Asian Shrimp Salad with Crispy Wontons is a colorful, refreshing, and flavor-packed dish that’s a perfect fusion of texture and taste. Imagine juicy, pan-seared shrimp coated in a light sesame-ginger dressing, tossed with a vibrant mix of crisp cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers—all topped with golden, crunchy wonton strips.

This salad beautifully captures the essence of Asian cuisine, with its balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s satisfying yet light, making it an ideal meal for warm days, lunch gatherings, or healthy weeknight dinners. The combination of crisp vegetables, tender shrimp, and the satisfying crunch of wontons makes this salad irresistibly good.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it’s fresh, flavorful, and full of personality. Every component contributes something special—the shrimp provides protein and succulence, the veggies bring vibrance and crunch, and the crispy wontons add a delightful finishing touch that makes every bite exciting.

It’s also incredibly versatile—you can prepare it ahead, customize it to your taste, and even turn it into a wrap or bowl.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try because it perfectly showcases how salads can be a complete meal, not just a side. It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a weekday dinner.

The combination of sweet and savory Asian-inspired dressing with the crispiness of fried wonton strips gives it that restaurant-quality flair you’ll crave again and again.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~430 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course / Salad
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 400 g (about 1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp olive or vegetable oil (for sautéing)

For the Salad Base:

• 3 cups shredded napa cabbage or coleslaw mix
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds or cashews (optional for crunch)
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

For the Crispy Wontons:

• 8–10 wonton wrappers, cut into thin strips
• Oil for frying
• Salt to taste

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Wontons

1. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add wonton strips in small batches and fry until golden brown (about 30 seconds per side).
3. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.
4. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still warm. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
3. Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
4. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a bowl or small blender, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and oil.
2. Whisk or blend until smooth and emulsified.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more honey for sweetness or lime juice for acidity.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, cilantro, and almonds.
2. Drizzle with dressing and toss well to coat evenly.
3. Arrange cooked shrimp on top.
4. Garnish with avocado slices and crispy wonton strips.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

How to Serve

Serve immediately while the wontons are still crisp. This salad makes a satisfying standalone meal but can also be served alongside:

• Steamed jasmine or sticky rice
• Miso soup or clear broth
• Chilled green tea or sparkling citrus drink

For a beautiful presentation, layer the salad in bowls and top each with shrimp and a handful of wontons right before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overdress: Toss the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Crispy wonton hack: Bake wonton strips at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes for a lighter version.
• Shrimp perfection: Don’t overcook shrimp—they turn rubbery fast. Cook only until pink and firm.
• Make-ahead: Prep all salad ingredients and dressing in advance but assemble at the last minute for freshness.
• Extra flavor: Add a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a spicy-sweet contrast.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Substitute shrimp with tofu or tempeh marinated in soy and sesame.
2. Spicy Version: Add chili oil or sliced fresh jalapeños for a kick.
3. Tropical Twist: Add mango or pineapple chunks for sweetness.
4. Noodle Salad: Toss in soba noodles or rice noodles for a heartier meal.
5. Peanut Dressing: Replace the sesame dressing with a creamy peanut-lime sauce for a Thai-inspired flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover salad (without wontons) in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
• Dressing: Can be refrigerated separately for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
• Shrimp: Cooked shrimp can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: Not recommended for assembled salad or wontons—they lose texture after thawing. Only cooked shrimp may be frozen for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment Needed

• Nonstick skillet or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Frying pan (for wontons)
• Whisk or small blender (for dressing)
• Tongs or slotted spoon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw and toss with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor before adding to the salad.

Q2: Can I bake the wontons instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crisp for a healthier option.

Q3: How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and rice noodles instead of wonton strips.

Q4: Can I meal prep this salad?
Yes—store veggies, shrimp, dressing, and wontons separately. Combine just before eating.

Q5: What other protein can I use?
Chicken, tofu, or seared tuna are all delicious alternatives.

Conclusion

Asian Shrimp Salad with Crispy Wontons is a celebration of freshness, flavor, and texture. It’s light yet satisfying, nutritious yet indulgent—a dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to make at home. The juicy shrimp, tangy sesame-ginger dressing, and crunchy wontons create a perfect medley that delights your taste buds and nourishes your body.