Chicken Cabbage Salad Nuoc Cham Recipe (Ready in 15 Minutes!)

This chicken cabbage salad nuoc cham recipe is one of those beautiful discoveries that happened during a particularly hectic week when I needed something fresh, filling, and incredibly flavorful—fast. Sometimes the most satisfying meals are the ones that come together in minutes but taste like you’ve been cooking all day.

The first time I made this chicken cabbage salad nuoc cham, I was instantly transported by the bright, zesty flavors of the Vietnamese-inspired dressing.

The first time I made this salad, I was instantly transported by the bright, zesty flavors of the Vietnamese-inspired nuoc cham dressing. That perfect balance of tangy lime juice, savory fish sauce, and just a hint of sweetness from brown sugar creates magic when it meets crisp cabbage and tender chicken. The fresh herbs—mint, basil, and cilantro—add an aromatic freshness that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

What I absolutely love about this recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. We’re talking about basic cabbage here, but when you toss it with that incredible dressing and pile on the fresh herbs, it becomes this vibrant, restaurant-quality dish that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

This chicken cabbage salad nuoc cham has become my go-to for those nights when I want something light yet satisfying, healthy yet indulgent-tasting. Plus, at just 15 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by.

Why This Chicken Cabbage Salad Nuoc Cham is a Game-Changer

This chicken cabbage salad nuoc cham isn’t your typical chicken salad drowning in mayo. Instead, we’re celebrating fresh, clean flavors that let each ingredient shine. The nuoc cham dressing is the real star here—it’s that magical Vietnamese condiment that brings brightness and depth to everything it touches.

The beauty of this chicken cabbage salad nuoc cham lies in the textures: crunchy cabbage and carrots, tender chicken, crisp bean sprouts, and those aromatic fresh herbs that burst with flavor in every bite. At just 208 calories per generous serving, this salad proves that eating light doesn’t mean sacrificing satisfaction or taste.

Ingredients

For the Nuoc Cham Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or avocado work beautifully)
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon refrigerated garlic paste

For the Salad:

• 4 cups thinly sliced red or green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 8 ounces)
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Create the Magic Dressing In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, oil, brown sugar, fish sauce, salt, and garlic paste until everything is beautifully combined. Don’t worry if it seems simple—this dressing is about to transform your salad into something absolutely incredible. The fish sauce might seem intimidating if you’ve never used it before, but trust me, it adds that perfect savory depth that makes this salad so addictive.

Step 2: Toss and Serve Add the sliced cabbage, shredded chicken, matchstick carrots, bean sprouts, and all those gorgeous fresh herbs—mint, basil, and cilantro—right into the bowl with your dressing. Here’s where the magic happens: toss everything together until every single piece is coated with that golden, aromatic dressing. The cabbage will start to glisten, the herbs will release their incredible fragrance, and you’ll know you’ve created something special.

That’s it! Seriously, that’s the entire recipe. Sometimes the best dishes are the simplest ones.

Tips & Variations

Prep-Ahead Magic: While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep all your vegetables and make the dressing up to a day ahead. Just store everything separately and toss together right before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.

Chicken Shortcuts: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here! It’s already perfectly seasoned and saves you tons of time. You can also use leftover grilled chicken, poached chicken, or even chicken from meal prep.

Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. Thinly sliced bell peppers, cucumber ribbons, or even shredded Brussels sprouts would be delicious additions. Radishes add a nice peppery crunch too!

Make it Heartier: For a more substantial meal, serve this over cooked rice noodles, quinoa, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld version.

Adjust the Heat: Love a little spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a thinly sliced Thai chili to the dressing. Start small—you can always add more!

Fresh Herb Alternatives: While the combination of mint, basil, and cilantro is absolutely divine, you can use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. Thai basil, Vietnamese mint, or even fresh dill would bring their own unique character to this salad.

this Recipe

The Secret to Perfect Nuoc Cham Dressing

Let me share a little secret about nuoc cham dressing: it’s all about balance. This traditional Vietnamese condiment should hit sweet, sour, salty, and umami notes all at once. If your dressing tastes too fishy, add a bit more lime juice and brown sugar. Too sweet? A pinch more salt and fish sauce will bring it back into balance.

The fish sauce might be the ingredient that makes you hesitate, but please don’t skip it! It’s what gives this dressing its incredible depth and that mysterious “something special” that makes this salad so crave-worthy. You can find it in the Asian section of most grocery stores, and once you have it, you’ll find yourself using it in all sorts of dishes.

Why Your Body Will Love This Salad

This chicken cabbage salad nuoc cham is nutrition powerhouse disguised as pure deliciousness. With 20 grams of protein per serving, it’ll keep you satisfied and energized. The fresh vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the herbs add their own nutritional benefits and incredible flavor.

At just 208 calories per generous 2-cup serving, this salad is perfect for anyone looking to eat lighter without sacrificing satisfaction. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and fits into so many different eating styles while still being absolutely delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad works beautifully on its own as a light lunch or dinner, but it also shines as part of a larger spread. Serve it alongside spring rolls, grilled shrimp, or even as a fresh side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired main courses.

For entertaining, I love serving this family-style in a large, beautiful bowl where everyone can admire those gorgeous colors before digging in. The vibrant greens of the herbs against the purple-red cabbage and bright orange carrots make this salad as stunning as it is delicious.

Storage Tips

While this salad is absolutely best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will soften slightly, but the flavors will continue to meld and develop, creating an equally delicious but different experience.

If you’re meal prepping, I recommend storing the dressing separately and tossing everything together just before eating to maintain the best texture and crunch.

This chicken cabbage salad nuoc cham has become one of those recipes I turn to again and again, especially during busy seasons when I need something that’s quick, healthy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. There’s something so satisfying about a dish that comes together this quickly but tastes so complex and restaurant-quality.

The fresh herbs make all the difference here—they’re not just a garnish, they’re an essential part of what makes this salad so special. That first bite, with all those bright flavors and varied textures, is pure joy.

I hope this recipe brings as much freshness and satisfaction to your table as it has to mine. Sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable ones.

From my kitchen to yours—happy cooking!