As I tossed together vibrant greens and crispy, golden-brown dumplings, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. This Quick and Flavorful Dumpling Salad is like a delightful journey through bustling Asian street markets, where bold flavors and fresh, colorful ingredients come alive. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this healthy meal or side dish that’s not only customizable but also a fantastic way to say goodbye to fast food. The combination of savory dumplings with crunchy vegetables drizzled in a sweet chili dressing creates an explosion of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. Ready to elevate your lunch game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe! What makes this Dumpling Salad special? Quick and Easy: This Dumpling Salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weekdays. Vibrant Flavors: The blend of crispy dumplings and fresh greens paired with sweet chili dressing brings a delicious taste of Asia to your table. Customizable Goodness: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences, whether you’re using frozen wontons or potstickers. Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is a guilt-free option that’s satisfying yet light. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for family dinners or lunch parties, this dish will impress any guest, leaving them craving more! Dive into similar flavorful recipes like our Crab Salad Refreshing or Quinoa Crunch Salad for more delectable options! Dumpling Salad Ingredients For the Dumplings • Frozen Wontons/Potstickers – The main protein component providing a savory base; I recommend the Bibigo brand for excellent flavor. For the Salad Base • Frozen Shelled Edamame – Adds plant-based protein and vibrant color; be sure to cook according to package instructions for best results. • Chopped Broccoli Slaw Kit – Provides a crunchy texture and mix of veggies for added nutrients; any coleslaw mix can substitute. • Shallot (1/2, mandolin sliced) – Offers a mild onion flavor; red onion is a great substitute if needed. • Green Onion Stalks (2, finely diced) – Enhances flavor and freshness; completely optional if you’re not a fan. • Cilantro (1/2 cup, diced) – Brings a fresh herbal note to the salad; parsley works well as a milder alternative. For the Dressing • Sweet Chili Sauce (1/2 cup) – The hero of this Dumpling Salad, adding delightful sweetness with a hint of heat; hoisin sauce can be used for a different twist. • Rice Vinegar (2 tbsp) – Balances all flavors with its acidity; apple cider vinegar serves as a suitable substitute. • Soy Sauce (1 tbsp) – Elevates the umami flavor; tamari is perfect for gluten-free options. • Sesame Oil (1/2 tbsp) – Adds depth and richness; if air-frying, avocado oil is a better choice due to its high smoke point. For the Toppings • Wonton Strips (1/4 cup) – Adds an extra crunch; feel free to omit for a lower-calorie dish. • Diced Almonds (2 tbsp) – Provides crunch and healthy fats; sunflower seeds can be swapped if desired. • Sesame Seeds (1 tsp) – Perfect for garnish, adding a subtle texture; optional based on your taste. • Lime Wedge – For serving, this offers a fresh burst of citrus; lemon works just as well if lime is unavailable. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Dumpling Salad Step 1: Prep Dumplings Begin by cooking the frozen wontons or potstickers according to the package instructions. For the best texture, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of sesame oil, and pan-fry the dumplings for about 5-7 minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown on one side. Make sure to turn them occasionally for even cooking. Step 2: Prepare Edamame While the dumplings are cooking, take the frozen shelled edamame and microwave them following the package directions, usually around 3-4 minutes until hot. Drain any excess water and set the edamame aside, ensuring they are nice and tender, ready to complement the vibrant flavors of the Dumpling Salad. Step 3: Combine Salad Components In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli slaw kit, cooked edamame, mandolin-sliced shallots, finely diced green onions, and freshly diced cilantro. Toss these ingredients gently with your hands or tongs, allowing the colors and textures to meld together beautifully, creating a fresh base for the salad. Step 4: Make Dressing In a measuring cup, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with a tablespoon of water or broth to achieve a pourable consistency. This dressing will beautifully tie together the flavors of your Dumpling Salad. Step 5: Dress Salad Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixed salad components, ensuring even coverage. Gently toss the salad again until everything is well combined and coated in the luscious dressing. To maintain the crunch of the dumplings, only add them just