This fresh spring roll salad bursts with colorful veggies and herbs, all tossed together for a crunchy, refreshing treat. The spicy ginger dressing adds a zing that makes every bite exciting!
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a salad that’s basically a party in a bowl? I love that you can swap in your favorite ingredients and still keep it delicious! 🌿🥕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These noodles are perfect for this salad, but you could swap in another type, like rice noodles or even soba noodles if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed!
Vegetables: I love using fresh, crunchy veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and red cabbage. If you’re missing something, think about using shredded lettuce or snap peas for extra crunch. Enjoy the color variety!
Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro add amazing flavors. If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try using basil or parsley instead. They’ll still give a nice freshness to the salad.
Roasted Peanuts: They add great crunch! If you have nut allergies, feel free to use toasted sunflower seeds or omit them altogether. You can also use sesame seeds as a tasty alternative.
How Do You Make the Spicy Ginger Dressing Creamy?
The dressing is key to tying all the flavors together! To make sure it’s perfectly balanced, start with a small amount of Sriracha and gradually add more to suit your spice preference.
- Whisk all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
- Always taste before serving! You can adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or lime juice if needed.
Fresh Spring Roll Salad With Spicy Ginger Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 6 oz rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrot, julienned
- 1 cup cucumber, 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, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
For the Spicy Ginger Dressing:
- 3 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp Sriracha or another chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp water (to thin if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fresh spring roll salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a little time cooking the noodles and chopping the veggies, plus a few minutes to mix the dressing. It’s quick, healthy, and comes together in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles. Follow the package instructions—usually, this means soaking them in hot water for about 5 minutes until they’re soft. After that, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. This will stop them from cooking further. Set them aside.
2. Preparing the Veggies:
While the noodles are cooling, prepare your fresh vegetables. Slice the red bell pepper, julienne the carrots and cucumber, and thinly slice the red cabbage and green onions. The more colorful your veggies, the more vibrant your salad will be!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice vermicelli noodles with all the sliced vegetables and the fresh herbs (mint and cilantro). Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together.
4. Making the Dressing:
In another small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the spicy ginger dressing: grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and Sriracha. If you like a little more heat, feel free to add extra chili sauce. You can also add a splash of water if you prefer a thinner dressing.
5. Toss Everything Together:
Pour the spicy ginger dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated with that delicious dressing.
6. Add the Final Touches:
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts and sesame seeds over the top of the salad. This adds a delightful crunch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a fantastic side dish or a light main meal, perfect for warm weather. Enjoy the refreshing taste of this vibrant salad with its aromatic herbs and that zesty kick from the dressing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Noodles in This Salad?
Absolutely! While rice vermicelli noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with any kind of noodles you like, such as rice noodles or even soba noodles. Just make sure to cook them according to their package instructions!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing on the side if possible to maintain the crispness of the veggies. When ready to eat, simply toss them together again!
What Can I Replace the Fresh Herbs With?
If you’re not a fan of mint and cilantro, you can replace them with fresh basil or even parsley. Both options add a unique flavor to the salad while still keeping it fresh and vibrant!
Is This Salad Suitable for Meal Prep?
Yes! This salad works great for meal prep. You can prepare the noodles and chop the veggies ahead of time, then assemble everything and add the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh. Enjoy it for lunches throughout the week!
