Name: Asian Chopped Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips and Lime-Soy Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Oil, for frying (vegetable, canola, avocado, etc), about 1 inch in pan; 6 wonton wrappers, each cut into 6 strips; 6 cups chopped green cabbage; 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 4 green onions, sliced; 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained and chopped if large; 1 cup diced red bell pepper; 3/4 cup sliced almonds; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, avocado, etc)

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If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and delightful textures, you’ve just found your new favorite! This Asian Chopped Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips and Lime-Soy Dressing Recipe combines crunchy cabbage and romaine lettuce, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and colorful bell peppers all brought together by a tangy, savory lime-soy dressing. The topping of golden, crispy wonton strips adds an irresistible crunch that makes each bite unforgettable. It’s fresh, easy to assemble, and perfect for any occasion when you want a light yet satisfying meal or side dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A pile of crispy, golden-brown fried strips with a bubbly texture sits on a white paper towel, which is used to soak up oil. The strips have irregular shapes with some edges curled or twisted, showing variations in color from light golden to darker brown. The white paper towel underneath contrasts with the warm tones of the fried strips, and the whole setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this salad lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component adds a special touch, whether it’s the crispness of the cabbage, the juicy sweetness of mandarin oranges, or the nutty crunch of almonds that perfectly complement the zesty dressing and crispy wontons.

Oil, for frying: Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola to get perfectly crisp wonton strips without overpowering flavors.
6 wonton wrappers: Cut into strips to provide a delicate but crunchy topping that enhances texture beautifully.
6 cups chopped green cabbage: Adds a sturdy crunch and mild earthiness for the salad’s base.
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce: Provides fresh and tender green contrast to the cabbage and other ingredients.
4 green onions, sliced: Offer subtle sharpness and a light onion flavor that lifts the whole salad.
1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained: Brings a juicy sweetness and bright burst of citrusy color to the bowl.
1 cup diced red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a sweet, crisp bite.
3/4 cup sliced almonds: Brings a toasted nutty crunch for another layer of texture.
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Delivers a zesty tang that balances all the flavors in the dressing.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Offers a savory depth and slight saltiness essential for the dressing.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds mild acidity to brighten and complement the lime juice.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Provide a subtle nuttiness and slight crunch within the dressing.
2 teaspoons sesame oil: Adds a fragrant, toasty richness that makes the dressing more complex.
2 teaspoons sugar: Balances acidity and saltiness with a hint of sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
1/2 cup neutral oil: Creates a smooth and balanced base for the dressing to coat the salad.

How to Make Asian Chopped Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips and Lime-Soy Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Fry the Wonton Strips

Start by heating about one inch of your chosen frying oil in a heavy-duty pan. Once hot, add the wonton strips and fry just 30 to 45 seconds until they turn a lovely golden brown and crisp up nicely. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to keep them perfectly crunchy for topping your salad later.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

While the wontons cool, toss together the chopped green cabbage, romaine lettuce, thinly sliced green onions, drained mandarin oranges, diced red bell pepper, and sliced almonds in a large bowl. Each element adds its unique flavor and texture, creating a vibrant salad that’s both fresh and satisfying.

Step 3: Mix the Lime-Soy Dressing

In a small jar, combine the fresh lime juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and neutral oil. Seal the lid and shake vigorously until every ingredient is blended into a harmonious, tangy dressing that will bring this salad to life.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Pour as much dressing as you like over the salad mixture — it’s best to start conservatively because the dressing is flavorful and concentrated. Toss well to ensure every leaf and piece of fruit is coated with that zesty goodness. Finally, sprinkle the crispy wonton strips over the top for that signature crunch. Your Asian Chopped Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips and Lime-Soy Dressing Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Asian Chopped Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips and Lime-Soy Dressing Recipe

A white bowl sits on a dark surface with a fresh salad inside. The bottom layer is made of light green lettuce leaves mixed with small white cabbage pieces. Scattered on top are bright yellow orange slices and crunchy red bell pepper chunks, adding vibrant color. There are thin, crispy brown strips placed across the salad, giving texture and height to the dish. Small white almond slices are sprinkled lightly over everything. In the blurry background, there are two tall wooden pepper mills and a small bowl filled with a white granulated seasoning on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance presentation and flavor, consider garnishing your salad with a handful of extra toasted sesame seeds or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro. These additions add both beauty and a fresh, herbal note that complements the tangy dressing and crunchy wontons.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or even a simple bowl of steamed rice. Its bright and lively flavors add freshness to any meal, making it a fantastic companion to richer main dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual clear glass bowls or mason jars so the layers of vibrant ingredients shine through. Alternatively, use large crisp lettuce cups as edible bowls for an interactive, hand-held salad experience that’s perfect for parties or casual lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad (without the wonton strips) and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and crisp without the wontons getting soggy.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate and crunchy vegetables and the fresh dressing. Freezing would compromise texture and flavor, so it’s best to prep only what you plan to eat within a couple days.

Reheating

Because this dish is served cold, reheating is not recommended. Simply toss the salad fresh with dressing before serving and add the wonton strips last to maintain their satisfying crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned mandarins?

Absolutely! Fresh mandarin segments or even sliced oranges work wonderfully if you prefer a fresher, less sweet alternative. Just be sure to peel and remove any seeds.

What can I substitute for wonton wrappers?

If you can’t find wonton wrappers, tortilla strips or even baked wonton chips are excellent substitutes that provide a similar crunchy texture.

Is this salad gluten-free?

As written, the salad is not gluten-free because of the soy sauce and wonton wrappers, which typically contain gluten. However, you can use gluten-free tamari and gluten-free wonton wrappers to make it gluten-free.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The lime-soy dressing can be prepared a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using to recombine the ingredients.

How long will the wonton strips stay crunchy?

Wonton strips are best enjoyed immediately after frying for maximum crispness. If you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and add right before serving to maintain their crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Chopped Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips and Lime-Soy Dressing Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, contrasting textures and well-balanced flavors that will brighten up any meal. I encourage you to try it soon — once you do, it might just become one of your go-to salads for quick lunches, dinner sides, or even potlucks with friends. Enjoy every crunchy, tangy bite!

Asian Chopped Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips and Lime-Soy Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need