Vietnamese Chicken Salad, known as “Gỏi Gà,” is a refreshing and vibrant salad that features tender cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a zesty and tangy dressing. It’s a light and healthy dish that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s a simple recipe to make this dish.
1. How To Make Vietnamese Chicken Salad
Ingredients To Make Salad
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (poached, grilled, or roasted)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage (or lettuce of your choice)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional, for added crunch)
Ingredients To Make Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced (adjust to your desired level of spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), minced garlic, sliced red chili, grated ginger, and vegetable oil. Mix until the sugar is dissolved, and the dressing is well combined. Taste and adjust the flavors to your preference, adding more lime juice for acidity or more sugar for sweetness.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, sliced cabbage (or lettuce), and sliced red bell pepper. Toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly. Next, gently toss in the fresh mint leaves and cilantro leaves to the salad mixture. These herbs add a burst of refreshing flavor.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the salad is well coated with the zesty dressing. Then sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top of the salad for added crunch and texture. You can also garnish with additional fresh herbs and sliced red chili, if desired.
Vietnamese Chicken Salad is best served immediately while the flavors are fresh and vibrant. It makes for a light and satisfying meal on its own or pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or vermicelli noodles.
This Vietnamese Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, offering a delightful taste of Vietnam’s culinary richness. Whether as a light lunch or a refreshing appetizer, it’s a dish that will surely impress your taste buds!