Spring Roll Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese spring rolls in a bowl. This salad delivers an explosion of flavors and textures, offering a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, chewy rice noodles, and a savory peanut dressing. It’s not just healthy—it’s also easy to make, making it a perfect meal for warm weather or a colorful side dish for gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
Spring Roll Salad is a fantastic choice for many reasons. First, it’s packed with nutrients from a variety of colorful vegetables, ensuring you get a hefty serving of vitamins and minerals. The crunchy peanuts add a delightful texture and healthy fats, while the rice noodles make the dish filling yet light. It’s also highly customizable, so you can swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Plus, this recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it a convenient option for lunch or dinner.
How to Make Spring Roll Salad
Creating a delicious Spring Roll Salad requires minimal preparation and combines fresh ingredients for a delightful medley of flavors. Here’s a simple guide to making this dish:
Ingredients:
- Rice noodles
- Cucumber
- Purple cabbage
- Carrot
- Bell pepper
- Fresh herbs (like mint and cilantro)
- Crunchy peanuts
- Peanut butter
- Lime juice
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
Directions:
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and set them aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice noodles with sliced cucumber, shredded purple cabbage, julienned carrot, diced bell pepper, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce to create a creamy dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine everything.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.
Pro Tips for Success Spring Roll Salad
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the vegetables in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save you time and keep them fresh when you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Make sure to follow the cooking time on the package to avoid mushy noodles. Perfectly cooked noodles should be al dente.
- Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the quantities of peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce according to your taste preferences. More lime juice gives it a tangy kick!
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs bring an aromatic flavor—try using basil, mint, or cilantro to find your favorite combination.
- Toppings for Crunch: Toast the peanuts before adding them for an extra layer of flavor, or swap them out for other crunchy toppings like sunflower seeds or crispy shallots.
Flavor Variations Spring Roll Salad
- Swap the Noodles: Instead of rice noodles, try quinoa or high-protein pasta for a different texture.
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of Sriracha to the dressing for some heat.
- Fruit Twist: Include diced mango or pineapple for a fruity variation that adds a touch of sweetness.
- Crunchy Veggies: Incorporate other crunchy vegetables like radishes or snap peas for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions Spring Roll Salad
Spring Roll Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. It makes an excellent standalone meal or can be presented as a side dish alongside grilled meats or other Asian-inspired dishes. Consider pairing it with:
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Teriyaki chicken
- Vegan spring rolls
- Duos with rice paper rolls filled with shrimp and herbs
Storage and Freezing Instructions Spring Roll Salad
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for about 2-3 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. The dressing may cause the vegetables to wilt if stored too long, so consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. Unfortunately, this salad isn’t suitable for freezing due to the fresh ingredients and their textures.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
FAQ About Spring Roll Salad
Can I use different types of vegetables?
Absolutely! The beauty of Spring Roll Salad lies in its versatility. You can easily substitute or add your favorite vegetables. Think bell peppers, zucchinis, or bean sprouts—all would work beautifully.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make Spring Roll Salad vegan, ensure that the hoisin sauce is free from any animal products, and use a plant-based peanut butter that doesn’t contain honey. Additionally, ensure that the rice noodles have no egg in them.
Is there an alternative for peanut butter?
If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer a different nut, you can swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter. These alternatives will maintain a creamy texture and still provide a great flavor.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. However, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to ensure the salad stays crisp.
What should I do with leftover dressing?
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables or a spread for sandwiches, adding flavor to future meals.
Final Thoughts
Spring Roll Salad is an exhilarating dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body. With its fresh ingredients and simple preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion—from picnic lunches to dinner parties. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; it’s easy to swap out ingredients and cater to your personal preferences. So gather your fresh veggies and embrace the vibrant flavors of Spring Roll Salad, a delightful mix that is sure to please anyone at the table!
Print
Spring Roll Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing salad inspired by traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, featuring fresh vegetables, chewy rice noodles, and a savory peanut dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 cups purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs (like mint and cilantro)
- 1/2 cup crunchy peanuts
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and set them aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice noodles with sliced cucumber, shredded purple cabbage, julienned carrot, diced bell pepper, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce to create a creamy dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine everything.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate until serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
