Description
This Viral Crispy Dumpling Salad combines golden-fried dumplings with fresh mixed greens and a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, this vibrant salad offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, making for a perfect light lunch or appetizer with a crisp, refreshing crunch and savory richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dumplings and Salad
- 8–10 frozen dumplings (potstickers or any variety of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.)
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts or cashews (optional, for garnish)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
- Fry the Dumplings: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the frozen dumplings and fry until golden and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the dumplings from the pan and set them aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, julienned cucumber, julienned carrot, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro, tossing gently to mix.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, grated ginger if using, and chili flakes if using, until well combined to form a balanced dressing with sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chop the Dumplings: Allow the fried dumplings to cool slightly, then chop them into bite-sized pieces to integrate easily into the salad.
- Combine Dumplings and Salad: Add the chopped dumplings to the salad and toss gently to distribute them throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and crushed peanuts or cashews over the top for added crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the dumplings alongside the fresh salad.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable dumplings or potstickers without meat.
- Adjust the chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use honey for a non-vegan option or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly dressing.
- Chilling the salad briefly before serving is optional but may diminish the dumpling crispness.
- Substitute peanuts or cashews with toasted almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
