This Dumpling Salad brings together crispy pan-fried dumplings, crunchy coleslaw, and a sweet-tangy dressing that makes every bite feel bright and satisfying. I started making this after seeing it pop up everywhere online, and now it's my go-to when I want something fresh but filling in under 20 minutes. The contrast between the warm, golden Dumpling Salad and the cool, crisp vegetables is what keeps me coming back.
If you're into quick, flavor-packed meals, you'll also love my Avocado Egg Salad and Vegetable Chickpea Fritters for easy lunches that don't feel boring.
Why You'll Love This Dumpling Salad
Ready in 20 minutes. This crispy dumpling salad is one of the fastest meals you can make, from start to finish.
Fresh and satisfying. The combination of warm Dumpling Salad, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy-sweet dressing feels light but keeps you full.
Totally customizable. Swap the Dumpling Salad, add extra veggies, adjust the spice, or use whatever herbs you have on hand.
Meal prep friendly. You can prep the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time, then toss everything together when you're ready to eat.
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Dumpling Salad Ingredients
Here's what you need to make this Asian dumpling salad recipe.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
Salad Base
- Vegetable dumplings or potstickers: The star of the dish. Air frying or pan-frying makes them crispy on the outside and tender inside. Use store-bought for convenience or homemade if you have time.
- Coleslaw mix: Provides the crunchy, fresh base. You can use a pre-bagged mix or shred your own cabbage and carrots.
- Cilantro or parsley, finely chopped: Adds a bright, herby flavor. Parsley works if you're not a cilantro fan.
- Green onion, finely chopped: Brings a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Dressing
- Rice wine vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet acidity that balances the richness of the sesame oil.
- Sesame oil: Gives the dressing a nutty, toasted flavor. A little goes a long way.
- Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and umami depth to the dressing.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a touch of heat. This is what makes the dressing so addictive.
- Garlic, minced: Provides sharpness and aroma.
- Ginger root, minced: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that ties everything together.
To Serve
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for a toasted, nutty crunch.
- Chili oil (optional): Drizzle this on if you like extra heat and richness.
How to Make It
This coleslaw and Dumpling Salad bowl comes together quickly with just a few easy steps.
Cook the dumplings: Cook your vegetable dumplings according to the package instructions. For extra crispiness, air fry them at 400°F for 10 minutes, or bake them in the oven. You can also steam them first, then pan-fry in a little oil until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Make the dressing: While the dumplings cook, combine rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a jar or small bowl. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and everything is well blended.
Prep the vegetables: In a large bowl, add the coleslaw mix, finely chopped cilantro, and finely chopped green onions. Toss gently to combine.
Toss everything together: Add the cooked dumplings to the bowl with the vegetables, then pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently to coat everything evenly without breaking the dumplings apart.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and drizzle with chili oil if you want extra heat. Serve immediately while the dumplings are still warm and crispy for the best texture.
Store if needed: If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dumplings will soften a bit, but the flavors stay bold.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap the dumplings. Use chicken, pork, or shrimp dumplings instead of vegetable ones. Gyoza and potstickers both work great.
Add more veggies. Toss in shredded cucumber, cherry tomatoes, edamame, shredded carrots, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Change the herbs. Use basil, mint, or a mix of fresh herbs if you don't have cilantro or parsley.
Make it spicier. Add Sriracha, sambal oelek, or extra chili oil to the dressing for more heat.
Use a different dressing base. Try peanut sauce, tahini dressing, or a simple lime and soy vinaigrette.
What Is Dumpling Salad?
Dumpling Salad is a fresh, vibrant bowl that combines cooked dumplings with shredded vegetables, herbs, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing. It's part of the viral TikTok trend that took off because it's simple, customizable, and ridiculously delicious.
Unlike traditional salads, this one centers around crispy dumplings instead of lettuce. The warm dumplings meet cool coleslaw, fresh cilantro, and green onions, all tossed in a dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sweet chili sauce. It's a complete meal in one bowl, and you can make it your own by swapping proteins, adding cucumbers or tomatoes, or adjusting the spice level.
