This Vietnamese Chicken Salad Is One of My Favorite Easy Summer Suppers

Step 1

Place 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer in a medium saucepan. Add enough water to barely cover the chicken and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, cover, and cook until just cooked through, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, pickle the red onion and prepare the remaining ingredients.

Step 2

Thinly slice 1/2 medium red onion and place in a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons rice vinegar and toss to combine. Let sit for 15 minutes.

Step 3

Prepare the following, adding each to the same large bowl (use the biggest one you have!) as you complete it: Remove the outer leaves from 1/2 medium green cabbage. Trim the core, then thinly slice the cabbage about the same width as the onion (about 8 cups). Peel 1 large carrot, then cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Cut the pieces lengthwise into 1/8-inch thick planks. Stacking a few planks at a time, very thinly slice lengthwise into matchsticks. (If using pre-shredded carrots, add 1 1/2 cups directly to the bowl.) Coarsely chop the leaves and tender stems from 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro sprigs until you have 1/4 cup.

Step 4

When the chicken is ready, transfer to a clean cutting board and let cool. When the onions are ready, drain off the vinegar. Meanwhile, make the dressing.

Step 5

Mince 1 garlic clove and place in a small bowl. Juice 1 to 2 medium limes into the bowl until you have about 2 1/2 tablespoons. Add 1/3 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and whisk to combine.

Step 6

Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken and onions to the vegetables and toss with your hands to combine. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes for the flavors to meld. Taste and season with more lime juice as needed. Sprinkle each serving with 1 to 2 tablespoons fried shallots and serve with prawn chips if desired.