Trader Joe’s Crunchy Potsticker Salad

I first saw a version of this Trader Joe’s Crunchy Potsticker Salad on TikTok and instantly knew I had to try it—but of course, I had to put my own spin on it. My daughter Sophia loves the Trader Joe’s potstickers (we never leave the store without a bag), so they were the perfect addition. I crisp them up in the air fryer and toss them over a bed of crunchy cabbage, fresh veggies, and a creamy Thai peanut dressing we all love. It’s easy, satisfying, and honestly just a really fun way to turn freezer staples into something crave-worthy.  

All of the ingredients are from Trader Joe’s, even down to the dressing. Everything comes together in less than 20 minutes, and it’s totally customizable based on what’s in your fridge.  So get creative and have fun with this recipe.  Let it be your inspiration! 

Here’s what you need for this Potsticker Salad:

All items can be found at Trader Joe’s, but feel free to shop anywhere to find similar items!

Potstickers  

10 Trader Joe’s chicken gyoza potstickers. They can be found in the frozen section.  You can also use any kind of potsticker you like.  There are all sorts of dumplings to choose from.  Try shrimp or pork to mix things up.    Cook them by following the package directions.  I like to use my air fryer for these, but if you don’t have an air fryer, that’s ok too.  

Shredded Cabbage

Mix 3 cups of the pre-shredded cabbage mix.  The bag says Shredded Green & Red Cabbage with carrots.  If you can’t find this specific kind, pick up the shredded green cabbage and add sliced carrots.  

Edamame  

1/2 cup of fully cooked edamame.  This can be found in the produce section at Trader Joe’s.  They are pre-packaged, fully cooked, and ready to eat.   

Green Onions  

1/4 cup of green onions, thinly sliced. That’s about 2 small green onions.  

Red Bell Pepper  

1/2 of a red bell pepper, finely diced.  You can also use green, orange, or yellow bell peppers.  

Cucumbers  

1/2 of an English cucumber, quartered.  You can use any cucumber you like.  I also use the mini cucumbers or Persian cucumbers.  

Fresh Cilantro  

1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, minced.   

Soy sauce  

About 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce.  Just enough to drizzle over the top of the cooked pot stickers. 

Thai Peanut Dressing (by Trader Joe’s)  

This Thai peanut dressing can be found in the cold section where the produce is. If they don’t have it, you can also try the creamy sesame dressing.  Both are good.

*Optional* 

Carrots  

1/2 cup of shredded carrots.  Only add if you didn’t get the cole slaw blend, which includes carrots.  Or if you really like carrots, they make a nice addition.

Sesame Seeds for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions for this Trader Joe’s Crunchy Potsticker Salad:

Step 1: Cook the Potstickers

Start by cooking 10 Trader Joe’s potstickers according to the package instructions.  This amount is for 2 individual servings.  If you think you want to eat more than 5 potstickers, then make more.  

• Air fryer method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil and arrange the potstickers in a single layer. Air fry for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• Stovetop method: Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potstickers and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 2–3 minutes. Add a splash of water (about 1/4 cup), cover with a lid, and steam for another 4–5 minutes until cooked through.
  Set the cooked potstickers aside until you’re ready to toss with the salad.  

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Edamame

While the potstickers are cooking, prep the rest of your salad ingredients:

• Thinly slice 1/4 cup of green onion
• Dice 1/2 of a red bell pepper
• Mince 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro
• Quarter 1/2 of an English cucumber
• If your cabbage mix doesn’t include carrots, shred about 1/2 cup of carrots (or buy the pre-shredded kind in a bag!) 
• No need to cook the edamame—it’s already done! Just measure out 1/2 cup and set it aside.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

In a large bowl, combine:

• 3 cups of shredded cabbage mix
• 1/2 cup cooked edamame
• Green onion
• Red bell pepper
• Cilantro
• Cucumber 
• Optional carrots

Drizzle with Trader Joe’s Thai Peanut Dressing (start with about 1/4 cup and add more to taste). Toss until everything is well coated.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Divide the salad between two bowls.  Top each bowl with 5 crispy potstickers. Drizzle a little soy sauce over the potstickers, and add more peanut dressing if you like it saucy.  Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Serve immediately while the potstickers are still warm and crispy. So good!

If this is your first time making a salad like this—don’t worry—it’s super simple and totally doable. It’s one of those easy recipes that feels a little fancy but comes together fast with just a few Trader Joe’s staples. Whether you’re tossing it together for a quick lunch or an easy weeknight dinner, this crunchy potsticker salad is such a fun (and satisfying!) way to keep things fresh without a lot of fuss.

More Recipes To Try!

Pasta Salad with Spinach tossed with Soy Ginger Vinaigrette

Strawberry Kale Salad

Greek Israeli Couscous Salad