Yee Sang: Elevate Your Prosperity Toss Salad Game Today
Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by Sophie
The excitement in the kitchen that day was palpable as I prepared for a gathering that warranted something special. As I sliced into the fresh ingredients, the vibrant colors seemed to dance before my eyes a bright carrot here, a green cucumber there. That s when I decided to take a fun twist on the traditional Yee Sang, or prosperity toss salad, transforming it into a crispy fried wonton salad that would dazzle my guests.
Just imagine the warmth of the golden wonton wrappers, crackling with each bite, paired with the refreshing crunch of fresh vegetables and the delicate richness of salmon. It became a feast for both the eyes and the palate! This dish is not just a delightful meal; it s a celebration of flavors, perfect for a festive gathering or a cozy dinner at home. Let s dive into this recipe that not only brings good fortune but also offers an effortless way to elevate any mealtime!
Why is Yee Sang the Perfect Salad?
Vibrant flavors unite in this dish, offering a delightful twist on a classic. Crispy texture from the fried wonton adds an irresistible crunch that enhances the freshness of the veggies. Nutritious and satisfying, with salmon and pomelo, it s a wholesome meal that won t compromise on taste. Quick to prepare, this salad is an excellent option when time is short but you still want to impress. Plus, it s perfect for gatherings your guests will love the beautiful presentation! Looking for more inspiration? Check out my tips on creating a stunning salad display for your next event!
Yee Sang Ingredients
For the Fried Wontons
Vegetable oil use for frying to achieve that golden, crispy texture.
Wonton wrappers the base for our delightful crunch; feel free to cut them into fun shapes!
For the Salad
English cucumber adds a refreshing crunch; try a Persian cucumber as a substitute!
Carrot brings vibrant color and sweetness; slice thinly for better texture.
Daikon radish lends a peppery punch; you can swap with regular radish if needed.
Lettuce provides a light, crisp base; butter lettuce works beautifully here.
Salmon packed with flavor and richness; can be replaced with tofu for a vegetarian option.
Pomelo offers a sweet, tangy burst; grapefruit can be an alternative if you can t find pomelo.
Pickled ginger adds a zesty contrast; optional, but highly recommended!
For the Dressing
Plum sauce lends a sweet-savory glaze; use a homemade version for added depth.
Hoisin sauce brings umami notes; you can use soy sauce if you re in a pinch.
For the Garnish
Roasted peanuts adds a nutty crunch; swap with cashews for a different flavor.
Roasted sesame seeds sprinkle on top for a toasty finish; white sesame seeds work if you don t have roasted.
Embrace the spirit of Yee Sang and make this salad a centerpiece for your table!
How to Make Yee Sang
Heat the Oil: Warm a little vegetable oil in a small skillet, keeping the layer around ¼ inch deep. This creates the perfect environment for our wontons to crisp up beautifully!
Fry the Wontons: Once the oil is hot, cook a few strips of wonton wrappers at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and delightful!
Watch Closely: Keep a close eye on the wontons as they cook quickly. Turn them carefully as they brown to ensure both sides get that irresistible crunch.
Drain the Wontons: When golden and crisp, carefully remove the wontons and drain them on kitchen paper. This helps keep them crunchy and not greasy.
Prepare the Veggies: Cut the cucumber, carrot, and daikon radish into chunks about 2 inches long, then slice each into thin strips. This showcases their vibrant colors beautifully.
Cut the Salmon: Next, cut the salmon into thin strips and break the pomelo into chunks to create a lovely combination of texture and flavor on your plate.
Arrange the Salad: Place the carrot, cucumber, radish, lettuce, and pomelo in little stacks around the plate, keeping each ingredient separate to highlight their colors and freshness.
Add Salmon and Wontons: Gently add the salmon to the plate alongside the crispy wonton strips and tuck the pickled ginger right in the middle for a delightful surprise.
Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the plum sauce and hoisin sauce for a sweet-savory glaze that ties it all together.
Finish with Garnish: Sprinkle on the peanuts and sesame seeds, then drizzle the dressing over the whole dish, tossing ingredients together gently as desired.
Optional: Serve with extra pickled ginger on the side for an added zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Fried Wonton Salad?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful side dishes that complement the freshness and crunch of this vibrant salad.
Light Soy Noodles: Tossed in a sesame oil dressing, they provide a gentle balance to the crispy wonton, harmonizing flavors beautifully.
Spicy Edamame: Their fiery kick contrasts the freshness of the salad, making each bite more exciting and deeply satisfying.
