explore the world of Vietnamese cuisine and try your hand at creating this delicious salad. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients or make substitutions based on your personal preferences. With its versatility and simplicity, this salad can easily be customized to suit any taste palette.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some fresh veggies, fire up the grill, and get ready to experience the tantalizing flavors of Vietnam with this amazing Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad recipe!
Vietnamese Chicken Cabbage Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, shredded
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (I used cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
- 2 cups finely shredded cabbage, savoy or 2 cups napa cabbage
- 3/4 cup carrot, shredded
- 1/2 cup mint leaf
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
Instructions
- Cover chicken with water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat until for 10-15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Shred chicken.
- Mix lime juice, fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and black pepper in a bowl. Wisk to combine and make sure that sugar is dissolved.
- Add the thinly sliced onion to the mixture. Set aside and let sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
- Add the cabbage,carrot, and cooled shredded chicken to the onion mixture.
- Served chilled or at room temperature.