Vietnamese Cold Chicken Salad (Goi Ga)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Crisp – A delightful mix of crunchy cabbage, carrots, and herbs.
• Easy to Make – Comes together in just 10 minutes with minimal effort.
• Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome choice.
• Bold Flavors – The tangy-sweet nuoc cham dressing elevates the dish with its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
• Versatile – Easily adaptable with different proteins or additional vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

• Shredded Napa cabbage
• 2 ½ cups cold, cooked shredded chicken (leftovers or rotisserie)
• ¾ cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup shredded carrots
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts (or cashews for a paleo-friendly option)

For the Nuoc Cham Dressing:

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine shredded Napa cabbage, cold shredded chicken, mint, carrots, red onion, and cilantro.
2. Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, water, honey, fish sauce, and chili garlic sauce until well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad – Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts (or cashews) on top before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Alternative Proteins – Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, tofu, or shredded pork.
• Extra Crunch – Add sliced cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded green papaya.
• Herb Substitutes – Use fresh basil if mint is unavailable.
• Spice Level – Increase chili garlic sauce for a spicier kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad is best eaten fresh.
• Reheating – This dish is meant to be served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

What is Goi Ga?

Goi Ga is a traditional Vietnamese chicken salad made with shredded chicken, cabbage, fresh herbs, and a sweet-savory nuoc cham dressing.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option for this salad.

What is nuoc cham?

Nuoc cham is a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili, giving the salad its signature flavor.

How long will the salad last in the fridge?

Once dressed, it’s best consumed within 24 hours. The undressed salad can last up to 4 days.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded papaya for extra crunch.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free fish sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

How can I make it spicier?

Add extra chili garlic sauce or sliced Thai chilies.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes! Store the ingredients separately and assemble just before eating for the best texture.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Cold Chicken Salad (Goi Ga) is a simple yet flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's fresh, healthy, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great go-to salad for busy days. Try this recipe and enjoy a taste of Vietnam at home!