Mango Salsa: This sweet and tangy addition brightens the plate, adding a fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of salmon.
Indulge in a light, refreshing drink like a Yuzu Lemonade. Its citrus notes refresh the palate after each mouthful and elevate the dining experience.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: These savory delights introduce an additional crunchy layer. Stuffed with veggies, they echo the salad s textures beautifully.
For dessert, consider Coconut Sorbet. Its creamy sweetness offers a cool finish, setting a delightful tone for the entire meal.
Expert Tips for Yee Sang
Crisp Assurance: Always ensure the oil is hot enough before frying wontons; this prevents sogginess and achieves that perfect golden crunch.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry wonton strips in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking, resulting in some strips becoming soft instead of crispy.
Freshness Counts: Use the freshest vegetables and fish for the salad. This maximizes flavor and keeps your Yee Sang vibrant and enjoyable.
Mix Textures: Incorporate different textures like the creamy salmon and crunchy veggies for a more complex and engaging salad experience.
Dressing Dilemma: Mix your plum and hoisin sauces well to ensure a balanced dressing that ties all the flavors in the Yee Sang together beautifully.
Presentation Perfection: Arrange each ingredient separately on the platter. This not only looks stunning but also allows guests to appreciate each component of the dish.
Yee Sang Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this dish to suit your taste and dietary needs!
- Gluten-Free: Swap out wonton wrappers for homemade or store-bought gluten-free ones, or try crispy rice paper for a light crunch.
- Vegetarian: Replace the salmon with marinated tofu or tempeh for a protein-packed alternative that doesn t skimp on flavor.
- Fruit Swap: If pomelo is unavailable, try using sweet mango or juicy pineapple for a tropical twist that will brighten your salad.
- Spicy Kick: Add thinly sliced jalape ±os or toss in a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy flair that perfectly balances the sweetness of the dressing.
- Texture Variety: Incorporate some crispy fried onions or lotus chips for an extra layer of crunch that enhances the texture experience.
- Nuts Alternative: Can t find roasted peanuts? Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain that delightful crunch while keeping it nut-free.
- Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can elevate the dish with an aromatic freshness; consider adding them as a garnish.
- Citrus Zing: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad just before serving for a zesty kick that will elevate the flavors of your Yee Sang.
Make Ahead Options
These Yee Sang preparations are perfect for busy weeknights or when hosting gatherings! You can slice the cucumber, carrot, and daikon radish up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator this keeps them fresh and crisp. Additionally, you can fry the wonton wrappers and store them in a sealed bag for up to 24 hours without losing their crunch. When it s time to serve, simply assemble the salad by stacking the prepped ingredients and add the salmon, pomelo, and crispy wontons. Drizzle with the prepared dressing, and you ll have a delicious meal ready in minutes, ensuring your Yee Sang is just as vibrant and delightful as when freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Yee Sang
Fridge: Store any leftover Yee Sang in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Freezer: While not recommended for this dish, if you must freeze components, the fried wonton strips can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat them in an oven to restore their crispness.
Reheating: If you have leftover dressing, simply whisk it again for that fresh flavor. Use it to drizzle over your chilled Yee Sang when serving.
Room Temperature: Ideally, serve Yee Sang immediately after preparation, as the textures are best when fresh and crunchy.
Fried Wonton Salad Recipe FAQs
What kind of wonton wrappers should I use?
For this recipe, regular wonton wrappers available in most grocery stores work perfectly. They ll crisp up nicely when fried! If you re feeling adventurous, you can even try fresh wonton sheets for a slightly different texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Any leftover Yee Sang should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It s best to keep the dressing separate to ensure the vegetables stay fresh and crisp.
Can I freeze the leftover wonton strips?
Absolutely! You can freeze the fried wonton strips for up to 1 month. To do this, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer bag or container. When you re ready to enjoy them, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
What if I have dietary allergies?
If you have allergies, be sure to swap out any ingredients as needed! For instance, you can replace salmon with tofu for a vegetarian option, and use gluten-free soy sauce instead of hoisin if you re avoiding gluten. As always, check the packaging of the sauces and wrappers for any allergen information.
Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the chopped vegetables and the dressing the day before. Just store them separately in the fridge for optimal freshness. Fry the wonton strips right before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
What should I do if my wonton wrappers aren t crisping up?
If your wonton strips aren t getting crispy, it s likely the oil isn t hot enough. Make sure the oil is heated to about 350 °F (175 °C) before adding the wrappers for frying. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan; fry them in small batches to achieve that perfect golden crunch!