Aaahhh, summer. It feels like it’s hit in full force here now. (But knowing the Utah weather, I wouldn’t be surprised if I woke up to 40F weather tomorrow…) I admit that I’m all for eating soup and chili in the middle of the heat of summer, but summer really means lighter fare. Like a wonderful salad, with the chicken cooked on the grill. No heat in the house makes for a perfect summertime recipe! And it helps that this is incredibly delicious and full of flavor, too!
Vietnamese Chicken and Cabbage Salad
adapted from The Complete Chicken Cookbook
4 cooked chicken thighs
1 cup thinly sliced celery
2 carrots, cut into thin strips
1 cup finely shredded cabbage
1 small onion, sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
DRESSING
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 clove minced or grated garlic
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons canola oil
TOPPING
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1/3 cup roasted peanuts, finely chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
Cut the chicken into strips. Combine the chicken, celery, carrot, cabbage, onion and cilantro in a large bowl.
To make the dressing, put all the ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake until completely combined. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to combine.
To make the topping, heat the oil in a skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until pale golden. Stir in the peanuts and sugar. Cool slightly. Sprinkle the topping over the salad just before serving.
Rosa's Yummy Yums says
A wonderful salad! Very fresh and so summery.
Cheers,
Rosa
Pam says
This sounds delicious with its great combo of ingredients and easy also. A must try! Thanks!
Julie says
This sounds super! One of my favorite things at Pei Wei is vietnamese chicken salad rolls, and this looks sort of like it, just deconstructed 🙂
Joanne says
I never think that the weather will affect my cravings, but it really does! This looks like an excellent salad!
Cambriaaaa says
Salads in the summer! What could be better?!
grace says
this salad packs a lot of crunch with the peanuts and cabbage, and the grilled chicken is a great touch. this is a winner of a salad, deborah!
kat says
Love the idea of that topping
Georgia says
I'm always looking for new and inventive salads, and this one is sure to please! Looks delicious!
Barbara says
I agree, Deborah. No heat in the kitchen in the summer! I love your recipe; so much crunch paired with chicken. Yum.