Potsticker Salad (Dumpling Salad)

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal that brings together the comfort of dumplings and the freshness of a salad, then this Potsticker Salad (Dumpling Salad) is just what you need! This recipe has become a staple in my home because it’s so easy to whip up on busy weeknights or when friends come over. The combination of warm, flavorful dumplings with vibrant heirloom tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor.

What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as a light lunch, serve it at family gatherings, or even make it as a delightful side dish for barbecues. It’s a fantastic way to upgrade those frozen dumplings sitting in your freezer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, perfect for those hectic evenings when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The mix of fresh vegetables and savory dumplings creates an irresistible flavor profile that will leave everyone wanting more.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the dressing to suit your taste. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this salad!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love digging into their own bowl filled with colorful ingredients and delicious dumplings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the salad ahead of time for an easy grab-and-go meal or lunch option throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Potsticker Salad (Dumpling Salad) uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Each component plays a role in creating a dish that is both satisfying and packed with flavor.

For the Dumplings

• 1 lb frozen gyoza dumplings (vegan)

For the Salad

• 1 lb heirloom tomatoes (mixed colors)
• 1 English cucumber (or 4 Persian cucumbers)
• 5 scallions (thinly sliced)
• 1 red chili pepper (optional for heat)
• 1/2 cup basil leaves

For the Dressing

• 3 Tbsp Tamari (low sodium)
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2-3 tsp maple syrup

For Garnish

• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (or crispy fried onions)
• Garlic chili sauce

Optional Add Ins

• Thinly sliced cabbage
• Carrot
• Bean sprouts
• Edamame

Variations

One of the best things about this Potsticker Salad is how flexible it can be! Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you love.

• Swap the protein: Use any frozen dumplings you prefer, such as vegetable or chicken options, ensuring they fit your dietary needs.
• Add more crunch: Toss in some shredded carrots or snap peas for an extra crunch that adds texture to each bite.
• Go spicy: If you love heat, add more chili peppers or even some Sriracha sauce into the dressing for a kick.
• Make it heartier: Include cooked quinoa or brown rice at the bottom of your bowl for added substance.

How to Make Potsticker Salad (Dumpling Salad)

Step 1: Steam the Dumplings

Start by steaming your frozen gyoza dumplings according to the package instructions. Once they’re cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with a teaspoon of sesame oil. This step not only prevents sticking but also adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you’d like to skip oil, just use a splash of water instead!

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of Tamari, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 2-3 teaspoons of maple syrup. This dressing brings all those umami flavors together beautifully! Once mixed, pour it over your warm dumplings and give them a gentle toss so they’re nicely coated.

Step 3: Chop Your Veggies

Cut your heirloom tomatoes into wedges and thinly slice the cucumber and scallions. If you’re using chili peppers for some heat, slice those thinly too! Add all these colorful veggies to the bowl with the dumplings. Mixing them in not only enhances flavor but makes each bite visually appealing!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Tear fresh basil leaves over the top of your salad before sprinkling on toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried onions for that perfect finishing touch. Serve at room temperature so all those flavors can mingle together beautifully.

Step 5: Customize Your Dish

Feel free to add any optional veggies you love—like shredded cabbage, carrot strips, bean sprouts, or edamame—for extra crunch! Don’t forget to offer garlic chili sauce on the side for anyone who wants an extra kick!

And there you have it—your very own Potsticker Salad (Dumpling Salad)! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Potsticker Salad (Dumpling Salad)

Creating this Potsticker Salad is a breeze, but a few helpful tips can make your dish even more delicious!

• Use high-quality dumplings – Selecting the best frozen gyoza dumplings enhances the overall flavor and texture of the salad, ensuring that every bite is delightful.

• Fresh ingredients matter – Opt for the freshest heirloom tomatoes and cucumbers you can find. They add vital juiciness and crunch to your salad, making it refreshing and vibrant.

• Customize your dressing – Feel free to adjust the tamari and vinegar ratios to suit your taste preferences. This flexibility allows you to create a dressing that perfectly balances salty, tangy, and sweet flavors.

• Add extra veggies for nutrition – Including thinly sliced cabbage or crunchy bean sprouts not only boosts the nutrient content but also adds layers of flavor and texture to your salad.

• Serve at room temperature – Allowing the salad to sit for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully. It makes every bite bursting with umami goodness!

How to Serve Potsticker Salad (Dumpling Salad)

Presenting your Potsticker Salad in a way that makes it pop is easy! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delectable dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro or parsley – Bright herbs like cilantro or parsley add freshness and color, enhancing both appearance and flavor.

• Sliced radishes – Thinly sliced radishes can offer a peppery crunch that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed edamame – Simple yet nutritious, steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes an excellent side that aligns well with Asian flavors.

• Miso soup – A warm bowl of miso soup provides comforting contrast to the cool salad while adding umami richness.

• Rice paper rolls – Fresh rice paper rolls filled with vegetables are light and perfect for dipping into garlic chili sauce alongside your salad.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’ll create a delightful meal experience centered around your Potsticker Salad. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Potsticker Salad (Dumpling Salad) is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its fresh flavors throughout the week. You can easily prepare and store components in advance, making it convenient for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Item: Allow the salad to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Item: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Item: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Item: Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Item: It’s best not to freeze this salad after it’s been assembled, as the fresh vegetables will lose their crunch.
• Item: If you have leftover dumplings, they can be frozen before cooking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Item: When ready to use, cook directly from frozen without thawing.

Reheating

• Item: For best results, steam or pan-fry the frozen dumplings until heated through.
• Item: Avoid reheating the salad as it may make the veggies soggy; instead, prepare fresh components when needed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Potsticker Salad (Dumpling Salad).

Can I use fresh dumplings instead of frozen for the Potsticker Salad?

Absolutely! Fresh dumplings can add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just adjust your cooking method according to their instructions.

How do I customize my Potsticker Salad (Dumpling Salad)?

Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies like shredded carrots or bean sprouts. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to make it truly your own!

What dressing works best with Potsticker Salad?

The combination of tamari and balsamic vinegar creates a delightful balance of umami and sweetness that perfectly complements the dumplings and fresh vegetables.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this vibrant and delicious Potsticker Salad (Dumpling Salad) as much as I do! It’s a wonderful way to elevate your frozen dumplings with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or serving it at a gathering, I’m sure you’ll find it brings joy and satisfaction. Happy cooking!