Vietnamese Cabbage-and-Chicken Salad Recipe

An enticing mixture of vibrant textures and flavors, this Vietnamese Cabbage and Chicken Salad is an exploration of the culinary culture of Vietnam. With fresh, crunchy vegetables, succulent chicken, and a tangy Asian dressing, every bite is a sensory delight. This salad showcases the balance between sweet, sour, spice, and umami, which is the hallmark of Vietnamese cuisine.

Photos of Vietnamese Cabbage-and-Chicken Salad Recipe

Some ingredients in this recipe might not be readily available in your home pantry and require a trip to the grocery store. Asian sesame oil, Asian fish sauce and mint can be found in the international aisle of larger supermarkets or in an Asian grocery store. These ingredients are key to giving the salad its unique Vietnamese flavor profile.

Ingredients for Vietnamese Cabbage and Chicken Salad

Chicken breasts: The protein source of this salad, they are steamed and then shredded for a tender addition.

Salt: Used to season the chicken and the overall salad.

Asian sesame oil: This oil adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the salad.

Jalapeno pepper: This gives the salad a spicy kick.

Fresh ginger: Adds a pungent and spicy flavor.

Green cabbage: The base of the salad, it provides a fresh and crunchy texture.

Cider vinegar: This vinegar gives the salad a tangy flavor.

Asian fish sauce: A staple in Vietnamese cooking, it adds savory umami notes.

Lime juice: It brings a bright and citrusy tang to the mix.

Carrots: They add color and a sweet crunch to the salad.

Radishes: These add a peppery taste and crunchy texture.

Scallions: They contribute a mild oniony flavor.

Mint: Adds a fresh and cooling element.

Tart Apple: This ingredient brings a slight sweetness and crunchy texture.

One reader, Ethelred Dell says:

This Vietnamese cabbage and chicken salad recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are vibrant and refreshing, and the combination of ingredients is simply delightful. The tender chicken and crisp vegetables create a perfect harmony. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal.

Ethelred Dell

Mastering the Techniques for Vietnamese Cabbage and Chicken Salad

How to shred chicken: After cooking the chicken, let it cool slightly, then use two forks to pull the chicken into shreds.

How to prepare cabbage: Slice the cabbage into thin strips, then toss it with the vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, and salt. Let it stand for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

How to julienne carrots: Cut the carrots into thin, matchstick-sized pieces.

How to slice radishes: Slice the radishes thinly into rounds.

How to chop scallions: Cut the scallions into small pieces, using both the white and green parts.

How to chiffonade herbs: Stack the mint leaves, roll them up tightly, then slice thinly to create long, thin strips.

How to dice an apple: Cut the apple into small, uniform cubes.

How To Make Vietnamese Cabbage-and-Chicken Salad

Enjoy refreshing greens Vietnamese-style in this cabbage and chicken salad that’s made from shredded chicken served over tangy veggies.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 15 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbchicken breasts,boneless and skinless
3tspsalt
2tbspAsian sesame oil
½jalapeno pepper
1fresh ginger
2cupswater
1headgreen cabbage
2tbspcider vinegar
2tbspAsian fish sauce,nam pla or nuoc mam
1½tbsplime juice
3carrots
3radishes
4scallions,including green tops
2cupsmint,coarse chopped
1tart apple

Instructions

Rub the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil. In a medium saucepan, combine the jalapeño, ginger, and water. Bring to a simmer, add the chicken, and cover the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Turn the heat off and let the chicken steam for 5 minutes. Remove the chicken breasts from the saucepan; when they are cool enough to handle, pull them into shreds.
Meanwhile, in a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine the cabbage with vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, and the remaining salt. Toss and let stand for 10 minutes.
Add the carrots, radishes, scallions, 1½ cups of the herbs, and the apple to the cabbage mixture. Stir in the remaining sesame oil.
Serve the salad topped with the chicken and the remaining herbs. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 403.75kcal
Fat: 18.21g
Saturated Fat: 4.21g
Trans Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.37g
Carbohydrates: 33.04g
Fiber: 12.47g
Sugar: 15.28g
Protein: 29.91g
Cholesterol: 72.57mg
Sodium: 1569.40mg
Calcium: 240.62mg
Potassium: 1229.26mg
Iron: 8.02mg
Vitamin A: 524.81µg
Vitamin C: 104.70mg

Expert Technique for Perfecting Vietnamese Cabbage and Chicken Salad

When shredding the chicken, it's best to use two forks. Hold the chicken breast steady with one fork and use the other to pull shreds of chicken off. This method not only gives you more control over the size of your shreds, but also allows the chicken to cool faster, making it easier to handle. Additionally, shredding while the chicken is still warm makes the process easier as the meat is more pliable.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Vietnamese Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use a food processor: Use a food processor to shred the cabbage and carrots quickly and evenly.

