This Fresh Spring Roll Salad mixes crisp veggies with soft rice noodles, all topped with a tangy spicy ginger dressing. It’s light, colorful, and refreshing—perfect for warm days!
I love how quick it is to whip up. Just toss everything together, and you’re ready to enjoy a tasty meal. Plus, the spicy ginger dressing is a flavor boost you won’t forget!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Vermicelli Noodles: Essential for that authentic spring roll texture. If you can’t find them, feel free to substitute with thin spaghetti or rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Fresh Veggies: Carrots, cucumbers, red bell peppers, and red cabbage give great crunch and color. You can swap in veggies like shredded cabbage, snap peas, or radishes for different flavors and textures.
Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro add a refreshing taste. If you’re not a cilantro fan, swap it out for parsley or basil. It still keeps it fresh!
Peanuts: These add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as an alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Noodles for This Salad?
Cooking rice vermicelli noodles correctly is vital for a great salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook noodles as per the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes.
- Once cooked, immediately drain and rinse under cold water; this stops them from cooking further and keeps them from clumping.
- Let them sit in the strainer for a few minutes to ensure all water is drained.
Make sure they’re cool and well-drained before tossing them with your fresh veggies and dressing for the best texture!
Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 oz rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
For the Spicy Ginger Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or other chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, to thin the dressing if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Fresh Spring Roll Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll need a little time for cooking the noodles and chopping your fresh veggies. Once that’s done, just whisk up the dressing and toss everything together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice Vermicelli Noodles:
Start by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions, typically about 3-4 minutes. Once they’re tender, drain them and rinse under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and cool the noodles down. Allow them to drain well.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the noodles cool, julienne your carrots, cucumber, and red bell pepper. Thinly slice the red cabbage and green onions, and chop the fresh mint and cilantro. The more colorful your veggies, the prettier your salad will be!
3. Make the Spicy Ginger Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, Sriracha, sesame oil, and water (if using). Taste, and add more chili sauce if you like it spicier!
4. Combine the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles, julienned vegetables, mint, and cilantro. Pour the spicy ginger dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated.
5. Add Crunch with Peanuts:
Now, sprinkle in the chopped roasted peanuts and optional sesame seeds. Toss lightly to incorporate these crunchy elements without breaking anything!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your beautiful salad to a serving bowl. Optionally, top with more chopped peanuts and a few mint leaves for an extra pop of color. Serve immediately for the freshest crunch!
7. Optional – Let It Chill:
For enhanced flavors, you can refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to soak in a bit more.
Enjoy your vibrant Fresh Spring Roll Salad with its delicious spicy ginger dressing—a perfect light meal or side dish that’s as healthy as it is colorful!
FAQ for Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad and dressing a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the veggies from getting soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Rice Vermicelli Noodles?
If you don’t have rice vermicelli, you can use thin spaghetti or any other kind of rice noodle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible, and toss everything together when you’re ready to eat again for the freshest taste.
Is There a Way to Reduce the Spice Level?
Absolutely! You can reduce or omit the Sriracha in the dressing if you prefer a milder flavor. You could also substitute with a sweet chili sauce for a little kick without the heat.