The Day Katherine Came Over for Lunch
Katherine knocked on my door just as I was pulling dumplings out of the air fryer. She peeked over my shoulder and said, "Wait, are you putting dumplings in a salad?"
I nodded, tossing the coleslaw mix into a big bowl. "Trust me on this one."
She looked skeptical, but she grabbed a fork anyway. I drizzled the dressing over everything, tossed it together, and handed her a bowl. She took a bite, chewed slowly, and then her eyes widened. "Okay, this is actually genius. Why haven't I been doing this?"
I accidentally added way too much chili oil to mine, so I was fanning my mouth while she laughed. But even with the heat, I couldn't stop eating. The crunch from the coleslaw, the warmth from the dumplings, and that sweet-spicy dressing made it impossible to put down.
Equipment You'll Need
- Large mixing bowl: Holds all the salad ingredients and makes tossing easy.
- Jar or small bowl for dressing: A jar with a lid makes it easy to shake the dressing until smooth.
- Mini whisk: Helps blend the dressing ingredients evenly.
- Air fryer (or oven/pan for cooking dumplings): Air frying gives the crispiest results, but you can bake or pan-fry the dumplings too.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dumplings will lose some of their crispiness, but the salad still tastes great.
Keep components separate if you're meal prepping. Store the dressing, cooked dumplings, and vegetables in separate containers, then toss everything together just before eating.
Reheat the dumplings in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes to crisp them back up before adding them to the salad.
Don't freeze. This salad doesn't freeze well because the vegetables will lose their crunch and the dumplings will get soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a light lunch. This quick lunch salad idea is filling enough on its own, but you can pair it with Broccoli Cheese Pasta for a heartier meal.
Make it a party appetizer. Serve individual portions in small bowls for a fun, shareable dish at gatherings.
Pair with soup. Serve alongside miso soup, hot and sour soup, or wonton soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
Add a protein boost. Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu if you want extra protein..
Top Tip
Air fry for maximum crispiness. Air frying gives the dumplings crispy, golden edges without needing extra oil.
Don't overdress. Start with half the dressing, toss, and add more if needed. You want the salad lightly coated, not drowning.
Use fresh ginger and garlic. Fresh ginger and garlic make a huge difference in the dressing's flavor compared to powdered versions.
Serve immediately. The contrast between warm dumplings and cool coleslaw is what makes this salad so good. Assemble it right before serving.
Customize the heat. Adjust the chili oil and sweet chili sauce to match your spice preference.
FAQ
What is a dumpling salad?
A dumpling salad is a fresh bowl that combines crispy cooked dumplings with shredded vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing. It's a viral TikTok recipe that's quick, customizable, and packed with flavor.
What are some facts about dumplings?
Dumplings are found in many cuisines around the world, from Chinese potstickers to Polish pierogi. They can be steamed, boiled, fried, or baked, and filled with vegetables, meat, seafood, or even sweets. In this salad, crispy pan-fried or air-fried dumplings add texture and warmth.
What are the 4 types of salads?
The four classic types of salads are green salads (lettuce-based), vegetable salads (raw or cooked veggies), grain or pasta salads, and protein salads (like chicken or egg salad). This dumpling salad bowl falls into the protein and vegetable category.
What are the 5 elements of a salad?
A well-balanced salad includes a base (greens or grains), a protein, vegetables, a dressing, and a topping or garnish. This recipe has coleslaw as the base, dumplings as the protein, fresh herbs as the vegetables, a sweet-tangy dressing, and sesame seeds as the topping.
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Dumpling Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the dumplings according to package directions. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until golden and crisp, or steam and pan-fry for browning.
- While the dumplings cook, combine rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, garlic, and ginger in a jar or small bowl. Whisk until fully blended.
- In a large bowl, combine coleslaw, cilantro, and green onions.
- Add the cooked dumplings to the bowl, pour the dressing over top, and toss gently until everything is coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and a drizzle of chili oil if desired.
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