Potsticker Salad Recipe
If you love lively flavors, quick prep, and a fun twist on a classic takeout favorite, Potsticker Salad will sweep you off your feet! Imagine pillowy potstickers—crisped or steamed just right—nestled among a vibrant bed of fresh greens, crunchy veggies, and a zingy sesame-ginger dressing. Every bite captures that irresistible dumpling goodness with the crisp, cool snap of a salad, making it the ultimate dish for light lunches, easy weeknight dinners, or a fabulous potluck addition. Potsticker Salad is where comfort food meets unbeatable freshness, and you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Potsticker Salad is all about maximizing flavor and texture with simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings something special—whether it’s crunch, color, or just pure umami satisfaction.
- Frozen potstickers: Choose vegetable or chicken; these form the heart of your salad and soak up the dressing beautifully.
- Mixed salad greens: They add a fresh, leafy base and help balance the richer flavors of the potstickers.
- Shredded cabbage: Brings a pleasant crunch and subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the dressing.
- Shredded carrots: For color, a hint of earthiness, and a gentle sweetness.
- Red bell pepper: Sliced thin for pops of color and a juicy, crisp bite.
- Chopped scallions: They offer a mild, oniony punch without overpowering the mix.
- Chopped cilantro: Adds freshness and a burst of herby flavor.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Nutty and aromatic, they give a final touch of crunch and toasty depth.
- Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the dressing.
- Rice vinegar: Lends that essential tangy brightness.
- Sesame oil: Deep, toasty, and aromatic—small amount, big difference!
- Honey or maple syrup: Brings just enough sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Fresh ginger: Adds zing and warmth—don’t skip this!
- Minced garlic: For that fragrant depth and savoriness.
- Sriracha (optional): A dash of heat, only if you like things spicy.
- Water: Helps thin out the dressing for easy mixing and tossing.
How to Make Potsticker Salad
Step 1: Cook the Potstickers
Follow the instructions on your package to cook the potstickers to perfection. Pan-frying gives a delightful crispy finish, while steaming creates a tender, pillowy bite—pick your favorite method! Let them cool slightly after cooking so they don’t wilt the salad greens when combined later.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, sriracha (if using), and water. This dressing is packed with umami, sweetness, and a gentle bite—get it nice and smooth so every bit of salad gets an even coating.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, pile in the mixed salad greens, shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, scallions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds. Toss them lightly so the colors and textures mix—it should look absolutely vibrant!
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour your freshly whisked dressing all over the veggie mix. Gently toss everything together so every leaf, crunch, and bit of herb gets bathed in that irresistible sesame-ginger flavor. Don’t skimp—this is what ties the whole Potsticker Salad together!
Step 5: Add the Potstickers and Serve
Arrange your warm, cooked potstickers on top of the dressed salad—nestle them in so they don’t just sit on top. Serve immediately and get ready to fall in love with the perfect fusion of fresh salad and savory dumplings!
How to Serve Potsticker Salad
Garnishes
Pile on a sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds or add a handful of chopped peanuts for extra crunch. A few extra scallions or a scatter of fresh cilantro delivers a restaurant-quality finish. If you want even more texture, crunchy fried wonton strips or thinly sliced radishes are fantastic, too.
Side Dishes
While Potsticker Salad is a satisfying meal on its own, it’s fabulous with a bowl of miso soup, some fresh-cut fruit, or a light cucumber salad. If you’re planning a bigger spread, think cold soba noodles, or some steamed edamame for an all-around Asian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Potsticker Salad into a showstopper by serving it in mini bowls or on a big platter for buffet-style gatherings. For lunchboxes or picnics, keep the potstickers and greens separate until ready to serve so they stay crisp. Hosting a dinner? Stack the potstickers upright in the center or fan them out for stunning visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra Potsticker Salad, store the potstickers and salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad will keep its crunch for up to two days, while the potstickers stay best for one to two days as well. Reassemble right before eating for the freshest results.
Freezing
While you can’t freeze the full Potsticker Salad (the greens won’t thank you for it), cooked, leftover potstickers can be frozen for up to a month. Just arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then store in a freezer bag. When ready to use, reheat and build a fresh salad around them.
Reheating
Warm your potstickers gently in a skillet with a splash of water and lid (for steaming) or toast them for a crispier texture. Microwave works in a pinch but may lose some crunch. Always combine reheated potstickers with freshly dressed greens for that signature Potsticker Salad magic.
FAQs
Can I use homemade potstickers instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade potstickers are a labor of love and make this salad extra special. Cook them fresh, or batch-prep and freeze for speedy future salads.
Is Potsticker Salad gluten-free?
Yes, you can keep it gluten-free by choosing gluten-free potstickers and swapping soy sauce for tamari. Just double-check labels and you’re set.
What protein options work best if I want more variety?
Chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu-filled potstickers all shine here! For extra oomph, add grilled shrimp, crispy tofu, or slice up some rotisserie chicken alongside the main salad.
How do I prevent soggy salad if packing for lunch?
Keep the potstickers and dressing separate from the greens and veggies until you’re ready to eat. Assemble everything right before serving to keep things crisp and fresh.
Can I add more veggies to this salad?
Of course! Snap peas, cucumbers, daikon, edamame, or even a handful of baby spinach all play well with the flavors in Potsticker Salad—feel free to get creative.
Final Thoughts
Potsticker Salad really brings the best of both worlds: crave-worthy dumplings and vibrant, crunchy veggies all in one irresistible bowl. It’s wholesome, fast, and infinitely customizable. I hope you give this recipe a whirl and discover just how fun and delicious Potsticker Salad can be—don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple in your kitchen!
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Potsticker Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Potsticker Salad combines the flavors of Asian potstickers with a fresh, crunchy salad, all tossed in a delicious soy-sesame dressing. It’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes that make for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Potstickers:
- 12–16 frozen potstickers (vegetable or chicken)
Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Cook the potstickers: Cook the potstickers according to package instructions, either by pan-frying or steaming. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and set aside.
- Prepare the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
- Assemble the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Top with the warm potstickers and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or crispy wonton strips.
- This salad is easily made gluten-free by using tamari and gluten-free potstickers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