before serving. Step 6: Serve Transfer the dressed salad to a serving platter and gracefully arrange the crispy dumplings on top. Sprinkle with wonton strips, sesame seeds, and diced almonds for extra crunch and flavor. Finally, serve with a lime wedge on the side, ready to add a zesty finish to your delightful Dumpling Salad. Dumpling Salad: Creative Variations Feel free to tailor this Dumpling Salad to your gusto, exploring flavors and ingredients that make your taste buds dance with delight! Homemade Dumplings: Use freshly made dumplings instead of frozen for a personal touch. The difference in taste is remarkable, and it allows for endless flavor experiments. Gluten-Free Option: Swap wontons with gluten-free wrappers or enjoy your salad without dumplings for a lighter option. This way, you can relish the fresh veggies without compromising on your dietary needs. Protein Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken or crispy tofu for an extra protein punch. This twist will make the salad more filling, perfect for lunch or a satisfying dinner. Add More Crunch: Toss in some toasted nuts like cashews or walnuts for an added texture. The nutty flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the chili sauce. Heat Things Up: Spice it up with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped chili peppers. This addition will elevate the heat level, making it a thrilling dish for heat lovers. Chickpeas for Fiber: Include a cup of rinsed and drained chickpeas for more fiber and a delightful nutty flavor. It’s an easy way to enhance satiety and create more complexity in your salad. For those looking to keep things exciting, you might also enjoy the refreshing crunch in our Cucumber Caesar Salad. And if you’re after something heartier, try the savory depths of Bang Shrimp Salad. Dive in and make this recipe your own! Storage Tips for Dumpling Salad Fridge: Store leftover Dumpling Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep ingredients fresh, it’s best to separate the dumplings from the salad. Freezer: While not ideal for freezing due to the salad’s ingredients, you can freeze uncooked dumplings or wontons for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking. Reheating: To reheat leftover dumplings, pan-fry them again in a bit of oil for the best texture. Do not reheat the salad itself; enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. Make Ahead Options These Dumpling Salad components are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy deliciousness with less hassle during busy weeknights! You can prepare the salad base (broccoli slaw, edamame, shallots, green onions, and cilantro) up to 3 days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The dressing can also be made ahead of time and kept for up to 1 week. When it’s time to serve, simply reheat the pan-fried dumplings if desired and add them to the salad mixture, drizzling on the dressing just before tossing everything together to preserve that delightful crunch. Enjoy a stress-free meal that’s just as tasty as when freshly made! Expert Tips for Dumpling Salad Pan-Fry for Crispiness: Always opt to pan-fry your frozen dumplings in sesame oil to achieve that desirable crispy golden-brown texture. Separate Storage: To maintain freshness, store the salad components and cooked dumplings separately until you’re ready to serve your Dumpling Salad. Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your taste preferences or dietary needs—this salad is fully customizable! Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh cilantro for a vibrant flavor boost, but if it’s not your favorite, parsley makes a great substitute. Perfect Dressing Consistency: When making the dressing, adjust thickness with water or broth to ensure it’s pourable and coats the salad beautifully. Top Just Before Serving: For maximum crunch, always add dumplings and crispy toppings to your salad right before serving. What to Serve with Quick and Flavorful Dumpling Salad A vibrant and crispy meal deserves equally delightful companions to elevate your dining experience. Seared Tofu: This protein-rich option adds a hearty touch, pairing wonderfully with the salad’s crisp dumplings and sweet dressing. Asian Carrots: Lightly glazed with sesame oil, these sweet and tender carrots offer a lovely crunch that complements the dish beautifully. Korean Cauliflower: Its spicy and sweet flavors harmonize with the dumpling salad, adding an exciting flavor burst to each bite. Coconut Rice: Fluffy and aromatic, it provides a subtly sweet contrast to the savory elements of the dumpling salad, balancing the meal perfectly. Mango Salad: Fresh, sweet, and tangy, this fruity side brings brightness to your plate, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish. Chilled Green Tea: A refreshing beverage choice, its slight bitterness balances out the