Imagine a salad that's not just a boring pile of greens, but a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam! Our Shredded Cabbage and Chicken Salad (Ga Xe Phai) is the ultimate quick, refreshing dish that combines crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a mind-blowing dressing that will make you forget about every bland salad you've ever eaten. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Shredded cabbage
- Cooked chicken, shredded
- Carrots, shredded
- Peanuts, crushed
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Chili, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and thoroughly drying the vegetables. Shred the cabbage finely using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, ensuring thin and uniform cuts.
- If not already prepared, shred the cooked chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces. Use rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breast for convenience.
- Peel and shred carrots using a grater or julienne peeler, creating thin, delicate strips that will mix well with the cabbage.
- Toast the peanuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then roughly crush them using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife.
- Create the dressing by combining fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and finely sliced chili peppers in a small bowl. Whisk together to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chicken, and carrots. Toss gently to ensure even distribution.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and mix well, ensuring all ingredients are coated with the tangy, spicy sauce.
- Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the top of the salad just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
- Serve immediately at room temperature as a refreshing and light main course or side dish.
Tips
- • For the most tender and flavorful chicken, use rotisserie chicken or freshly poached chicken breast • Ensure your cabbage is cut extremely fine for the best texture and absorption of dressing • Toast the peanuts slowly and carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning • Use fresh lime juice and high-quality fish sauce for the most authentic taste • Let the salad sit for 2-3 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld together • For extra heat, add more sliced chilies or use a spicy chili sauce on the side • This salad is best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and crunch of the peanuts
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
