Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà) From Rotisserie Chicken

Vietnamese Chicken Salad, or Gỏi Gà, is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing dish made with shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs tossed in a sweet-tangy fish sauce dressing. Using rotisserie chicken makes this traditional favorite quick and easy—perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even as a party starter.

A Brief History

Gỏi Gà is a popular Vietnamese dish enjoyed across the country, especially at family gatherings and celebrations. Traditionally made with poached chicken, it’s known for its balance of flavors and textures—crunchy cabbage, tender chicken, and zesty dressing. The dish reflects the Vietnamese culinary philosophy of harmony: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in every bite.

Why You’ll Love It

Quick and Easy: Using rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Healthy and Fresh: Loaded with vegetables and herbs, it’s naturally low in carbs.
Flavor-Packed: The fish sauce dressing adds a delicious umami kick.
Great for Meal Prep: Holds up well in the fridge for 1–2 days.

Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (for topping)

Dressing:

3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, and red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until sugar dissolves.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Add mint and cilantro, then toss again.
Top with chopped peanuts just before serving.

Tips & Variations

No fish sauce? Use soy sauce and a touch more lime juice for a vegetarian twist.
Add more crunch with sliced cucumbers or bell peppers.
Spice it up with extra chili or a splash of sriracha.
Make it a meal by serving it over vermicelli noodles or with rice paper wrappers for DIY rolls.

🥗 Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Servings: 4 Servings

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

2 cooked chicken breasts shredded
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 small red bell pepper thinly sliced
½ cup fresh mint leaves
½ cup cilantro leaves
¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts optional
2 green onions thinly sliced

For the dressing:

3 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 garlic clove minced
1 small chili minced (optional)
2 tbsp water

Method

Whisk together all dressing ingredients until sugar dissolves.
Toss cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, chicken, mint, cilantro, and green onions in a large bowl.
Pour dressing over salad and mix well.
Top with chopped peanuts just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but wait to add the herbs and peanuts until just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.

What’s a good fish sauce brand to use?

Red Boat and Three Crabs are both popular choices with clean flavors.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely. Shredded tofu, shrimp, or even leftover pork can work great here.

How long will leftovers last?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days—just expect a softer texture after marinating.

Final Thoughts

Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà) is a refreshing, healthy dish that packs a punch of flavor with minimal effort. Rotisserie chicken makes it ultra-convenient, while the vibrant herbs and zesty dressing make it feel anything but basic. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a starter, it’s sure to impress with its bold taste and beautiful presentation.