sweetness from the chili dressing in the salad. Lychee Sorbet: A light, fruity dessert that serves as the perfect palate cleanser, leaving you refreshed after a satisfying meal. Dumpling Salad Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best frozen wontons/potstickers? Absolutely! Look for brands that offer high-quality ingredients—like Bibigo, which is known for its flavorful dumplings. Check the package for any dark spots or signs of freezer burn that can affect flavor. What’s the best way to store leftover Dumpling Salad? To keep your Dumpling Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the dumplings separate from the salad to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just toss everything together! Can I freeze any part of the Dumpling Salad? Yes! You can freeze uncooked frozen dumplings or wontons for up to 3 months. To do this, simply place them in a freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to cook them, thaw the dumplings overnight in the fridge before pan-frying for optimal texture. However, it’s best not to freeze the dressed salad itself as the texture will change. What if my dumplings don’t turn out crispy? Very! If your dumplings aren’t crispy, make sure you’re using enough oil and cooking them over medium-high heat for the recommended time. For that perfect crunch, try turning them occasionally for even browning. If they still come out a bit soggy, consider baking or air-frying them next time for a healthier option! Is this Dumpling Salad suitable for vegetarians or anyone with allergies? Absolutely! This Dumpling Salad can be easily customized for different dietary needs. Just choose vegetarian dumplings and substitute or omit ingredients that may trigger allergies, such as nuts or soy. Also, feel free to swap in other veggies if you have favorites or need to avoid certain allergens. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Of course! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time—just keep the dumplings and salad components separate until you’re ready to serve. I often do this for meal prep; it keeps the salad fresh and crunchy! Simply combine everything and dress it just before serving for the best taste and texture. Dumpling Salad: Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 15 Minutes Dumpling Salad is a quick and customizable dish that combines crispy dumplings with fresh vegetables and a sweet chili dressing. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 7 minutes minsTotal Time 22 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladsCuisine: AsianCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Dumpling Ingredients1 package Frozen Wontons/Potstickers Bibigo brand recommendedSalad Base Ingredients1 cup Frozen Shelled Edamame Cook according to package instructions1 package Chopped Broccoli Slaw Kit Any coleslaw mix can substitute1/2 Shallot Mandolin sliced; red onion can substitute2 Green Onion Stalks Finely diced; optional1/2 cup Cilantro Diced; parsley works as an alternativeDressing Ingredients1/2 cup Sweet Chili Sauce Hoisin sauce can be used for a twist2 tbsp Rice Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be substitute1 tbsp Soy Sauce Tamari is a gluten-free option1/2 tbsp Sesame Oil Avocado oil is better for air-fryingToppings1/4 cup Wonton Strips Optional for lower-calorie2 tbsp Diced Almonds Sunflower seeds can be swapped1 tsp Sesame Seeds Optional as garnish1 Lime Wedge For serving; lemon can substitute Equipment Large skilletMeasuring CupMixing bowl Method Preparation StepsBegin by cooking the frozen wontons or potstickers according to the package instructions. For best texture, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil, and pan-fry dumplings for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.While the dumplings are cooking, microwave the frozen shelled edamame following package directions, around 3-4 minutes until hot. Drain excess water and set aside.In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli slaw, cooked edamame, mandolin-sliced shallots, finely diced green onions, and diced cilantro. Toss gently with your hands or tongs to meld colors and textures.In a measuring cup, whisk together sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until smooth. Adjust thickness with water or broth if necessary.Drizzle the dressing over the salad components, gently toss again until well combined. Add crispy dumplings just before serving.Transfer the dressed salad to a serving platter and arrange the crispy dumplings on top. Sprinkle with wonton strips, sesame seeds, and diced almonds. Serve with a lime wedge. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftover Dumpling Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep dumplings separate from salad for freshness. Uncooked dumplings can be frozen for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
