Some recipes are born from nostalgia, others from creativity, and a few — like this Trader Joe’s Wonton Salad — come from pure inspiration found while strolling down grocery aisles. If you’ve ever picked up the popular Trader Joe’s salads, you know they’ve mastered the art of quick, flavorful meals that taste homemade but require zero prep. Among them, their Wonton Salad has become a cult favorite — a perfect balance of crunchy veggies, savory chicken, crispy wonton strips, and that irresistible sesame-ginger dressing.
This copycat version brings that same magic straight to your kitchen — fresh, bright, satisfying, and completely customizable. The best part? It tastes even better than the store-bought version and costs less to make, especially if you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week.
I first tried Trader Joe’s Wonton Salad during a hectic workday when I needed something light but filling. One bite in, and I was hooked — the crunch of cabbage, the tangy-sweet dressing, the bursts of flavor from the sesame oil and soy, and the playful texture of the wonton strips made it feel indulgent yet wholesome. It’s the kind of salad that makes eating healthy feel exciting.
The concept is simple, yet genius: take the classic Asian-inspired cabbage salad base, add tender chicken for protein, toss it with a sesame-ginger dressing, and finish it off with the irresistible crunch of fried wontons. It’s crisp, sweet, savory, and just a little bit spicy — everything your palate craves in one bite.
What makes this salad so special is its balance. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main meal but still light enough for lunch or a refreshing side dish. You can serve it chilled, make it vegan or vegetarian, or even switch up the protein for tofu, shrimp, or tempeh. And the dressing — that glorious, golden elixir — ties it all together in the most satisfying way.
Whether you’re a Trader Joe’s loyalist or just love a good Asian-inspired salad, this homemade version will become one of your all-time favorites. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep — because it keeps beautifully for days.
Let’s recreate that famous Trader Joe’s Wonton Salad with a homemade touch that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded (about ½ small head)
- 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced thin (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, sliced diagonally
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 ½ cups crispy wonton strips (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Optional toppings: sliced almonds, mandarin orange segments, or edamame
For the Sesame-Ginger Dressing
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Protein Variations
- 1 cup grilled shrimp, cooled
- 1 block tofu, baked or air-fried
- 1 cup seared steak strips or pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly and patting them dry. Moisture can dilute the dressing and make your salad soggy, so take the time to dry everything well.
Cut your green and red cabbages into quarters, remove the tough core, and shred them finely using a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor. The finer the shred, the more evenly the dressing will coat each strand.
Peel and shred the carrots — you can use a box grater or julienne peeler for long, delicate pieces. Thinly slice the red bell pepper and green onions. Chop the cilantro and set everything aside in a large mixing bowl.
Pro Tip: Mix the red and green cabbage together first — this blend creates a visually striking base with a satisfying mix of sweetness and crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Protein
If you’re using chicken, you can cook it fresh or use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. For fresh chicken:
- Bring a pot of water or broth to a gentle simmer.
- Add a pinch of salt and a dash of soy sauce for flavor.
- Add chicken breasts and poach for 12–15 minutes until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove, cool slightly, then shred using two forks.
If using tofu, pat it dry, cube it, and either bake (400°F for 25 minutes) or air-fry until golden and crisp.
Shrimp lovers can quickly sauté them in sesame oil for 2–3 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
Step 3: Make the Sesame-Ginger Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, garlic, and Sriracha. Whisk until the mixture is emulsified — slightly thick and well-blended.
Taste and adjust as needed:
- Add more vinegar for tang.
- Add more sesame oil for richness.
- Add honey if you like a sweeter note.
Spice Note: Trader Joe’s version has a mild kick. If you prefer more heat, add extra chili paste or a drizzle of chili crisp oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In your large mixing bowl of shredded vegetables, add the cooked chicken (or chosen protein). Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything gently but thoroughly.
Make sure every bit of cabbage and carrot is coated in that sesame-ginger goodness — that’s where the flavor magic happens.
Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This brief resting time allows the dressing to slightly soften the cabbage and deepen the flavors.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
Just before serving, sprinkle in the crispy wonton strips and toasted sesame seeds. Toss lightly to combine.
Tip: If you mix in the wonton strips too early, they’ll lose their crunch. Always add them right before serving for that signature crispy texture.
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
One of the best things about Trader Joe’s Wonton Salad is how easily it adapts to any occasion or dietary preference.
1. Classic Copycat Version (Chicken)
Keep it true to the original with shredded chicken, crispy wontons, and a sesame-ginger dressing. Add mandarin orange slices for that signature Trader Joe’s sweetness.
2. Vegetarian / Vegan Delight
Skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh instead. Swap honey for maple syrup in the dressing, and add extra edamame or avocado for plant-based protein and creaminess.
3. Shrimp or Seafood Twist
Replace chicken with grilled or sautéed shrimp. The shrimp’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the sesame and lime flavors.
4. Spicy Sriracha Wonton Salad
Turn up the heat by adding extra chili-garlic sauce, spicy peanuts, or chili oil to the dressing. Top with fresh jalapeño slices or red chili flakes.
5. Citrus Fusion Wonton Salad
Add segments of mandarin orange, grapefruit, or even pineapple chunks. The fruitiness lightens the salad and pairs beautifully with the sesame base.
6. Peanut-Lime Variation
Swap sesame oil for peanut oil and whisk in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter into the dressing for a Thai-inspired version. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh mint.
Tips & Tricks
1. Homemade Wonton Strips
If you can’t find pre-made wonton strips, make your own!
- Cut wonton wrappers into thin strips.
- Fry them in hot oil for 30–45 seconds until golden.
- Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
They stay crispy for days if stored in an airtight container.
2. Meal Prep Magic
This salad is perfect for meal prepping! Store the shredded veggies, cooked protein, and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. Combine them right before eating to maintain texture.
3. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Letting the salad sit for a bit helps the dressing absorb into the cabbage, enhancing flavor and texture.
4. Balance the Dressing
The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility. Taste as you go — if it’s too salty, add honey or lime; if it’s too sweet, add more vinegar.
5. Make It Gluten-Free
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and gluten-free wonton strips or rice noodles for crunch.
6. Serving for a Crowd
If making for a potluck, double the recipe and keep the dressing and wontons separate until just before serving. This ensures maximum freshness and crunch.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
(Approximate values; vary based on ingredients and dressing portion.)
Additional Info
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per Serving: ~290 kcal
- Servings: 4–6
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Trader Joe’s Wonton Salad has such a devoted following — it’s that perfect balance of crunch, freshness, and flavor. But once you try this homemade version, you’ll see how easy (and rewarding) it is to recreate it from scratch.
It’s crisp, colorful, and full of life — every bite bursts with sesame richness, tangy sweetness, and the irresistible crunch of those golden wontons. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies without feeling heavy, making it ideal for everything from weekday lunches to dinner parties.
You can prep it ahead, customize it endlessly, and even transform leftovers into wraps or rice bowls. And the best part? You’ll never have to run to Trader Joe’s again just to get your salad fix (though let’s be honest, you still might — because we all love their snacks).
So go ahead, toss up a bowl of this homemade Trader Joe’s Wonton Salad, and watch it disappear faster than you can say, “Where did the wonton strips go?”