If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with fresh flavors, crisp textures, and a tangy yet creamy peanut dressing, then this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the vibrant crunch of fresh vegetables and herbs with delicate rice noodles, all brought together by a luscious dressing that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and zesty notes. Whether you’re craving something light or want a colorful side to impress guests, this salad hits all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the fresh crunch that the veggies add to the savory, creamy peanut dressing that ties everything together. It’s a simple lineup of essentials that combine effortlessly for maximum impact.
- Rice noodles: These provide a soft, chewy base that soaks up the dressing wonderfully.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a light, crisp texture and fresh green color to the salad.
- Shredded carrots: Bring a natural sweetness and bright orange hue.
- Cucumber, julienned: Delivers a refreshing crunch and coolness.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Infuses a citrusy, herbaceous note.
- Fresh mint leaves, chopped: Adds a sweet, cooling brightness that elevates the flavor profile.
- Chopped peanuts: For a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Provides a slightly sweet, crisp bite and vibrant color.
- Green onions, sliced: Bring a mild onion flavor that rounds out the veggies.
- Hoisin sauce: A sweet and savory base that enriches the peanut dressing.
- Peanut butter: Adds creaminess and that unmistakable nutty richness.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a gentle tang that brightens the dressing.
- Lime juice: Packs a fresh citrus punch for zing and acidity.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a toasted, aromatic note unique to Asian-inspired dishes.
- Sugar: Balances out all the contrasting flavors.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a sharp, pungent kick.
- Grated ginger: Brings warmth and subtle spice.
- Chili flakes: Gives the dressing a gentle heat to awaken the taste buds.
How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice Noodles
Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, this means just a few minutes until tender but still slightly chewy. Be careful not to overcook them, as you want that perfect bite.
Step 2: Rinse and Drain the Noodles
Once the noodles are tender, drain them in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them from becoming mushy and cools them down so they’re ready to mingle with the fresh veggies.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large bowl, toss together our crisp veggies and herbs—lettuce, shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, chopped cilantro, mint leaves, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, and chopped peanuts. The combination of colors, textures, and fresh fragrances will have your mouth watering already.
Step 4: Whisk the Peanut Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes. Whisk until you get a smooth, glossy dressing that’s a perfect harmony of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy.
Step 5: Adjust and Taste the Dressing
Give your dressing a quick taste and adjust it to your liking. Maybe a little more lime juice for extra zing, or a pinch more chili flakes if you like it a bit spicier. It’s all about balancing flavors to suit your palate.
Step 6: Toss the Salad with Dressing
Pour the peanut dressing over the bowl of veggies and herbs, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. This step ensures every bite is bursting with that irresistible peanut flavor.
Step 7: Add the Noodles and Finish Tossing
Finally, add the cooled rice noodles to the salad and toss again gently. Incorporate those silky noodles well so they soak up the dressing and mingle with the fresh ingredients, turning the salad into the perfect Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe everyone will love.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Serve the salad straight away, perhaps garnished with extra chopped peanuts, cilantro, or mint for an added pop of flavor and texture. This dish is best enjoyed fresh to savor its vibrant flavors and crisp textures.
How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Top your salad with a sprinkle of extra chopped peanuts and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. These garnishes not only enhance the look but also boost the nutty crunch and herbal brightness that make this salad so exciting.
Side Dishes
This Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe pairs beautifully with light mains like grilled chicken or tofu, or even alongside crispy spring rolls for a fun, thematic meal. It’s a great way to balance richer dishes with refreshing, zingy salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, consider serving this salad in individual small bowls or clear glasses so the vibrant layers of color and texture shine through. Another fun idea is using the salad as a vibrant filling inside rice paper wraps for an interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Combine and toss them just before serving to maintain the crispness of the veggies and freshness of the herbs.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as the fresh vegetables and herbs will lose their texture and brightness when thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or advisable. Just enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles?
Absolutely! While rice noodles are traditional here due to their lightness and texture, you can substitute with glass noodles or even thin wheat spaghetti if needed. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe can be gluten-free if you choose gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Always double-check labels to be sure.
How spicy is the peanut dressing?
The dressing has a gentle heat from the chili flakes that you can easily adjust. If you prefer it mild, reduce or omit the chili flakes, or add more if you like a kick.
Can this be made vegan?
Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegan-friendly hoisin sauce and peanut butter, which most brands are. It’s a great plant-based, flavorful salad option.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint really make the salad sing, but if you don’t have them, a little dried herb won’t hurt. Just add it sparingly since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe is like bringing a little sunshine to your plate. It’s fresh, flavorful, and rewarding in every bite. Whether you’re new to Asian-inspired salads or a seasoned fan, this recipe promises a satisfying and tasty experience that’s well worth making again and again.
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Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 5m
- Total Time: 0h 20m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing that combines crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and soft rice noodles tossed in a creamy, savory peanut sauce. This light and flavorful dish captures the essence of traditional spring rolls in a quick, no-fry salad format perfect for warm days or healthy lunches.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Peanut Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Rice Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions.
- Rinse and Cool Noodles: Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain Excess Water: Set the rice noodles aside to cool and drain any excess water.
- Combine Salad Vegetables and Herbs: In a large bowl, combine shredded lettuce, shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, chopped cilantro, chopped mint leaves, chopped peanuts, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions.
- Toss the Salad Mix: Gently toss the vegetables and herbs to mix them together evenly.
- Prepare Peanut Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes.
- Whisk Dressing Until Smooth: Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and fully combined.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning by adding more lime juice, soy sauce, or chili flakes as desired.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the mixed salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Add Noodles to Salad: Add the cooled rice noodles to the salad and toss again to ensure noodles are evenly incorporated.
- Serve the Salad: Serve the salad immediately, garnished with additional chopped peanuts, cilantro, and mint leaves if desired.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing!
Notes
- Rice noodles can be replaced with thin vermicelli or glass noodles if preferred.
- Adjust the chili flakes in the dressing to control the heat level.
- For added protein, consider adding cooked shrimp, tofu, or chicken.
- The salad is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to a day; toss again before serving.
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier dressing.
