How to Make the Perfect Vietnamese Shredded Chicken Salad
Vietnamese · Medium · 40 min · 4 servings
This light and vibrant Vietnamese salad combines poached shredded chicken with crisp cabbage, fresh herbs, and a punchy nuoc cham dressing. It is a complete and satisfying meal that balances textures and bold Southeast Asian flavors beautifully.
Why this recipe works
This Vietnamese Shredded Chicken Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 260 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 500 g boneless chicken breast
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 0.25 cup fresh mint leaves
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Poach the Chicken
Place chicken breasts in a pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 18 minutes until fully cooked through.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat into thin bite-sized strips and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
Mix fish sauce, lime juice, one teaspoon of sugar, and a minced garlic clove together in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves then taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, and mint leaves in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss well. Top with crushed peanuts and serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fish sauce → soy sauce with a squeeze of extra lime for a vegan alternative
- chicken breast → poached tofu for a vegetarian version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the chicken which makes it dry and difficult to shred into appealing strips
- Dressing the salad too far in advance which causes the cabbage to go limp and watery
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 260 calories, 28g protein, 14g carbs, 8g fat, 3g fiber.
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