This spring roll salad is a vibrant, crunchy dish bursting with fresh flavors. It’s simple to make, healthy, and perfect for meal prep. You’ll love how easily this salad mimics the delicious taste of Vietnamese summer rolls!
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients: Spring Roll Salad
Ingredients for Peanut Dressing
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (can substitute with brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4-1/2 cup water (start with 1/4 cup and add until desired consistency)
Ingredients for the Salad
- 4 oz. thin rice noodles
- 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced (can use cole slaw mix)
- 1 cup carrot, grated or thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped (optional)
Ingredient Notes, Substitutions & Additions
You can easily customize the salad. Consider adding shrimp, chicken, or tofu for protein. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, try adding a dash of sriracha to the peanut dressing!
Instructions
Preparing the Rice Noodles
Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this takes about 3-4 minutes. Check for doneness halfway through. Once they’re tender, drain and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. To make eating easier, use kitchen scissors to cut the noodles into shorter strands.
Making the Peanut Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, hoisin sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, and water until the mixture is smooth. Adjust the amount of water until you achieve a thin, pourable consistency that perfectly coats the salad.
Combining the Salad Ingredients
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled rice noodles with the sliced vegetables and fresh herbs. Drizzle the homemade peanut dressing over everything, and toss gently to combine. This is where the magic happens as all the flavors meld beautifully!
Optional Garnishes
If you’re feeling a bit fancy, sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for an added crunch. It makes the salad even more delightful and visually appealing!
Expert Tips
Storage Recommendations
The undressed salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. This makes it a perfect option for meal prep!
Make-Ahead Suggestions
You can prepare this spring roll salad a few days in advance. Just remember to keep the dressing separate from the salad until you’re ready to serve for ultimate freshness.
Quick Preparation Tips
To save time, consider using cole slaw mix and pre-shredded carrots. These shortcuts help you whip up the salad in no time!
Adjusting Dressing Consistency
If your peanut dressing turns out too thick, gradually add more water until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be creamy yet pourable, perfect for drizzling!
FAQs
What ingredients are typically used in a spring roll salad?
A spring roll salad typically includes rice noodles, fresh vegetables like cucumber, cabbage, and bell pepper, herbs like cilantro and mint, and a creamy peanut dressing.
How do I prepare the rice paper for a spring roll salad?
For a spring roll salad, you typically use rice noodles instead of rice paper. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse them in cold water.
Can I make spring roll salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few days in advance, storing the dressing separately for freshness until serving.
What are some delicious dressings for spring roll salad?
A creamy peanut dressing is popular, but you can also try sesame dressing or a lime vinaigrette for a lighter option.
How can I customize my spring roll salad for different dietary needs?
You can add protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu, and ensure to use gluten-free soy sauce if needed. Adjust vegetables based on your preferences as well!
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
This spring roll salad brings together refreshing ingredients and a creamy peanut dressing, making it a delightful choice for any meal. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our delicious vegetable spring rolls or the colorful spring beet salad on Pinterest. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
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Spring Roll Salad
Equipment
- kitchen scissors
- small bowl
- large serving bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce can substitute with brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4-1/2 cup water add until desired consistency
- 4 oz thin rice noodles
- 2 cups cucumber thinly sliced
- 2 cups purple cabbage thinly sliced or cole slaw mix
- 1 cup carrot grated or thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
- ½ cup peanuts chopped, optional
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water. Cut noodles into shorter strands.
- Whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, and water until smooth.
- Mix cooled noodles with sliced vegetables and herbs, drizzle with dressing, and toss to combine. Garnish with peanuts if desired.