Name: Vietnamese Chicken Salad
Cook time: 1 hr
Total time: 1 1/2 hrs
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic; 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled ginger; 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh red chiles (preferably Thai or cayenne), or to taste; 1 whole chicken (about 3 1/2 pounds); 1 (2-pound) green cabbage; 1/2 pound carrots; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/3 cup Asian fish sauce; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh red chiles (preferably Thai or cayenne); 2 teaspoon finely chopped peeled ginger; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped; 5 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2/3 cup coarsely chopped salted roasted peanuts; 1/2 cup packed torn basil leaves; 1/2 cup packed torn mint leaves; an adjustable-blade slicer; lime wedges; thinly sliced fresh red chiles (optional)

Image may contain Dish Food Meal Plant Produce and Platter

Photo by Romulo Yanes

Since emigrating from Vietnam in the 1970s, Kia Dickinson has been generously sharing her incredible recipes with everyone she meets, including food editor Ian Knauer. This colorful mix of moist poached chicken, cabbage, carrots, and fresh herbs tossed with a wild, tongue-searing dressing is the quintessential summer salad—cool, colorful, and very fresh. When preparing this recipe, Dickinson uses the leftover poaching liquid to make rice.

Cooks' note:

• Chicken can be marinated up to 1 hour.
• Chicken and vegetables can be cooked 1 day ahead. Chill separately (covered once cool).
• Dressing can be made 1 day ahead and chilled in an airtight container.

Recipe notes

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.