Healthy and Refreshing Salad Perfect for Hot Summer Days
Looking for a salad recipe that is packed with flavor and sure to impress? Look no further than this Vietnamese-style chicken salad recipe. With its fresh, crisp vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and deliciously tangy dressing, this salad is perfect as a main dish or a side.
But why settle for an ordinary salad when you can enjoy the bold flavors of Vietnamese cuisine? This recipe melds classic Vietnamese ingredients like fish sauce and lime juice with crisp vegetables like shredded cabbage and carrots, resulting in a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
And with the addition of unsalted dry roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and mint leaves, every bite explodes with texture and flavor. Whether you’re looking to add some variety to your weekly meal plan or impress dinner guests with your culinary skills, this Vietnamese-style chicken salad is a must-try. So get ready to take your taste buds on a journey to Vietnam with every bite of this delicious salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a foodie who loves exploring different cultures and cuisines, then you’ll absolutely adore Vietnamese-style chicken salad. This recipe boasts an array of fresh and delicious ingredients that are carefully selected to provide the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
One of the reasons why this dish is so popular is its versatility. Vietnamese-style chicken salad can be served as a meal on its own, or as a side dish to compliment any main course. The dish is light yet flavorful, and can easily be customized with different vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the explosion of flavors that come together in each bite. From the tender, thinly sliced chicken breast to the crunchy cabbage, carrots and peanuts, every component adds a unique touch to the dish. A splash of fish sauce, sugar and lime juice combine to create a savory yet tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
What’s more, this salad is not only scrumptious but also nutritious. It is packed with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, which add flavor while providing numerous health benefits. The carrots and cabbage are also rich in vitamins and fiber.
Vietnamese-style chicken salad puts a refreshing twist on classic salads, making it an excellent choice for summertime gatherings or a healthy lunch any day of the week. So discover your new favorite flavor by trying this culinary delight today!
Ingredient List
To create this Vietnamese-Style Chicken Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, grated
- A handful of fresh cilantro leaves
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Fresh coarse ground black pepper
Optional Additions:
- Rice noodles or vermicelli (for a noodle salad)
- Shredded chicken thighs or roasted chicken (for a chicken noodle salad)
- Soy sauce (as a substitute for fish sauce)
These ingredients are essential to create the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition in this Vietnamese Chicken Salad recipe. Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients before starting to cook.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the recipe. I highly recommend cooking the chicken breast the night before and refrigerating it overnight so that it’s easy to shred for this Vietnamese Chicken Salad Recipe. Here is how you can make this dish in no time:
Step 1: Cook The Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breast halves in a pot and add 4 cups of water to cover them. Then, add 1 quartered yellow onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons fish sauce and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Bring it to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Once done, remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool a bit before shredding it into fine pieces with two forks or your hands.
Step 2: Prepare The Vegetables
Slice half of a large red onion, peel and slice 2 large carrots into thin matchsticks, and thinly slice 1/2 of a small green cabbage. Wash and roughly chop 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves and 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves.
Step 3: Make The Dressing
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, Juice of 1 fresh lime, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 4: Assemble The Salad
In a salad bowl or on individual plates, mix together the shredded chicken, sliced onions, shredded cabbage, carrot sticks, chopped herbs, and dressing. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Garnish with some extra herbs or unsalted dry roasted peanuts if desired, then serve immediately.
Note: For an extra crunch, you may cook some rice noodles or vermicelli rice noodles to add into this salad according to Marion Grasby from Marion’s Kitchen.
Substitutions and Variations
One great thing about this Vietnamese-style chicken salad recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily switch up some ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can make:
1. Protein: Instead of using boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, you can opt for chicken thighs, grilled shrimp, or even roasted tofu for a vegetarian option.
2. Vegetables: This recipe uses shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion, but you can experiment with different veggies. Thinly sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or bean sprouts would be great additions.
