Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing

If you love fresh spring rolls but want something quicker and easier, this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing is the answer. Packed with crisp veggies, rice noodles, herbs, and a creamy-sweet peanut sauce, it captures all the vibrant flavors and textures of traditional spring rolls—without the wrapping! It’s light, refreshing, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spring Roll Flavor, No Fuss – All the goodness of rolls in salad form.
Colorful & Crunchy – A rainbow of veggies and satisfying textures.
Flavor-Packed Dressing – Creamy peanut sauce with a tangy kick.
Vegan-Friendly – Naturally plant-based and easy to customize.
Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad Base:

• 4 oz rice noodles (thin vermicelli)
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup cucumber, julienned or sliced
• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced
• ½ cup bean sprouts or edamame (optional)
• Optional: chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for topping

For the Peanut Dressing:

• ¼ cup natural peanut butter
• 1½ tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp lime juice (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin as needed)

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium pot (for noodles)
• Large mixing bowl
• Small whisk or blender for dressing
• Knife and cutting board
• Vegetable peeler or julienne slicer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook rice noodles according to package instructions (usually 3–4 minutes).
2. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies
3. While noodles cook, wash and slice all your veggies.
4. Tear or chop fresh herbs.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Dressing
5. In a small bowl or blender, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
6. Whisk or blend until smooth, adding warm water a little at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
7. In a large bowl, combine noodles, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, bean sprouts (or edamame), herbs, and green onions.
8. Drizzle with peanut dressing and toss well to coat evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
9. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds.
10. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes for extra freshness.

Tips for the Best Spring Roll Salad
Use Fresh Herbs – Mint and cilantro add signature spring roll flavor.
Don’t Overcook Noodles – Rinse well with cold water to prevent clumping.
Adjust the Dressing – Add more lime or soy to match your taste.
Make It a Meal – Add tofu, grilled shrimp, or rotisserie chicken for protein.
Meal Prep Friendly – Keep veggies, noodles, and dressing separate until ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Light Lunch: Fresh, crisp, and energizing.
• For Picnics: Great cold and easy to pack.
• As a Side Dish: Pairs well with grilled meats or dumplings.
• For Potlucks: A colorful, healthy crowd-pleaser.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store undressed salad and peanut sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
No reheating needed—this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other nut butters?
   Yes—almond butter or cashew butter works well too.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
   Yes—just use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
3. Can I add fruit?
   Absolutely—mango or sliced strawberries add a delicious twist.
4. What protein can I add?
   Grilled tofu, shrimp, chicken, or even hard-boiled eggs work great.
5. Can I make it spicy?
   Add sriracha, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Final Thoughts
This Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing is the ultimate fusion of freshness, texture, and bold flavor. It brings everything you love about Vietnamese-style spring rolls into a fast, fun salad bowl—no wrapping, rolling, or dipping needed. Light, nutritious, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a must-try for warm weather or anytime you need a vibrant meal.

Try it out and share your favorite add-ins—I’d love to see your delicious creations!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Cuisine: Southeast Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – serves 4):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 8g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 480mg

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