Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad. This refreshing dish combines the bright vegetables and herbs typical of spring rolls, presented in a vibrant salad form. It’s not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for a light lunch or dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
There are so many great reasons to whip up a Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad. Firstly, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized according to your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of shrimp, tofu, or an array of fresh vegetables, this salad can accommodate everyone’s tastes. Secondly, Vietnamese cuisine is known for its balance of flavors—sweet, sour, salty, and fresh—all of which come through beautifully in this salad. Lastly, preparing this dish is quick and easy, which means you can enjoy a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad
Creating this flavorful salad is straightforward. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a colorful and delicious meal ready in no time!
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp or tofu, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small chili, minced (optional)
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, sliced red bell pepper, diced shrimp or tofu, chopped mint, and chopped cilantro.
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In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until they are well combined.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
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Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top just before serving.
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Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Pro Tips for Success with Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables are the stars of this dish. Choose vibrant, crisp greens and herbs to maximize flavor and crunch.
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Make the Dressing in Advance: Allowing the dressing to sit for a bit enhances the flavors. Prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
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Don’t Overmix: When tossing the salad, do it gently to avoid bruising the delicate greens and herbs. You want everything to stay fresh and crisp.
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Customization is Key: Feel free to add any other vegetables you love, such as sliced radishes or avocado, for added texture and flavor.
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Adjust Spice Level: If you enjoy a kick, include more chili in the dressing or salad. For milder options, just omit it altogether.
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Keep Peanuts Crunchy: If you’re not serving the salad right away, it’s best to add the peanuts just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
Flavor Variations for Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad
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Switch the Protein: Substitute shrimp or tofu for chicken or tempeh if you’re looking for a different protein source.
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Add Noodles: Include rice vermicelli noodles for a more filling dish that mimics traditional spring rolls.
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Use Different Greens: Spinach or arugula can be used in place of salad greens for a unique twist.
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Use Different Nuts: Try cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a different flavor profile.
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Add Fruit: Incorporate slices of mango or pineapple for additional sweetness that complements the savory elements.
Serving Suggestions for Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad
This Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:
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As a Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own for a refreshing mid-day meal.
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Perfect Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats or tofu for a well-rounded dinner.
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Picnic-Ready: Pack it for a picnic; it tastes great cold and travels well.
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Healthy Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as an appetizer at a dinner party.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad
For optimal freshness, this salad is best enjoyed right after preparation. However, if you have leftovers:
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Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain the salad’s crunchiness.
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Noodle or Grain Additions: If you’ve added rice noodles or grains, the texture may change slightly after storage, but the flavor remains delightful.
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Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the fresh vegetables and herbs do not fare well in the freezer.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————|—————-|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
FAQ About Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, soy sauce is a great alternative to fish sauce. You might also consider using a light miso paste mixed with water for a unique flavor profile.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time. Store the chopped vegetables and herbs in an airtight container in the fridge. Mix the dressing separately and combine everything just before serving for optimal freshness.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free soy sauce in place of fish sauce, this salad is entirely gluten-free. Make sure to check any other sauces you’re using as well.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, simply replace the fish sauce with soy sauce and opt for tofu, tempeh, or just a variety of veggies for protein.
How can I enhance the flavor of this salad?
To amp up the flavors, consider adding sesame oil to the dressing, a splash of sriracha for heat, or even some zest from lime or lemongrass to brighten the taste.
Final Thoughts
The Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad is a vibrant dish that offers a refreshing break from ordinary salads. Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs and complemented by a tangy dressing, this meal will surely delight your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or a picnic, it’s a versatile recipe that can adapt to various dietary preferences. Give it a try, and you might find it quickly becomes a favorite in your household!
Print
Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad inspired by the flavors of Vietnamese spring rolls, packed with vibrant vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp or tofu, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small chili, minced (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, sliced red bell pepper, diced shrimp or tofu, chopped mint, and chopped cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until they are well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top just before serving.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Notes
Use fresh ingredients and make the dressing in advance for enhanced flavor. Customize with your favorite vegetables and adjust spice levels to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