3. Noodles: Want to turn this into a noodle salad? Simply cook up some vermicelli rice noodles and toss them in with the rest of the ingredients.
4. Dressing: This recipe calls for fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and fresh coarse ground black pepper to make a dressing 1. You can change the ratio of these ingredients to adjust the flavor to your liking–more lime juice if you like it more tangy; more fish sauce if you love it more savory.
5. Herbs: Fresh cilantro and mint add brightness and freshness to this salad. You can substitute basil or skip the herbs altogether if you’re not a fan.
Whatever substitutions or variations you choose, don’t be afraid to get creative! Vietnamese salads are all about fresh ingredients and bold flavors, so feel free to play around with different combinations until you find the perfect mix for your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
This Vietnamese-style chicken salad is packed with bold, zesty flavors that make it a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of other dishes or can be enjoyed on its own. The freshness of the herbs and vegetables in the salad make it perfect for serving as a light lunch or a healthy main course. Here are some ideas for pairing this tasty chicken salad:
– Serve alongside steamed rice: The bright flavors of the salad complement the mildness of plain steamed rice perfectly. Pairing them together adds texture and substance to the meal.
– Add vermicelli rice noodles: For a more filling main course, consider adding cooked vermicelli rice noodles to the salad to create a Vietnamese noodle salad. Tossing in some roasted chicken or grilled shrimp would make for an even tastier dish.
– Pair with pho: When served with spicy, aromatic beef pho soup, this lighter Vietnamese chicken salad makes for a perfect balance in your meal.
– Serve as part of a larger spread: This fresh salad fits perfectly when incorporating it as part of an Asian-inspired menu at potlucks, picnics or dinner parties.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Vietnamese-style chicken salad is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Vietnamese-style chicken salad is perfect for meal prepping as it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. To make the most of your time, prepare the dressing and chicken separately and keep them refrigerated until needed.
If you want to store the salad for a few hours or up to a day, simply keep the dressing separate from the vegetables and meat. Place them in separate containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain their freshness. Store both containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and serve.
When ready to eat, mix the vegetables and chicken together in a large bowl, then drizzle with the dressing. Toss everything gently so that it gets evenly coated with this delicious dressing.
To reheat the chicken, there are two methods that I recommend:
1. On the stovetop: Simply place the shredded chicken in a skillet over medium heat and toss it around for a few minutes until warmed through.
2. In the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread out the shredded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then heat in the oven for 8-10 minutes.
You can also opt for using roasted chicken instead of boiling or grilling it at home which will save some time. Be sure to let leftover roasted chicken cool down before storing it in an airtight container in your fridge or freezer.
Note that if you’re planning on serving this salad as leftovers throughout several days or bringing it to work, divide it into smaller portions before storing so that you can easily grab and go or store it in a resealable bag if you don’t have any airtight containers available.
With these tips, you can enjoy this Vietnamese-style chicken salad whenever you crave its fantastic flavors!
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the keys to making a delicious Vietnamese-Style Chicken Salad is ensuring that all the ingredients are fresh and vibrant. Here are my top tips for perfect results:
1. Cook the chicken just right: To avoid tough or dry chicken, cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer. If you prefer to grill your chicken, make sure to marinate it in fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar for an hour beforehand to enhance its flavor.
2. Shred vegetables thinly: To maximize the texture and bite of the salad, shred the cabbage and carrots thinly with a mandoline or a sharp knife. You can also julienne them if you prefer more delicate strips.
3. Make your own dressing: While pre-made salad dressings may be convenient, nothing beats making your own Vietnamese-style dressing from scratch. Mix together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste buds.
4. Use lots of fresh herbs: A good Vietnamese-style salad should have lots of fresh cilantro and mint leaves for added aroma and freshness. Don’t skimp on these herbs as they can turn a bland salad into something truly special.
5. Roast your peanuts: Toasting unsalted dry roasted peanuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant before sprinkling on top of the salad will lend nutty complexity and crunchiness to each bite.
