Vietnamese Chicken Salad, known as Gỏi Gà, is a refreshing and vibrant dish bursting with flavors and textures. This salad combines tender shredded chicken with crisp vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and fresh herbs such as mint and cilantro, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili peppers. Topped with crunchy roasted peanuts and fried shallots, this salad offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that make it a perfect light meal or a side dish. Vietnamese Chicken Salad is not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes, with its colorful presentation and aromatic freshness making it a popular choice for warm weather dining.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably from a poached or roasted chicken)
- 3 cups shredded cabbage (green, red, or a mix)
- 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional), roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons roasted peanuts, crushed
- 2 tablespoons fried shallots
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1/4 cup warm water to dissolve the sugar
Directions:
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, chopped chili, and warm water until the sugar is fully dissolved. Adjust the flavors according to taste, balancing the sour, sweet, salty, and spicy components.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrot, mint, cilantro, and basil if using. Toss these ingredients gently to mix.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to marinate and soften the vegetables slightly, which enhances their flavors and makes them more palatable.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed roasted peanuts and fried shallots over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a main dish or alongside other dishes as part of a larger meal.
Vietnamese Chicken Salad is a testament to the harmony of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s both nutritious and incredibly satisfying. Its light and refreshing qualities make it especially perfect for summertime meals or as a healthful option any time of the year.
