Asian Dumpling Salad

As I've said before, I'm a sucker for an Asian Salad.  Mr. Devilish Dish abhors sesame oil and cilantro and those are two of my favorite flavors.  So on the rare occasion he is out of the house at dinner time I usually opt for something with those ingredients.  My go-to has always been my Asian Chopped Chicken Salad and sometimes I opt for Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Salad. If he is out of town for a long time, then I go all out and make Thai Beef Salad, Copycat PF Changs Lettuce Wraps, and his least favorite:  Egg Roll in a Bowl. Now there's a new favorite in the Asian Meal Rotation for when he leaves town - Asian Dumpling Salad.  This is so good, and hearty with the addition of some delicious steamed dumplings.  The best part is it's one of those semi-homemade meals.  I don't feel as guilty because I'm not eating take-out, BUT I'm not cooking away in the kitchen just for myself.  It is the best of both worlds.  A hearty meal that doesn't require too much work in the kitchen and I get to enjoy all the sesame oil and cilantro I want when Mr. DD isn't here.  

This is soooo good.  The dressing is
similar to a really good dipping sauce
for the dumplings.  The perfect combination.

When ready to serve, toss the dressing and 
salad ingredients together.  Add the golden
brown steamed dumplings.  Toss them to ensure
they get a coating of salad dressing.

Enjoy as is or serve with Crab Rangoons
or Egg Rolls if you want a fuller meal.

ASIAN DUMPLING SALAD

For the Dressing:

4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
4 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
4 Tbsp Chili Oil
2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
1 Clove Garlic, minced
2 tsp Ginger Paste

For the Salad:

1 Small Head of Romaine Lettuce, very thinly sliced (think chiffonade style)
1 Carton Cherry Tomatoes, halved
1 Large Cucumber, halved and sliced
1 Bunch Green Onions, chopped (green part only)
1 Handful Fresh Cilantro, chopped
1 Package Frozen Asian-Style Dumplings (choose your favorite flavor)
salt & pepper to taste

In a bowl whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame oil, sugar, garlic and ginger.  Set aside.  This will be your salad dressing.  

In a large salad bowl combine the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions and cilantro.  Toss together and set aside.

Prepare the dumplings according to package directions - or Simply fry them in a pan in a small amount of oil until golden brown.  Add 1/4 cup of water and cover with a lid to steam for approximately 5 minutes.  When the dumplings are done, remove them from the heat.

Pour the salad dressing over the lettuce mixture and toss.  Add the steamed dumplings, tossing to coat with dressing and serve immediately.