Viral Dumpling Salad (Gluten Free)

This dumpling salad is both filling and delicious! When I saw the viral dumpling salad, I immediately knew I had to try making a gluten free version. I made my own homemade dumplings, but you can also use store-bought dumplings if you would like! This salad is a total game changer. It is versatile, customizable and so satisfying! It is packed with vibrant flavors and colorful textures. Imagine tender, pan-fried dumplings mingling with an array of fresh, crunchy vegetables, all tossed in dressing that ties everything together. This dish is the perfect combination of flavors and is a fun twist on the typical comfort food. This meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to impress guests at a party! It's also super kid-friendly and a great way to mix a classic comfort food with some vegetables. If you love this dumpling salad, you will also love my spring roll salad, creamy mango chicken salad and Asian chicken salad jars!

Why You'll Love This Salad

It's easy to throw together.

You can make dumplings from scratch or use frozen ones.

This dish is packed with vegetables!

It is a fun twist on the typical comfort food.

My take on this recipe is gluten free and dairy free.

It is made with a creamy and delicious homemade dressing.

This meal is kid-friendly!

Equipment Needed

All you need to make this dumpling salad is a blender, bowl, cutting board and knife. I love my Beast blender for this!

Ingredients Needed

Coleslaw Mix: I used a mix of red cabbage, green cabbage and carrots. It is precut which is so helpful for saving time. You can also chop the vegetables yourself!

Cucumber: Cucumber adds a fresh flavor to this salad!

Green Onions: I love topping this dumpling salad with green onions for some extra flavor!

Dumplings: I made my own gluten free dumplings, but you can also use store-bought dumplings to make this extra quick!

Dressing: I made homemade dressing for this salad, but you can also use store-bought dressing to save time. I made a creamy Asian-inspired dressing using sunflower butter, coconut aminos, garlic, ginger, olive oil and lemon.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather your ingredients.

Step 2: Add dressing ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Step 3: Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl. Add dumplings on top.

Step 4: Drizzle on dressing and enjoy!

Storage

Store this dumpling salad in the refrigerator for 3-5 days in an airtight container. I would recommend storing the salad and dressing separate from the dumplings so the salad does not get soggy.

Variations:

Salad: I used coleslaw mix, green onions and cucumber in this salad. You can also add romaine lettuce, red peppers, radishes, snap peas, sprouts or any other vegetables you love!

Dumplings: I used homemade gluten free dumplings for this dumpling salad. You can also use store-bought dumplings!

Dressing: I used homemade dressing for this dumpling salad. It is so delicious and creamy. Feel free to also use store-bought dressing to speed up the process. This salad would taste delicious with sesame ginger dressing, peanut sauce, soy sauce or sweet chili vinaigrette.

Toppings: Try adding some additional toppings like toasted sesame seeds, chili oil, chili crisp, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, fresh ginger, chili flakes or sriracha.

How to Serve

Serving a dumpling salad is all about balancing the warm, savory dumplings with the fresh, crisp elements of the salad. Here's a breakdown of how to serve it for the best experience:

• Ideally, the dumplings should be warm, while the salad ingredients are cool and crisp. This contrast is a key part of the dish's appeal. Ddd the dumplings to the salad just prior to serving.
• Ensure the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the salad. Toss it gently to coat all the vegetables and dumplings.
• Consider serving extra dressing on the side for those who prefer a more saucy salad.
• Use a large bowl or individual plates to serve the salad.
• Arrange the dumplings on top of the salad for a visually appealing presentation.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for added flavor and visual interest.
• Dumpling salads are best served immediately after assembling. This prevents the dumplings from becoming soggy and the vegetables from wilting.
• Consider adding these toppings for extra flavor and texture:
  • Chopped scallions or cilantro.
  • Toasted sesame seeds.
  • A drizzle of chili oil or chili crisp.
  • A squeeze of lime or lemon juice.
    

Recipe FAQ

Is this dumpling salad served warm or cold?

I like to serve the dumplings warm on top of the salad!

What other vegetables can I use?

Try adding red pepper, romaine lettuce, snap peas and radishes to this dumpling salad.

Can I use frozen dumplings? 

Yes, feel free to use frozen dumplings in this salad.

What can I serve with this dressing? 

This dressing also tastes delicious served with dumplings for dunking or try it out on another one of your favorite salads!

Which dumplings are gluten free?

I honestly haven't found gluten free dumplings with amazing ingredients, so I don't have a specific brand to recommend. That's why I like to make my own dumplings!

How can I add extra protein to this recipe?

Try adding in tofu, edamame, cooked shrimp or crunchy cashews for a little extra protein!

Should I pan fry, steam or boil the dumplings?

I prefer to pan fry dumplings so that they get nice and crispy!

Can I make this recipe nut free?

This recipe is actually nut free because I used sunflower seed butter in the dressing!

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, feel free to make the dressing ahead of time. You can store it in the fridge for 3-5 days in an airtight container.

Related Recipes

Be sure to try these gluten free dinner ideas next:

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake

Steak Fajita Pasta

Peach Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Gluten Free Kung Pao Chicken

Gluten Free Ramen

If you make this viral dumpling salad and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.