Spring Roll Salad

Introduction

Spring Roll Salad captures all the bright, fresh flavors of traditional spring rolls in a deliciously deconstructed form. Crisp vegetables, tender rice noodles, and your choice of protein are tossed in a vibrant, tangy dressing, delivering the perfect balance of crunch, freshness, and bold Southeast Asian flavors. Light yet satisfying, this salad is an ideal choice for warm-weather meals, easy meal prep, or a quick and nourishing lunch. Best of all, you get all the goodness of spring rolls—without the rolling!

The first time I made this salad, I was amazed at how effortlessly it came together. Chopping up crisp cucumbers, crunchy carrots, and fragrant herbs felt like crafting a work of art, and the combination of tangy lime, savory fish sauce, and a touch of sweetness in the dressing tied everything together beautifully. Every bite was a refreshing explosion of flavor, making it an instant favorite.

What I love most about Spring Roll Salad is its versatility. Swap out the protein for shrimp, tofu, or shredded chicken, or adjust the dressing with a little heat from sriracha or crushed peanuts for extra texture. Serve it with a side of peanut sauce for dipping or add crispy wonton strips for a fun crunch. No matter how you customize it, this salad is a vibrant, wholesome dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Perfect for:

• Light and refreshing lunches
• Healthy meal prep
• Summer gatherings
• Quick weeknight dinners
• Asian-inspired meals

Why You’ll Love This Spring Roll Salad Recipe

Here’s why Spring Roll Salad will become your new go-to dish:

• Fresh and Crunchy: Loaded with crisp vegetables and herbs for a refreshing bite.
• Packed with Flavor: The tangy, sweet, and savory dressing brings everything together.
• Customizable: Add your favorite protein and toppings to make it your own.
• Healthy and Light: Naturally gluten-free (if using tamari) and full of wholesome ingredients.
• No Wrapping Needed: Enjoy the flavors of spring rolls without the effort of rolling them.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 6g, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 40g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Spring Roll Salad:

• 6 oz rice noodles
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup fresh mint, chopped
• ½ cup fresh Thai basil, chopped
• ½ cup crushed peanuts or cashews
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, tofu, or grilled chicken (optional)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for spice)

Ingredient Highlights

• Rice Noodles: Light and chewy, they provide the perfect base for the salad.
• Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, mint, and Thai basil add bright, aromatic flavors.
• Crunchy Vegetables: Cucumber, carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers offer texture and color.
• Dressing: A balance of umami, tangy, and sweet flavors enhances every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Cook the Rice Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Slice cucumbers, shred carrots and cabbage, and thinly slice bell pepper.
3. Prepare the Protein (if using): Cook shrimp, tofu, or chicken until fully done and set aside.

Make the Dressing:

4. Whisk the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sriracha (if using).

Assemble the Salad:

5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the rice noodles with the chopped vegetables, herbs, and protein.
6. Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
7. Garnish: Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad

• In a Bowl – Serve the salad in a large bowl, tossing all ingredients together with the dressing for a classic presentation.
• Deconstructed on a Platter – Arrange the ingredients separately on a large platter, allowing guests to build their own salad for a fun, interactive experience.
• In Lettuce Cups – Spoon portions of the salad into butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a hand-held, fresh alternative.
• As a Wrap – Fill rice paper wrappers with the salad and roll them up like traditional spring rolls, then serve with dipping sauce.
• Over Vermicelli Noodles – Serve the salad over a bed of vermicelli rice noodles to make it heartier and more filling.
• With Grilled Protein – Pair it with grilled shrimp, chicken, tofu, or steak for a protein-packed meal.
• Topped with Crispy Wontons – Garnish with crispy wonton strips or crushed peanuts for extra crunch and texture.
• In Mason Jars – Layer the ingredients in a mason jar for a portable, meal-prep-friendly salad that stays fresh.
• With Extra Herbs – Serve with a generous amount of fresh Thai basil, cilantro, and mint to enhance the authentic flavors.
• Drizzled with Multiple Sauces – Offer a variety of sauces like peanut dressing, hoisin sauce, or chili garlic sauce for a customizable taste experience.

Additional Tips for Spring Roll Salad

• Use Fresh, Crisp Vegetables – Opt for carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and purple cabbage for a crunchy texture. Slice them thinly for a true spring roll feel.
• Add Fresh Herbs – Traditional spring rolls include mint, cilantro, and Thai basil—these herbs add incredible freshness and depth to your salad.
• Use Rice Noodles for Authenticity – To capture the essence of spring rolls, toss in a small portion of vermicelli rice noodles. Rinse them under cold water after cooking to prevent clumping.
• Incorporate a Crunchy Element – Crushed peanuts, cashews, sesame seeds, or crispy wonton strips add texture and enhance the salad’s flavor.
• Make a Bold Dressing – A tangy, slightly sweet dressing with lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), garlic, honey, and sesame oil brings everything together. Add a touch of Sriracha or chili flakes for heat!
• Use a Protein for Heartiness – Add grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, tofu, or even crispy tempeh to turn this into a more filling meal.
• Pick the Right Greens – Instead of traditional lettuce, use a mix of napa cabbage, romaine, or baby spinach for a sturdier base that holds up well with the dressing.
• Balance Sweet and Savory – Include something naturally sweet, like mango slices or julienned apples, to balance the umami and acidity of the dressing.
• Keep It Light Until Serving – If making ahead, store the dressing separately and toss it in just before eating to keep everything crisp and fresh.
• Serve with a Dipping Sauce – For an extra spring roll touch, serve with peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) on the side.

Recipe Variations for Spring Roll Salad

1. Vietnamese-Inspired: Add fish sauce and shredded lettuce for an authentic touch.
2. Mango Spring Roll Salad: Toss in fresh mango slices for sweetness.
3. Peanut Dressing: Swap the dressing for a peanut sauce version.
4. Spicy Kick: Increase sriracha or add red chili flakes.
5. Avocado Addition: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
6. Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
7. Protein Boost: Try grilled salmon or shredded rotisserie chicken.
8. Crunchy Topping: Use crispy wonton strips instead of peanuts.
9. Thai-Inspired: Add a splash of coconut milk to the dressing.
10. Sesame Twist: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.

Freezing and Storage for Spring Roll Salad

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Dressing Storage: Store separately to keep vegetables crisp.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to fresh ingredients.

Special Equipment for Spring Roll Salad

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Sharp Knife or Mandoline
• Whisk
• Pot for Cooking Noodles

FAQ for Spring Roll Salad

1. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, but store the dressing separately and toss before serving.
2. Can I make it vegan? Absolutely! Use tofu as the protein and maple syrup instead of honey.
3. What’s the best protein for this salad? Shrimp, tofu, or grilled chicken work well.
4. How do I keep the noodles from sticking? Toss them with a little sesame oil after rinsing.
5. Can I make this without noodles? Yes! Use shredded lettuce or spiralized veggies instead.

Print

Conclusion

Spring Roll Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish bursting with crunch and flavor. Featuring crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a deliciously tangy dressing, this salad captures all the best parts of traditional spring rolls—without the hassle of rolling them. Light yet satisfying, it’s perfect for warm weather, meal prep, or a quick and healthy meal that comes together effortlessly.

Endlessly customizable, you can add protein like shrimp, tofu, or chicken to make it heartier, or keep it simple with fresh greens and a zesty dipping sauce-inspired dressing. Every bite delivers a refreshing taste of Southeast Asia, making it a go-to dish for any occasion.

I can’t wait to see your take on this Spring Roll Salad! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make it your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments. Happy cooking!