Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and packed with vibrant flavors
- Inspired by classic spring rolls
- Easy to prepare without rolling
- Perfect for meal prep
- Loaded with crisp vegetables
- Naturally customizable
- Great for lunch or dinner
- Light yet satisfying
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad
- 4 ounces rice noodles
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the Peanut Dressing
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water
Optional Toppings
- Chopped peanuts
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced avocado
- Crispy wonton strips
- Lime wedges
Directions
- Cook the rice noodles according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, and green onions.
- Add the cooled rice noodles to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and enough warm water to create a smooth dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, avocado, or crispy wonton strips if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Chicken Spring Roll Salad: Add shredded cooked chicken.
- Shrimp Version: Top with chilled cooked shrimp.
- Vegan Salad: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Spicy Version: Add sriracha or chili crisp to the dressing.
- Tofu Spring Roll Salad: Include crispy baked tofu.
- Mango Spring Roll Salad: Add diced mango for tropical sweetness.
- Extra Crunchy Salad: Add additional cabbage and chopped peanuts.
Storage/Reheating
Storage
Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
What is Spring Roll Salad?
It is a deconstructed version of fresh spring rolls featuring vegetables, noodles, herbs, and a flavorful dressing.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Store the dressing separately and toss everything together just before serving.
What noodles work best?
Thin rice noodles are traditional and work best for this salad.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and verify that all ingredients are gluten-free.
What proteins can I add?
Chicken, shrimp, tofu, edamame, or grilled steak are excellent additions.
Is the peanut dressing spicy?
No. The dressing is creamy and savory, but you can add spice if desired.
Can I substitute almond butter for peanut butter?
Yes. Almond butter or cashew butter are delicious alternatives.
What herbs are commonly used?
Fresh cilantro and mint are traditional and add wonderful flavor.
How do I keep the salad crisp?
Store the dressing separately and combine just before serving.
What can I serve with Spring Roll Salad?
It works well on its own or alongside dumplings, spring rolls, grilled meats, or soups.
Conclusion
Spring Roll Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that captures everything you love about fresh spring rolls without the extra work of rolling them. Filled with crisp vegetables, tender rice noodles, fragrant herbs, and a creamy peanut dressing, this salad is perfect for healthy lunches, light dinners, and meal prep. With its vibrant colors and satisfying textures, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a regular favorite.
PrintSpring Roll Salad
Spring Roll Salad is a fresh and colorful dish featuring crisp vegetables, tender rice noodles, fragrant herbs, and a creamy peanut dressing. Inspired by classic fresh spring rolls, this vibrant salad is light, satisfying, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 ounces rice noodles
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Sliced avocado (optional)
- Crispy wonton strips (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, and green onions.
- Add the cooled rice noodles to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and enough warm water to create a smooth dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, avocado, crispy wonton strips, or lime wedges if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Store the dressing separately until ready to serve to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for extra protein.
- Add sriracha or chili crisp to the dressing for extra heat.
- Thin rice noodles work best for authentic spring roll flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg