Easy Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce: A Fresh Delight

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Spring roll salad with peanut sauce is a vibrant dish that bursts with flavors and textures. This colorful salad comes together quickly and is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side at dinner. The combination of crisp vegetables, chewy rice noodles, and creamy peanut dressing creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear!

Recipe Ingredients for Spring Roll Salad

Ingredients for Peanut Dressing

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (or substitute with brown sugar)
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/4-1/2 cup water (start with 1/4 cup and adjust for desired consistency)

Recipe Ingredients for Spring Roll Salad

Ingredients for the Salad

4 oz. thin rice noodles
2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced
2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced (or cole slaw mix)
1 cup carrot, grated or thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/2 cup peanuts, chopped (optional)

Ingredient Notes, Substitutions & Additions

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. For a vegan version, the recipe as is will suit your needs perfectly. You can also replace the purple cabbage with a pre-packaged cole slaw mix to save time on preparation.

Delicious spring roll salad with peanut sauce topped with chopped peanuts

Instructions for Preparing Spring Roll Salad

Cooking the Rice Noodles

Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Remember to check for doneness around the halfway mark to prevent mushiness. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Once dry, cut the noodles into shorter pieces for easier eating.

Making the Peanut Dressing

While the noodles are cooking, prepare the peanut dressing. In a small bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, hoisin sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, and water. Whisk until smooth, gradually adding more water until you achieve a pourable consistency.

Combining Salad Ingredients

In a large serving bowl, mix the cooled noodles with the sliced vegetables and fresh herbs. Drizzle generously with the peanut dressing and top with chopped peanuts, if desired. Toss everything together for an even distribution of flavors.

Delicious spring roll salad with peanut sauce, vibrant and fresh.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Salad

Cooking Rice Noodles to Perfection

When cooking rice noodles, always follow the package instructions but check for doneness early. This will help you avoid a mushy texture that can detract from your salad.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

The undressed salad can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For meal prep, keep the dressing and salad components separate until it’s time to serve for maximum freshness.

Achieving the Right Dressing Consistency

If your peanut dressing is too thick, don’t hesitate to add more water gradually until you reach the desired thickness. This ensures the dressing coats your salad perfectly without overwhelming it.

FAQs

What is spring roll salad made of?

Spring roll salad is made of rice noodles, fresh vegetables like cucumber, cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, topped with a flavorful peanut dressing.

Is peanut sauce spicy?

Typically, peanut sauce is not spicy. However, you can adjust the heat by adding chili paste or sriracha if you prefer a kick.

Can I add chicken or shrimp?

Absolutely! Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can enhance the protein content of your salad, making it even more satisfying.

Is spring roll salad vegan?

Yes, the spring roll salad is vegan if you use plant-based soy sauce and omit any animal products.

Can this salad be meal prepped?

Yes, you can meal prep this salad by keeping the dressing and salad ingredients separated until you’re ready to eat.

More Delicious Recipes to Try Next

Conclusion

Spring roll salad with peanut sauce is not just a delightful meal; it’s also versatile and perfect for any occasion. For more culinary inspiration, check out our recipes on Pinterest. You’ll find wonderful ideas that can make your cooking journey even more enjoyable!