6. Prep in advance: Save time by preparing some of the ingredients like shredded cabbage, roasted chicken breasts or vermicelli noodles in advance so you can easily assemble them when ready to serve.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a sensational Vietnamese-style chicken salad that’s packed with flavors, textures, and colors.
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions regarding the preparation and execution of Vietnamese-Style Chicken Salad Recipe. Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions along with their corresponding answers to help guide you towards perfecting this delicious and healthy salad. So, let’s get started!
Are Vietnamese salads healthy?
Presenting a savoury and nutritious Vietnamese salad recipe that combines fresh vegetables, herbs and chicken, along with an array of aromatic spices and sauces. This dish is a healthy option, low in calories, high in protein and an excellent source of vitamin C.
What are the macros of Vietnamese chicken salad?
This dish contains a moderate amount of fat, with 11 grams in total. Of that fat, 3 grams are saturated, 2.6 grams are polyunsaturated, and 4.1 grams are monounsaturated. If you are keeping an eye on your cholesterol intake, be aware that this dish contains 66 milligrams, which is 22% of the daily value. This dish is also relatively low in carbohydrates, with only 11 grams total and 1.9 grams of dietary fiber, making up 7% of the daily value. However, it does contain 624 milligrams of sodium, which is approximately 27% of the recommended daily intake.
What is goi in Vietnamese?
Goi ga is a popular Vietnamese salad that is chilled and prepared with chicken, shredded cabbage, rau ram, and fried shallots. The dish is then drizzled with nuoc cham to add flavor. It’s worth noting that this dish often comes with other vegetable variations.
What are the benefits of Vietnamese salad?
Vietnamese cuisine boasts dishes that can support a youthful appearance due to their antioxidant-rich ingredients. Fresh herbs, an abundance of vegetables, and lean proteins found in Vietnamese soups and salads all contribute to high levels of Vitamins E and A. Vitamin E counteracts harmful free radicals in the body, which are mainly responsible for early aging.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, a Vietnamese-style chicken salad recipe is a perfect way to bring a delightful and refreshing Asian flavor to your dining table. This recipe is an excellent option for lunch or dinner, especially during summer days when you want something light and healthy. Using fresh herbs and vegetables along with unsalted dry roasted peanuts make this recipe an irresistible treat.
Furthermore, with the right combination of ingredients and dressing, you can create your own version of this dish, which can be tailored to your taste preferences. It is also exceptionally versatile which means that you can vary the protein using chicken thighs, roasted chicken, and even tofu.
With our detailed instructions, tips, and serving suggestions in mind, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with it as you see fit to match your taste and preference. You’ll find that this recipe satisfies your cravings for Vietnamese cuisine while still being a healthy option. If you’re looking for a fresh and easy-to-make meal with an exotic flair, then this Vietnamese-style chicken salad recipe is what you need!
Vietnamese-Style Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (2 or 3 limes)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons asian fish sauce
- 1/2 small green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, cut into matchstick strips
- 1 small onion, cut in half and thinly sliced
- 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 bunch of fresh mint
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 1/3 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl stir together lime juice, sugar, pepper and 2 tbsp of fish sauce. Add cabbage, carrots and onion. Stir until well combined. Let stand covered at room temperature for up to 1 hour or overnight in refrigerator.
- Prepare charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill for covered direct grilling over a medium heat.
- In a large bowl toss chicken with remaining 2 tbsp of fish sauce. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes turning chicken occasionally. Remove enough leaves from the bunches of mint and cilantro to measure 1/2 cup each packed loosely, chop. Reserve remainder of mint and cilantro sprigs for garnishing if desired.
- Place chicken on a hot grill rack. Close grill and grill until chicken is no longer pink, about 10 to 12 minutes, turning once. Set aside to cool.
- When it is cool enough to handle, pull the chicken into long thin strips. Add the chicken, mint and cilantro to the cabbage mixture.
- Before serving stir in half of peanuts into salad and use remainder for sprinkling on top.