Multi-task: While the chicken is steaming, prepare the dressing and chop the remaining ingredients to save time.

Organize ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils in an organized manner before starting to cook to streamline the process.

Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and ingredients as you progress through the recipe to minimize clutter and save time later.

Substitute Ingredients For Vietnamese Cabbage-and-Chicken Salad Recipe

chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be used as a plant-based alternative to chicken for a vegetarian option.
Asian sesame oil - Substitute with toasted sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil has a similar nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
jalapeno pepper - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers have a similar heat level and flavor profile to jalapenos and can be used as a substitute.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute if fresh ginger is not available, although the flavor may be slightly different.
green cabbage - Substitute with Napa cabbage: Napa cabbage can be used as a substitute for green cabbage, providing a slightly different texture and flavor.
cider vinegar - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar can be used as a substitute for cider vinegar, adding a slightly different tangy flavor to the dish.
Asian fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for fish sauce, providing a similar salty and savory flavor to the dish.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice, providing a similar level of acidity to the dish.
tart apple - Substitute with granny smith apple: Granny Smith apples are tart and can be used as a substitute for other tart apple varieties in this recipe.

Elevate Your Presentation of This Vietnamese Salad

Elevate the chicken: Arrange the shredded chicken in a neat and visually appealing manner on the salad. This will showcase the star ingredient and demonstrate the care and attention to detail in the dish.
Create a vibrant cabbage bed: Artfully arrange the cabbage mixture on the plate, ensuring a visually appealing and vibrant base for the dish. The colors and textures of the vegetables will provide an inviting backdrop for the other elements.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the remaining mint and herbs over the top of the salad, adding a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. This will enhance the overall presentation and highlight the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use the remaining sesame oil to create an artistic drizzle around the plate, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Emphasize balance and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of each component to ensure a balanced and symmetrical presentation. This will demonstrate precision and attention to detail, essential qualities in a top-tier culinary creation.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Select elegant and refined serving ware to complement the dish, enhancing the overall visual appeal and elevating the dining experience for the esteemed culinary professionals.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Vietnamese Cabbage and Chicken Salad

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, pureeing, and mixing. It's great for quickly and efficiently processing ingredients for recipes.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and tossing salads. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, and simmering small quantities of food.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is a versatile, all-purpose knife with a broad blade that tapers to a point, suitable for a variety of kitchen tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients. It helps protect countertops and keeps knives sharp.
Grater: A grater is a kitchen tool with sharp-edged holes used to shred or grate foods such as cheese, vegetables, and citrus zest.
Salad spinner: A salad spinner is a kitchen tool designed to wash and dry salad greens efficiently, ensuring that they are clean and ready for use in recipes.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure ingredients for recipes, ensuring the right proportions and balance of flavors.
Tongs: Tongs are a versatile kitchen tool used for gripping and lifting foods, tossing salads, and serving dishes. They are essential for handling hot or delicate items.
Vegetable peeler: A vegetable peeler is a handheld kitchen tool used to peel the outer skin of fruits and vegetables, making it easier to prepare and cook them.

Preserving the Freshness of Vietnamese Cabbage and Chicken Salad

This Vietnamese cabbage and chicken salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
To keep the salad crisp and prevent the vegetables from getting soggy, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, you can shred the chicken, chop the vegetables, and mix the dressing up to a day ahead. Store each component separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving.
The cabbage and carrots can be shredded and stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The mint and scallions should be stored in a damp paper towel and placed in a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. They should keep fresh for up to 5 days.
It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the vegetables will become soft and watery upon thawing, and the overall quality of the dish will be compromised.
If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before using it in the salad.

Reviving Leftover Cabbage and Chicken Salad

Reheat the shredded chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of sesame oil until warmed through. This will help to restore the flavor and texture of the chicken without drying it out. Once heated, add the chicken back to the salad.
If you prefer a warm salad, you can quickly stir-fry the cabbage, carrots, and radishes in a hot wok or skillet for 1-2 minutes. This will slightly soften the vegetables while retaining their crunch. Add the warm vegetables to the remaining salad ingredients and toss well.
For a cold salad, simply remove the leftover portion from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This will help to take the chill off the salad and allow the flavors to meld together.
If the salad seems a bit dry after storing, you can freshen it up by adding a splash of lime juice and a drizzle of sesame oil. Toss the salad well to evenly distribute the dressing.
To add a crispy element to the leftover salad, you can garnish it with some chopped roasted peanuts or cashews. The nuts will provide a nice contrast to the soft vegetables and tender chicken.

