This spring roll salad with spicy ginger dressing is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and crisp textures, this salad brings a burst of flavor with every bite. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next gathering. Enjoy this salad chilled, garnished with crunchy peanuts for added texture, and savor the wonderful taste!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
Freshness and Flavor
This salad is an explosion of fresh ingredients, from crunchy vegetables to aromatic herbs. Each bite offers a delightful balance of crispness and zest, with the spicy ginger dressing tying it all together beautifully.
Quick and Easy Preparation
You can whip up this salad in just 20 minutes! The simple cooking process and minimal ingredients make it a breeze to prepare.
Versatility for Any Meal
Whether as a side dish or a light main course, this spring roll salad adapts to any meal plan. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home.
Essential Ingredients for Spring Roll Salad
Rice Vermicelli Noodles or Zucchini Noodles
Start with rice vermicelli noodles for that authentic texture, or opt for zucchini noodles for a refreshing, low-carb alternative.
Colorful Vegetables: Carrots, Bell Peppers, and Cucumber
Shredded carrots, vibrant bell peppers, and crisp cucumber are key to creating a colorful and nutritious salad.
Herbs and Garnishes: Cilantro, Mint, and Peanuts
Fresh cilantro and mint add a burst of flavor, while crushed peanuts provide a delightful crunch. Feel free to swap peanuts with sunflower seeds if you want a nut-free option.
Spicy Ginger Dressing Components
The dressing is where the magic happens! Made with fresh ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey, it perfectly complements the salad’s freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Spring Roll Salad
Cooking the Noodles
Boil a large pot of water and cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package directions (about 3-5 minutes). Drain and rinse them under cold water to cool.
Preparing the Vegetables
While the noodles cool, slice your carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber into thin strips. Chop the green onions, separating the white and green parts.
Mixing the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, and optional bean sprouts. Gently fold in the chopped cilantro, mint, and both parts of the green onions.
Whisking the Spicy Ginger Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and chili sauce until smooth.
Assembling and Serving the Salad
Add the cooled noodles to the vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine without breaking the noodles. Drizzle the spicy ginger dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve on a platter or in bowls, optionally garnished with crushed peanuts. Best served chilled.
Make Ahead Options for Spring Roll Salad
Prepping Vegetables in Advance
You can prep the vegetables ahead of time and store them in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Storing the Dressing Separately
The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a good whisk before using it.
Variations on Spring Roll Salad
Adding Protein: Chicken, Shrimp, or Tofu
For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the mix. They pair wonderfully with the fresh flavors!
Incorporating Fruits: Mango or Avocado
Consider adding diced mango or creamy avocado for a touch of sweetness and smooth texture.
Exploring Different Vegetable Options
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like radishes or snap peas to keep things exciting!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Spring Roll Salad
Chilling the Salad for Enhanced Flavor
For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Adjusting the Dressing to Your Taste
You can easily adjust the sweetness or heat of the dressing to suit your palate. Just taste and tweak as you go!
Avoiding Overcooked Noodles
Be sure not to overcook the noodles; they should remain slightly firm for that perfect bite.
How to Store and Freeze Spring Roll Salad
Proper Storage Techniques
Keep your salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. For best results, store the dressing separately to maintain the salad’s crunch.
Why Freezing is Not Recommended
Freezing this salad is not advisable as it can lead to a loss of texture and flavor.
What to Serve with Spring Roll Salad
Complementary Dishes to Enhance Your Meal
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a light soup. Consider serving it alongside dishes like Asian cabbage salad or cucumber carrot salad for a complete meal.
FAQs
What is spring roll salad made of?
Spring roll salad is made of rice vermicelli noodles, various colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, fresh herbs, and topped with a spicy ginger dressing.
Can I make spring roll salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Is ginger dressing spicy?
Yes, the ginger dressing can be spicy depending on the amount of chili sauce you use. You can adjust the heat level to your preference.
Can I add chicken or shrimp?
Absolutely! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu makes this salad more filling and adds protein.
How do I keep spring roll salad crunchy?
To keep the salad crunchy, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- Asian Cabbage Salad
- Cucumber Carrot Salad
- Italian Grinder Salad
- Grinder Salad
- Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Conclusion
Spring roll salad with spicy ginger dressing is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for your taste buds. With its refreshing ingredients and simple preparation, it’s perfect for any meal. Don’t forget to check out more ideas on Pinterest for inspiration and variations to keep your meals exciting!
Easy Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
Equipment
- large pot
- Colander
- Large bowl
- small bowl
- Whisk
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 200 grams Rice Vermicelli Noodles or zucchini noodles for low-carb
- 1 cup Shredded Carrots or grated daikon
- 1 cup Bell Peppers Red and Yellow
- 1 cup Cucumber or small zucchini
- 1 cup Bean Sprouts optional
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro or parsley
- 1/2 cup Fresh Mint Leaves or basil
- 2 stalks Green Onions or shallots
- 1/4 cup Crushed Peanuts optional; or sunflower seeds
- 1 inch Fresh Ginger grated; or ground ginger in reduced quantity
- 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Honey or Agave Syrup or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil or extra virgin olive oil
- to taste Chili Sauce adjust to taste or omit
Instructions
- Cook the rice vermicelli noodles in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Slice the carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber, and chop the green onions, separating the white and green parts.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded vegetables and fold in the herbs and green onions.
- Add the cooled noodles to the vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve chilled, optionally garnished with crushed peanuts.