The Best Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing: Fresh, Crunchy, and Full of Flavor

Spring rolls are a beloved dish around the world, packed with fresh veggies, lean proteins, and vibrant flavors. But what if you could enjoy all those delicious elements in a lighter, easier-to-eat format? Enter the Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing—a fresh, crunchy salad that combines all the goodness of traditional spring rolls in a bowl.

This salad is bursting with colorful vegetables, fresh herbs, and a perfectly tangy peanut dressing that brings everything together. It’s a healthy, refreshing meal that’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your preferences.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you step by step to creating the best Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing, so you can enjoy all the flavors of spring rolls in a quick and healthy salad form.

Why You’ll Love This Spring Roll Salad

This salad is the perfect combination of textures and flavors, offering:

• Crisp freshness from ingredients like lettuce, cabbage, and carrots.
• A burst of flavor from fresh herbs such as cilantro and mint.
• Creaminess and richness from the peanut dressing, which ties the entire salad together.
• Customizable ingredients that let you add or swap out vegetables, proteins, and toppings based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• A quick and easy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or meal prepping.

Whether you’re craving a refreshing lunch or looking for a healthy dish to serve at your next gathering, this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing will quickly become a go-to recipe in your repertoire.

Ingredients for the Best Spring Roll Salad

The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility—you can mix and match your favorite vegetables and proteins. Here’s the list of ingredients that make this salad the best spring roll salad:

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens or lettuce (romaine, butter lettuce, or arugula work great)
• 1 cup shredded cabbage (purple or green cabbage, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cucumber, julienned
• 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup edamame (optional, for extra protein)
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup rice noodles or vermicelli (optional, for added texture)

For the Peanut Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili paste (adjust for desired heat level)
• 2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing to your desired consistency)

How to Make the Best Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing

Making this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing is simple and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how you can assemble this delicious salad:

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by washing and chopping all the fresh vegetables. Shred the cabbage and carrots, slice the cucumber and bell pepper into thin strips, and slice the avocado.
2. Cook the rice noodles (optional): If you’re using rice noodles or vermicelli, cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Dressing

1. Whisk together the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, lime juice, and sriracha or chili paste.
2. Thin it out: Gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired dressing consistency. The dressing should be smooth and slightly runny to coat the salad ingredients nicely.
3. Taste and adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or heat according to your preferences. Add more honey for sweetness, more sriracha for heat, or more soy sauce for saltiness.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. Mix the greens and vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper. Toss everything together to combine.
2. Add the rice noodles (if using) and gently toss to mix them with the veggies.
3. Top with fresh herbs and avocado: Add the fresh cilantro, mint leaves, and sliced avocado on top of the salad.
4. Drizzle with peanut dressing: Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with edamame and peanuts (optional): For extra protein and crunch, sprinkle edamame and crushed peanuts on top of the salad.
2. Serve immediately: Serve the salad fresh, either as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Customizing Your Spring Roll Salad

The beauty of this recipe is in its customizability. You can easily adjust the ingredients and dressing to your preferences. Here are some ideas for variations:

• Add protein: If you want a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also add marinated salmon or canned tuna for an extra protein boost.
• Change the base: If you’re not a fan of mixed greens, try using spinach, kale, or even arugula for a peppery kick.
• Swap the veggies: Feel free to swap in other crunchy vegetables like radishes, zucchini, or bean sprouts. You can also add fruits like mango for a sweet, tropical touch.
• Make it gluten-free: Simply swap soy sauce with tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) and ensure your rice noodles are gluten-free.
• Adjust the heat: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce or eliminate the sriracha in the peanut dressing. For a milder flavor, add a small amount of fresh grated ginger instead.

Why This Spring Roll Salad Works

This Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrient-dense ingredients. You’ve got the crunchy vegetables providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals, the healthy fats from avocado and peanut butter, and the lean protein from edamame and optional toppings. The peanut dressing adds richness, while the fresh herbs bring an aromatic lift to every bite.

The balance of crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, fresh herbs, and tangy peanut dressing makes each bite a satisfying experience. Plus, this salad is incredibly versatile—you can add or omit ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen, making it a flexible and customizable dish that you’ll make again and again.

Conclusion: A Refreshing and Healthy Meal

This Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing is a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of spring rolls in a lighter, easier-to-eat format. It’s a healthy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of year but especially refreshing in the warmer months.

In just 30 minutes, you can have a meal that’s loaded with fresh veggies, healthy fats, lean protein, and a deliciously creamy peanut dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a fresh dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this salad is sure to be a hit.

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FAQs

1. Can I make the peanut dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the peanut dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken when chilled.

2. Can I use other nut butters for the dressing?

Absolutely! You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you prefer. The texture will be slightly different, but they will still provide a creamy dressing.

3. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! This salad is already vegan-friendly as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey and avoid using animal-based proteins. You can add tofu or tempeh for protein instead.

4. Can I substitute the rice noodles for something else?

Yes, you can use quinoa, brown rice, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a gluten-free, low-carb option. The rice noodles add a nice texture, but other grains or veggies work well too.

5. What other toppings can I add to this salad?

You can add crispy fried onions, toasted sesame seeds, or pickled ginger for an extra burst of flavor. Additionally, you could top it with grilled shrimp or chicken for more protein.

6. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes, you can make the salad spicy by adding more sriracha or chili paste to the dressing. You can also add fresh chopped chili or jalapeños as a topping for extra heat.

7. How long does this salad last in the fridge?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the veggies from wilting.

8. Can I use different herbs in this salad?

Absolutely! If you don’t have cilantro or mint, you can use other fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or even green onions to add a different flavor profile to the salad.

9. What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sushi, or even crispy tofu. You can serve it as a side dish or as a light, standalone meal.

10. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your rice noodles are gluten-free.