Description
A refreshing salad featuring poached chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing that balances umami and acidity.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cups mixed salad leaves (butter lettuce, watercress, or baby spinach)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (thin ribbons)
- 1 small cucumber, seeded and thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 small red bird’s eye chili, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (optional)
- 1/3 cup toasted peanuts or cashews, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and Thai basil)
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced on the bias
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the poached chicken: place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a saucepan and add cold water to cover by an inch. Add salt, a smashed garlic clove, and a slice of ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer; do not boil. Reduce heat and poach for 10–12 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and cool in an ice bath for 5 minutes.
- Shred the chicken: once cooled, use two forks or fingers to pull the meat into thin, even shreds.
- Make the dressing: whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, sliced chili, and oil (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the salad: in a large bowl, combine salad leaves, shredded carrots, cucumber, scallions, and half the herbs. Add the warm chicken and dressing, tossing gently.
- Finish and garnish: transfer to a platter or plates. Scatter toasted nuts and remaining herbs on top. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Store components separately for best texture; refrigerate dressing up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg