Dumplings are one of those comfort foods that I can never get enough of, but turning them into a salad? Now, that’s a game changer! This Viral Dumpling Salad is packed with fresh veggies, crispy pan-fried dumplings, and a tangy sweet & sour dressing that ties everything together perfectly. It’s light, flavorful, and packed with texture crispy dumplings mixed with crunchy veggies is just a delicious combo. What’s great is you can totally customize it however you like, so feel free to play around with your favorite veggies or dumplings. Let’s dive into this exciting, easy-to-make recipe!

Method

Start by cooking the dumplings. Heat a pan over medium heat and pan-fry the dumplings according to the package instructions. Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the pan and set them aside to cool for a minute. The crispy texture of the dumplings is key to making this salad extra delicious.

Next, make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, mashed garlic, freshly grated ginger, sesame seeds, coconut sugar, and chili crisp (if using). Whisk everything together until the dressing is well mixed. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and whisk again to reach your desired consistency.

While the dumplings are cooking and the dressing is coming together, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the napa cabbage, Persian cucumbers, purple onion, and green onions. Halve the baby tomatoes and chop the cilantro. Add all of the vegetables into a large mixing bowl, ready to be tossed together with the crispy dumplings.

Once your dumplings are ready and the vegetables are prepped, assemble the salad. Add the cooked dumplings on top of the vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together, making sure all the ingredients are well coated. For an added crunch, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top and toss again to mix everything together.Finally, serve and enjoy. This dumpling salad is best served immediately while the dumplings are still warm and crispy. It’s perfect on its own as a light, satisfying meal or as a side dish to complement your main course. Enjoy the crunch, the freshness, and the tangy flavors all in one bite!

Necessary Tools

Large bowl for salad
Small bowl for dressing
Whisk for dressing
Pan for frying dumplings
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons and cups
Tongs or spoon for tossing salad

Viral Dumpling Salad: The Best Way to Enjoy Dumplings in a Salad

Recipe by Troy Jorge

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

For the Dressing:
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
3 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, mashed
2 tsp freshly grated ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp coconut sugar
1 tsp chili crisp or salsa macha (optional)
2 green onions, very finely chopped
2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
For the Salad:
3 cups napa cabbage, finely chopped
2 Persian cucumbers, finely diced
1/4 cup finely sliced purple onion
2 green onions, finely sliced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
3/4 cup baby tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
16 dumplings of choice

Directions

Cook the Dumplings: First, pan-fry the dumplings according to the package instructions. Once they’re golden and crispy, set them aside and let them cool for a minute.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, add the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, mashed garlic, freshly grated ginger, sesame seeds, coconut sugar, and chili crisp (if using). Whisk everything together until the dressing is well mixed. If you want a thinner dressing, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and whisk again.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the dumplings are cooking, chop the napa cabbage, cucumbers, purple onion, and green onions. Halve the baby tomatoes and chop the cilantro. Add all of these vegetables into a large bowl.
Assemble the Salad: Once the dumplings are cooked, add them on top of the veggies. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently to combine. Add the chopped peanuts for some crunch and toss again.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dumpling salad immediately while the dumplings are still warm and crispy. It’s perfect on its own or as a side dish to your favorite meal!

Notes

Watch the Dumplings: Be careful not to overcook the dumplings, as they can become too crispy or burn. Fry them until they’re golden and crunchy but not overly dark.
Adjust the Dressing: Depending on your preference for tanginess or sweetness, feel free to adjust the amount of rice vinegar or coconut sugar in the dressing. Start with the given amounts and taste as you go.
Serve Fresh: The dumplings are best when served fresh and crispy, so try to serve the salad right after tossing it to maintain the perfect crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Protein Boost: Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra protein boost. This makes the salad even more filling for a complete meal.
More Crunch: Feel free to add extra crunchy toppings like crispy fried onions or additional peanuts for more texture.
Pair with a Soup: If you’re in the mood for something heartier, pair this salad with a bowl of miso soup or a simple broth-based soup for a satisfying meal.

Fun Fact

Did you know that dumplings are a staple in many cultures, from Chinese jiaozi to Japanese gyoza? They’ve been enjoyed for centuries and are often eaten to bring good luck during the New Year celebrations!

Conclusion

This Viral Dumpling Salad is one of those dishes that will make you look at dumplings in a whole new way! With the crispy dumplings, crunchy veggies, and flavorful dressing, it’s a healthy, tasty, and satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, fully customizable, and sure to be a hit at your next meal. Whether you enjoy it as a main or a side, this dumpling salad will leave you craving more!