Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà Bắp Cải) – Step-by-Step Recipe

Vietnamese Chicken Salad, known in Vietnam as Gỏi Gà Bắp Cải, is a light and refreshing dish made with tender poached chicken, thinly sliced cabbage, fresh herbs, and a zesty sweet-sour dressing. It is a type of Vietnamese gỏi (salad) that balances flavors and textures beautifully crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, and fragrant herbs topped with crispy shallots.

This salad is often enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations, and it is believed to have originated from rural Vietnamese kitchens where fresh garden vegetables and herbs were plentiful. Unlike heavy mayonnaise-based salads, this dish uses a traditional nuoc cham style dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar, making it naturally light, healthy, and full of flavor.

In this article, you will learn exactly how to make this authentic Vietnamese Chicken Salad step-by-step. You’ll discover how to infuse flavor into the chicken while keeping it tender, the secret to making perfect crispy shallots, and the right way to prepare the cabbage so it’s crisp yet easy to eat. Along the way, you’ll also get pro tips, ingredient substitutions, and serving ideas to help you recreate this vibrant salad at home whether for a quick lunch, dinner party, or healthy meal prep.

Prep Time: ~30 minutes
Cook Time: ~20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 skin-on chicken breast
• 1 liter (1 quart) water
• Pinch of salt
• Mint leaves + stalks
• Coriander (cilantro) leaves + stalks
• 1 shallot (plus extra for crispy shallots)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 120ml (½ cup) neutral oil (canola, sunflower, avocado)
• 1 large garlic clove (for dressing)
• 30ml (2 tbsp) fish sauce (or light soy sauce)
• 80ml (⅓ cup) rice wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 lime (zest + juice)
• 1 small white onion
• 350g (12.5 oz) green cabbage
• 1 carrot
• Salt (for seasoning)

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ~260 kcal
• Protein: 20 g
• Total Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugars: 8 g (from carrots, onion, dressing)
• Sodium: ~750 mg (can vary depending on fish sauce/soy sauce used)
• Vitamin C: ~35% Daily Value
• Vitamin A: ~45% Daily Value
• Calcium: ~6% Daily Value
• Iron: ~10% Daily Value

Why it’s healthy:

• High in protein from chicken breast for muscle repair.
• Rich in vitamins from cabbage, carrot, onion, and herbs.
• Good fats from neutral cooking oil and herbs.
• Low carb & gluten-free, making it suitable for light meals.

Steps to Prepare vietnamese chicken salad

Step 1: Prepare Poaching Broth for Chicken

1. In a medium saucepan, add water, a pinch of salt, mint stalks, coriander stalks, trimmed shallot, and crushed garlic cloves.
2. Simmer on medium-low for 15–20 minutes to infuse flavors.

Step 2: Make Crispy Shallots

1. Thinly slice shallots using a mandolin or knife (1–2mm thick).
2. In a small frying pan, add oil and shallots while the oil is still cold.
3. Heat on medium-low, stirring gently until golden brown.
4. Strain and place on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt to keep them crispy.

Step 3: Poach the Chicken

1. Place chicken breast into the simmering broth.
2. Poach for 15 minutes or until internal temp reaches 75°C (167°F).
3. Remove and let cool at room temperature. Save broth for soups or pho.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. Blend garlic, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
2. Add lime zest and juice. Adjust balance of sweet, sour, and savory to taste.

Step 5: Shred Chicken & Marinate

1. Shred cooled chicken by hand for better texture.
2. Toss with 3 tbsp dressing and set aside.

Step 6: Prepare Vegetables

1. Slice onion, soak in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness.
2. Thinly slice cabbage and place in a large bowl.
3. Peel carrot into thin ribbons.
4. Drain onions and add to cabbage with a pinch of salt.
5. Add ⅔ of dressing and mix well. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften.

Step 7: Assemble Salad

1. Add fresh coriander and mint leaves, lightly tearing them.
2. Add shredded chicken and mix gently by hand.
3. Pile onto a serving plate.
4. Top with crispy shallots (or toasted peanuts as an alternative).

Serving Tip:

Best enjoyed fresh, with extra dressing on the side for added flavor.

Here’s how to store leftovers of Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà Bắp Cải) so it stays fresh and safe to eat:

1. Separate components if possible

• If you haven’t mixed everything yet, store the shredded chicken, slaw vegetables, and dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
• This prevents the cabbage from going soggy and keeps herbs fresher.

2. For already-mixed salad

• Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Best consumed within 24 hours for maximum crunch and flavor. After that, the cabbage and herbs will soften more.

3. Storing crispy shallots

• Keep crispy shallots in a separate small jar at room temperature with a paper towel inside to absorb moisture.
• They’ll stay crispy for up to 3–4 days.

4. Dressing storage

• Store leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake before using.

5. Re-serving tip

• Before eating, toss leftovers with a little extra dressing or lime juice to refresh the flavors.
• Add fresh herbs or extra crispy shallots for texture.

Essential Tools

• Medium saucepan (for poaching)
• Frying pan (for shallots)
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Small jar or blender (for dressing)
• Paper towels

Storage Tips

• Separate components if possible: chicken, veggies, dressing, and shallots.
• Refrigerate chicken & veggies in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Store dressing in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Keep crispy shallots in a jar at room temp for 3–4 days

Conclusion

Vietnamese Chicken Salad is a perfect combination of freshness, crunch, and flavor.

With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a tangy-sweet dressing, it’s a dish that’s light yet satisfying.

Whether served at a party, for lunch, or as a healthy dinner, this salad is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. By following these steps, you can enjoy authentic Gỏi Gà Bắp Cải right at home.