Devastating Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad in Under 30

Oh, Vietnamese food! It’s like a party in your mouth, right? And when it comes to salads, nothing beats the fresh, crisp flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. I’m talking about that perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory. That’s why I’m SO excited to share my recipe for Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad – or as they say in Vietnam, Gỏi Gà! It’s a plant-based twist on the classic, and trust me, you won’t miss the chicken.

I first tried Gỏi Gà at this tiny little restaurant in my neighborhood, and I was hooked! But, being vegan, I knew I had to find a way to make it myself. So, after a few tries (okay, maybe more than a few!), I finally nailed it. This Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad is now a regular on my table, and I just know you’re gonna love it too!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)

Seriously, what’s not to love? This salad is a total winner! I’m obsessed, and I think you will be too. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy

We’re talking minimal prep time here, people! Just a little chopping and mixing, and you’re good to go. It’s so easy, even *I* can’t mess it up!

Bursting with Flavor

Savory, sweet, tangy… it’s all happening in one bowl! The dressing is where it’s at, trust me. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Healthy and Refreshing

Packed with fresh veggies and plant-based protein, this salad is actually *good* for you. Plus, it’s super refreshing – perfect for a hot day!

Perfect for Vegans and Plant-Based Eaters

Yep, it’s totally vegan! No animal products here, just pure deliciousness. Finally, a Gỏi Gà we can all enjoy!

Ingredients for Your Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà). Don’t worry, it’s all pretty easy to find at your local grocery store. And remember, fresh is best! It really makes a difference, trust me!

Vegan Chicken

Grab one package (that’s about 12 oz) of your fave vegan chicken. Make sure it’s cooked and shredded. I usually just pan-fry mine until it’s slightly crispy. Yum!

Fresh Vegetables

You’ll need 1/2 cup of shredded cabbage, 1/2 cup of shredded carrots (I buy the pre-shredded kind – shhh!), and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. The red onion gives it a nice little bite!

Aromatic Herbs

Don’t skimp on these! 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro will give this salad that authentic Vietnamese flavor. Seriously, they’re key!

Crunchy Topping

1/4 cup of roasted peanuts, chopped. I like to give them a rough chop so you get nice big pieces. Adds a great crunch!

Flavorful Dressing

This is where the magic happens! You’ll need 2 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce (Nuoc Cham), 1 tablespoon of lime juice (freshly squeezed, please!), 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce (optional, but I highly recommend it!).

How to Make Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà): Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, so you’ve got your ingredients, right? Now comes the fun part! Follow these super-simple steps, and you’ll be chowing down on delicious Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà) in no time. Ready? Let’s do this!

Prepare the Salad Base

Grab that big bowl you’ve got. Throw in your shredded vegan chicken, cabbage, carrots, and red onion. Boom! That’s your base. Easy peasy.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl (or a measuring cup, whatever works!), whisk together the vegan fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili garlic sauce (if you’re using it – and you should!). Whisk it good! You want that sugar to dissolve. Taste it and adjust if you need to. More lime? More chili? You do you!

Combine and Toss

Now, pour that AMAZING dressing all over your salad base. Toss it! Toss it real good! Make sure everything is evenly coated. You don’t want any dry spots. Nobody likes a dry salad.

Add Herbs and Peanuts

Sprinkle in the chopped mint, cilantro, and peanuts. Toss gently this time. We don’t want to bruise the herbs! Just enough to distribute everything evenly.

Serve

Okay, here’s the deal. You can serve this Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà) right away, or you can chill it for later. Honestly, I think it tastes even better after it’s been chilling in the fridge for a bit. The flavors really meld together. But if you’re starving (like I usually am!), go ahead and dig in! Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)

Want to take your Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà) from “good” to “OMG AMAZING!”? Of course, you do! Here are my top tips for salad success. These are like, the secret sauce to make your salad the best on the block!

Adjust the Dressing to Your Taste

The dressing is EVERYTHING, right? So, taste it as you go! Too tart? Add a little more sugar. Not enough zing? Squeeze in some extra lime juice! Love the heat? Go crazy with the chili garlic sauce! It’s your salad, your rules!

Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients

Okay, this is a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating: fresh veggies and herbs make a HUGE difference! Trust me, you can taste the difference. So, skip the wilted lettuce and grab the good stuff!

Don’t Overdress the Salad

Nobody likes a soggy salad. Yuck! So, add the dressing gradually, tossing as you go. You want everything coated, but not swimming. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Chill Before Serving

This is my secret weapon! Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!) lets all those amazing flavors meld together. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth! Seriously, don’t skip this step!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)

Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or two? Or maybe you just wanna switch things up? No problem! This Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà) is super flexible. Here are some easy swaps that’ll still give you amazing flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Vegan Chicken Substitutions

Don’t have vegan chicken on hand? No sweat! Tofu, tempeh, or even jackfruit work great! Just make sure you cook ’em up and shred ’em before adding them to the salad. I’ve even used leftover roasted veggies before – surprisingly good!

Vegan Fish Sauce Alternatives

Vegan fish sauce can be tricky to find, I know! If you’re in a pinch, soy sauce or tamari with a tiny pinch of seaweed flakes will do the trick. It won’t be *exactly* the same, but it’ll still give you that umami flavor. I usually add a little extra lime juice too!

Vegetable Variations

Wanna add some extra veggies? Go for it! Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even bean sprouts would be delicious in this salad. Just chop ’em up and toss ’em in! I love adding a little crunch with some shredded iceburg lettuce, too!

Nut-Free Option

Got a nut allergy? No problem! Just swap out the peanuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They’ll still give you that satisfying crunch! Toasted sesame seeds are also a great option.

Serving Suggestions for Your Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)

Okay, so you’ve made your amazing Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)… now what? Well, you could just grab a fork and dig in (and honestly, I wouldn’t blame you!), but here are a few fun ideas to take it to the next level!

As a light lunch

Seriously, this salad is perfect on its own for a quick and healthy meal. It’s light, refreshing, and totally satisfying. I love packing it for lunch at work!

As a side dish

Pair it with some grilled tofu or vegan spring rolls for a complete meal. The salad adds a nice, fresh contrast to the richer flavors of the tofu and spring rolls. Yum!

In lettuce wraps

This is one of my favorite ways to serve it! Spoon the salad into crisp lettuce cups for a fun and refreshing presentation. It’s like a mini Vietnamese taco party in your mouth!

Storing Leftover Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)

Made too much Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)? Happens to the best of us! Don’t worry, this salad actually keeps pretty well. Here’s how to store it so you can enjoy it later.

Storage Instructions

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Just try not to let it sit *too* long, or it might get a little soggy.

Reheating Instructions

Okay, this is the easiest part: no reheating needed! Seriously, this salad is best served cold. Just grab it straight from the fridge and dig in! Perfect for a quick and easy snack.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)

Got questions about making this amazing Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)? I got you! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, plus my super-helpful answers. Let’s get those questions answered!

Can I make this Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà) ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can totally prep the components in advance. I usually shred the veggies and cook the vegan chicken the day before. Just store them separately in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just toss everything together with the dressing. Easy peasy!

Is Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà) spicy?

Well, that depends on you! As written, it has a *little* kick from the chili garlic sauce. But it’s not gonna blow your head off, I promise! If you’re spice-averse, just skip the chili garlic sauce altogether. And if you’re a spice fiend (like me!), add a little extra. Go wild!

Can I use different herbs in my Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)?

Sure thing! Mint and cilantro are the classic choices, but you can definitely experiment. Thai basil would be delicious! Or even a little bit of dill. Just remember, herbs are powerful, so don’t go overboard!

What is vegan fish sauce made of?

That’s a great question! Vegan fish sauce (or Nuoc Cham) is usually made from a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and sometimes seaweed for that umami flavor. Different brands have different recipes, so check the label! You can even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!

Nutritional Information for Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)

Okay, so here’s the deal. I’m not a nutritionist (shocking, I know!), so this is just a rough estimate. The nutritional information for this Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà) can totally vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. So, take this with a grain of (sea) salt, okay?

Enjoy Your Delicious Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)!

Alright, you did it! You made my Vegan Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)! I hope you love it as much as I do. Now, go show off your creation! Share a pic on social media, rate the recipe, and leave a comment – I wanna know what you think!

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