Cambodian Chicken Salad
Cambodian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and unique combinations, and one dish that perfectly encapsulates this is the Cambodian Chicken Salad. This refreshing and zesty salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving for more.
What truly sets this salad apart is the medley of fresh vegetables and herbs that accompany the chicken. Crisp cabbages, juicy cucumbers, and crunchy bell pepper provide a delightful contrast in textures, making each mouthful a delightful adventure. Fragrant mint leaves and cilantro add a burst of freshness.
To tie the flavors together, make the dressing using fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. This dressing adds a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes, elevating the taste profile to new heights. The fish sauce, a staple in Cambodian cuisine, imparts a distinct umami flavor that enhances the complexity of the dish.
As soon as you take your first bite, you are greeted with the aroma of the chicken, followed by the explosion of flavors from the vegetables and herbs. The combination of textures and tastes creates a harmonious symphony in your mouth, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. With every bite, you will also discover new layers of flavor, as the dressing coats each ingredient.
Not only is the Cambodian Chicken Salad a feast for the senses, but it is also a nutritious choice. Packed with lean protein from the chicken and an array of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. This dish is a perfect option for those seeking a healthy yet delicious meal. In Cambodia, enjoy this salad as a light lunch or dinner. Especially, during the hot summer months. It’s also a popular choice for celebrations, its vibrant colors and flavors make it an eye-catching addition to any table.
So, the next time you find yourself yearning for a taste of something exotic. Give the Cambodian Chicken Salad a try. Let the flavors transport you to the bustling streets of Cambodia. Finally indulge in a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more.
Cambodian Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast-use rotisserie chicken if you prefer
- 6 tbsp fish sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 Thai chile or Serrano-minced
- 1 clove garlic-minced
- 4 cups green cabbage-shredded
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 1 cup red cabbage-shredded
- 1 red bell pepper-sliced thin
- 1 Persian cucumber-halved and sliced thin
- 4 radishes-sliced thin
- 1/4 cup cilantro-chopped plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup Thai basil or sweet basil-chopped
- 1/4 cup mint-chopped
- 1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Shred chicken into bite size pieces. Set aside until ready to toss with the rest of the ingredients.
- In a large bowl whisk together fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, chile, garlic and salt, until salt and sugar are dissolved.
- Add cabbages, arugula, bell pepper, cucumber, radish, 1/4 cup cilantro, basil, mint and chicken. Toss thoroughly until combined.
- Top with cilantro and peanuts. Serve!