Surprising Fact About Vietnamese Cabbage and Chicken Salad

The Vietnamese cabbage and chicken salad recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and fresh herbs. This salad is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It's a perfect dish for a light and refreshing meal, and it's also a great option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet. The combination of fish sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil adds a unique and authentic Vietnamese flavor to the dish. This salad is a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal.

Budget-Friendly: Making Vietnamese Cabbage and Chicken Salad at Home

The Vietnamese cabbage and chicken salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken breasts, cabbage, carrots, and radishes, are generally affordable and readily available. The use of simple and fresh ingredients makes it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavors.

Is This Cabbage and Chicken Salad Healthy?

This Vietnamese cabbage and chicken salad recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish. Here's why:

The recipe uses lean chicken breast, which is a great source of protein and low in fat.
Cabbage is a nutrient-dense vegetable, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It's also low in calories, making it an excellent choice for weight management.
The salad incorporates a variety of colorful vegetables, such as carrots, radishes, and scallions, which provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The use of fresh herbs like mint adds flavor and additional health benefits, as herbs are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The dressing is made with healthy ingredients like lime juice, fish sauce, and sesame oil, which are lower in calories compared to creamy, high-fat dressings.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use organic ingredients whenever possible to reduce exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or fish sauce to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
Add more vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers, cucumber, or bean sprouts, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
Use a mix of different colored cabbages, like red and green, to provide a wider variety of antioxidants and phytochemicals.
Experiment with other healthy proteins, such as tofu or shrimp, to add variety to the dish.
Instead of using sugar in the dressing, consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in moderation.

Our Editor's Take on This Vietnamese Cabbage and Chicken Salad Recipe

The Vietnamese cabbage and chicken salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of fresh ingredients such as cabbage, carrots, radishes, and herbs provides a vibrant and crunchy base, while the tender shredded chicken adds a satisfying protein element. The dressing, with its blend of Asian sesame oil, fish sauce, and lime juice, brings a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes. The addition of apple lends a hint of sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Overall, this recipe offers a refreshing and satisfying dish that is sure to impress with its complexity and depth of flavors.

Enhance Your Vietnamese Cabbage-and-Chicken Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Roast the broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a flavorful and healthy side dish.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sauté the carrots with a honey glaze and a touch of cinnamon for a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with the Vietnamese cabbage and chicken salad.

Mango Salsa: Create a refreshing and tropical mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to add a burst of fruity flavor to your meal.

Delicious Alternatives to Vietnamese Cabbage and Chicken Salad

Vietnamese Chicken Pho: This traditional Vietnamese soup is made with flavorful broth, tender chicken, and rice noodles, topped with fresh herbs and lime.

Grilled Lemongrass Pork Skewers: Marinated pork skewers grilled to perfection, served with a side of tangy dipping sauce and steamed rice.

Mango Coconut Sticky Rice: Indulge in this sweet and creamy dessert made with sticky rice, ripe mango slices, and a drizzle of coconut sauce.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Vietnamese Cabbage and Chicken Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites are perfect for starting off any meal. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests wanting more. The earthy mushrooms are filled with a rich and creamy filling, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that is sure to impress.

Crispy Spring Rolls: These light and crispy spring rolls are a delightful way to kick off a meal. The delicate wrappers are filled with a colorful assortment of vegetables and protein, creating a satisfying and flavorful appetizer. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a luscious strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety smooth cream cheese filling. Topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce, this dessert is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Why trust this Vietnamese Cabbage-and-Chicken Salad Recipe:

This Vietnamese cabbage and chicken salad recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, promising a satisfying and refreshing dining experience. The chicken breasts are tender and succulent, while the cabbage provides a crisp and refreshing base. The addition of carrots, radishes, and apple offers a delightful crunch, complemented by the aromatic freshness of mint. The dressing, featuring Asian fish sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil, ties everything together harmoniously. Trust in the balance of flavors and the quality of ingredients to elevate your culinary journey.

If you're a fan of this Vietnamese Cabbage-and-Chicken Salad Recipe, head over to the Recipe Sharing section to share your experience and discuss any tweaks or variations you've tried.

FAQ:

What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They are easy to cook and shred, and they work well with the flavors of the salad.

Can I make any substitutions for the fish sauce?

If you don't have fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce. It will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply toss everything together and add the shredded chicken.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and add tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this salad. The flavors will still be vibrant and delicious.

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Yes, you can use Napa cabbage or red cabbage if you prefer. Each type of cabbage will bring a slightly different texture and flavor to the salad, so feel free to experiment with your favorite variety.