Spring Roll Salad

Spring Roll Salad takes all the vibrant, fresh flavors of a traditional spring roll and transforms them into a colorful, refreshing salad. This dish is packed with crisp vegetables, rice noodles, and a savory dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s a light yet satisfying meal perfect for warm weather or anytime you crave something healthy and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spring Roll Salad offers all the deliciousness of classic spring rolls without the hassle of rolling them individually. It is easy to prepare, highly customizable, and full of nutritious ingredients. The dressing is rich and flavorful, complementing the fresh veggies perfectly. Plus, this salad is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rice noodles
• Shredded lettuce
• Carrots, julienned
• Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Cucumber, julienned
• Purple cabbage, shredded
• Fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, and basil
• Cooked shrimp or tofu (optional)
• Roasted peanuts, chopped
• For the dressing: soy sauce or tamari, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, garlic, and ginger

directions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Prepare the vegetables by julienning the carrots and cucumber, shredding the lettuce and cabbage, and slicing the red bell pepper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice noodles, lettuce, carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, cabbage, and fresh herbs.
4. If using, add the cooked shrimp or tofu to the salad.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and grated ginger to make the dressing.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
7. Top with chopped roasted peanuts just before serving.

Servings and timing

This Spring Roll Salad recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or crispy tofu for a different protein source.
• Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
• Incorporate mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
• Use spiralized zucchini or daikon radish instead of rice noodles for a low-carb option.
• Swap peanuts for cashews or almonds if preferred.

storage/reheating

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to maintain its crispness. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for reheating due to the delicate nature of the vegetables and noodles.

FAQs

What type of noodles should I use for Spring Roll Salad?

Rice noodles are the traditional choice, but you can also use glass noodles or vermicelli.

Can I make Spring Roll Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

What proteins work well in this salad?

Shrimp, tofu, grilled chicken, or even tempeh make great protein additions.

Can I add fruits to this salad?

Yes, fruits like mango or pineapple add a refreshing sweetness that pairs well with the savory dressing.

How do I keep the noodles from clumping?

After cooking, rinse the noodles under cold water and toss them with a little sesame oil to prevent clumping.

What herbs are best for Spring Roll Salad?

Fresh cilantro, mint, and basil add bright, aromatic flavors to the salad.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely, simply use tofu instead of shrimp and substitute honey with maple syrup in the dressing.

How spicy is the dressing?

The dressing is generally mild, but you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha if you prefer more heat.

How long will the salad stay fresh?

It will stay fresh for about 2 days if stored properly, but it is best enjoyed within the first day for maximum crispness.

Conclusion

Spring Roll Salad is a delightful, healthful twist on traditional spring rolls, offering all the flavor with a fraction of the effort. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a light appetizer, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. With its vibrant ingredients and irresistible dressing, it is both visually appealing and deeply satisfying.

Print