Warm Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Salad

This warm Vietnamese lemongrass chicken salad is a fresh and vibrant meal packed with tender chicken, rice noodles, crunchy vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a tangy chilli dressing.

Loaded with authentic Vietnamese-inspired flavours, this healthy noodle salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and healthy dinner idea
• Packed with authentic Vietnamese flavours
• High in protein and full of herbs
• Light yet satisfying
• Perfect for warm weather meals

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Chicken stir-fry strips
• Lemongrass
• Garlic
• Fish sauce
• Sugar
• White pepper
• Peanut oil

For the Salad

• Rice stick noodles
• Carrot
• Butter lettuce
• Lebanese cucumber
• Fresh coriander
• Fresh mint
• Fried shallots
• Roasted peanuts

For the Chilli Dressing

• Garlic
• Red chilli
• Sugar
• Fish sauce
• Lime juice

How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Salad

Step 1: Pickle the Carrot

Combine sugar and rice wine vinegar in a bowl.

Add carrot matchsticks and toss to coat.

Set aside while preparing the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Make the Chilli Dressing

Combine garlic, chilli, sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and water in a bowl.

Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Cook rice noodles according to packet instructions.

Drain and rinse under cold water.

Step 4: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken with lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and white pepper.

Toss well to coat.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a wok over high heat.

Cook the chicken in batches until browned and cooked through.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

Divide noodles among serving bowls.

Top with lettuce, cucumber, chicken, pickled carrot, coriander, and mint.

Sprinkle with fried shallots and peanuts.

Drizzle generously with chilli dressing.

Tips for the Best Vietnamese Chicken Salad

• Use fresh lemongrass for authentic flavour
• Don’t overcook the chicken
• Rinse noodles well to stop sticking
• Add dressing just before serving
• Balance sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavours

What Makes Vietnamese Salads So Good?

Vietnamese salads are known for combining:

• Fresh herbs
• Crunchy vegetables
• Light noodles
• Tangy dressings
• Sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavours

This creates a refreshing yet satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad with:

• Extra lime wedges
• Fresh chilli slices
• Vietnamese spring rolls
• Iced tea or sparkling water
• Extra peanuts for crunch

Storage Tips

• Store components separately for best freshness
• Keep dressing refrigerated for up to 3 days
• Best enjoyed fresh after assembling

Final Thoughts

This warm Vietnamese lemongrass chicken salad is a healthy, flavour-packed dish that combines tender chicken, fresh herbs, noodles, and crunchy vegetables with a vibrant chilli dressing. It’s the perfect fresh and satisfying meal for any time of year.