Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food with a serious flavor kick! Picture this: a light, refreshing salad bursting with savory chicken, crunchy veggies, and the tangy, slightly sweet zing of a traditional Vietnamese dressing. This Vietnamese Chicken Salad Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s like a deconstructed spring roll, but easier to eat and, dare I say, even more satisfying. If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired flavors and you love a good chicken salad (who doesn’t?!), then this recipe is about to become your new best friend. I promise you, it’s incredibly simple to make and the payoff is HUGE. My kids, who are usually pretty picky, devour this stuff!

What is Vietnamese Chicken Salad?

Think of it as a light and bright explosion of Vietnamese flavors, all wrapped up in one delicious dish! It’s essentially shredded chicken tossed with crisp vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, then dressed with a vibrant mixture of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chilies. It’s fresh, it’s tangy, and it has just the right amount of heat. The beauty of this Vietnamese Chicken Salad Recipe is its simplicity. Unlike some of the more elaborate Vietnamese dishes out there, this one comes together in a flash. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to make it even quicker, which is my go-to move on busy weeknights. It’s also infinitely customizable – add more herbs, use different veggies, or crank up the spice level to your liking. This one’s a real winner.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore this Vietnamese Chicken Salad Recipe! What I love most about this is how incredibly flavorful it is. The combination of the savory chicken, the crunchy veggies, and that amazing dressing is just heavenly. The lime juice gives it a bright, zesty kick, while the fish sauce adds a depth of umami that you just can’t get anywhere else. And don’t even get me started on the fresh herbs! Mint and cilantro are a must, in my opinion.

What are some of the easiest recipes to make? What are some good ways to whip up this in 20 minutes? What are some of the best healthy snacks for a short time? Is it really budget friendly? Chicken and veggies are staples in most households, and the dressing ingredients are relatively simple. This recipe makes a large portion, so it’s great for meal prepping or feeding.

Isn’t it incredibly versatile? Can you serve this as a main course, side dish, or even as filling for lettuce wraps or spring rolls? I’ve even been known to eat it straight out of the bowl (don’t judge!). What’s better than a mayonnaise-laden chicken salad? If you’re looking for something similar but want a different protein, try substituting shrimp or ham. What are some of the best Vietnamese flavors?

How do I make Vietnamese Chicken Salad?

Quick Overview

How do you make a Vietnamese Chicken Salad? How do I start prepping veggies and shredding chicken? How do you make the dressing? What are some of the best flavors to eat and let it sit for a few minutes to allow them to combine? No fancy equipment required. That’s it! This recipe is designed for simplicity, so even beginners can nail it.

Ingredients

For the Salad:
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is your friend here!)
* 1 cup shredded cabbage (red or green, or a mix of both)
* 1/2 cup shredded carrots
* 1/2 cup julienned cucumber (I like to remove the seeds first)
* 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
* 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (optional, but highly recommended!)
* 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a nice bite)

For the Dressing:
* 3 tablespoons fish sauce (trust me on this one – it’s essential! ) * 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed is best)* 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)+ 1 teaspoon salt. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar * 1 clove garlic, minced * 2 red chilies, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper). * 2 tablespoons water (to thin out the dressing)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Start by shredding your cooked chicken. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones and shred the meat with two forks. Next, prep your vegetables. Shred the cabbage and carrots, julienne the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, mint, and cilantro. If you’re using red onion, slice it very thinly.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and salt. Set aside. What are some good chopped chilies? Add the sugar and whisk until the dressing is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Is it a good idea to add more lime juice for sweetness?

Step 3: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, julienned. Add the remaining ingredients. What are some good ways to serve cucumber, bell pepper, mint, cilantro, and (if using) thinly sliced red onion? What is the best dressing to serve with salad? Make sure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 4: Let It Sit

What is the most important step in life? Cover the bowl and let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to come out. What are the flavors that meld? What are some ways to improve the taste of a salad?

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish with chopped roasted peanuts (if using). Serve the Vietnamese Chicken Salad chilled or at room temperature. You can serve it as is or with Lettuce Wraps, spring rolls, or rice crackers.

What is the best way to serve it?

This Vietnamese Chicken Salad Recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it in so many different ways. How can I learn to

For a light lunch:Serve with rice crackers or a bowl of Vietnamese soup (like Pho or Bun Boo).

What is a hearty dinner?Serve over rice noodles or quinoa. Is it healthy to add grilled shrimp or tofu for extra protein?

For a Party Appetizer:Serve it in lettuce wraps or spring rolls. These are always a crowd pleaser!

For a Snack:I sometimes eat it straight out of the bowl with a fork. Don’t judge!

How do I make Vietnamese Chicken Salad?

What are some insider tips to take your Vietnamese Chicken to the next level? What are some of the best Salad Recipes?

Don’t overdressDo not add too much dressing. You want the salad to be nicely coated, but not swimming in dressing. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.

How do I use fresh herbs?What is the best way to use fresh mint and cilantro in this recipe? Fresh herbs add a bright, refreshing flavor that you just can’t get any other way.

How do you adjust the heat?If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce the amount of chili or red pepper flakes in the recipe. If you like spicy, you can add even more!

How can I get creative with veggies?Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. What are some good ways to serve a salad made with shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, and bell peppers?

Make It Ahead:Is this salad good the next day? If you have a small child, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What is the best Vietnamese Chicken Salad recipe? How do I maintain its freshness and flavor?

Refrigerator Storage: HowHow do I store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? The vegetables might lose some of their crispness over time, but the salad will still taste good.

How do I freezeI don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the vegetables will become soggy when thawed. Can you freeze the chicken separately and then add it to the salad?

Glaze Timing Advice: The dressing should always be added right before serving. If you add the dressing too far in advance, the salad will become soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it, friends! My absolute favorite Vietnamese Chicken Salad Recipe. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a much healthier and tastier alternative to traditional mayonnaise-based chicken salad. If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired cuisine, you’re going to fall in love with this dish!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Vietnamese-inspired dishes, like my Vietnamese Spring Rolls and my Vietnamese Noodle Salad. And if you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below! I’d love to hear your feedback and see your own variations. Happy cooking!