Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing

There is something instantly refreshing about this salad the moment it hits the table. Crisp vegetables, tender noodles, and that creamy peanut dressing come together in a way that feels light yet deeply satisfying. Trust me, you’re going to love this, it tastes like your favorite spring roll, but in a bright, colorful bowl that you can dig into with a fork.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born on one of those days when I was craving spring rolls but did not feel like rolling a single one. I wanted all the flavors I love, the crunch, the herbs, the savory peanut sauce, without the extra steps. One bowl later, this salad became a repeat favorite in my kitchen and now I make it whenever I want something fresh that still feels comforting.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Spring rolls have long been a staple across Southeast Asian cuisines, loved for their balance of textures and flavors. This salad takes inspiration from those classic rolls but skips the wrapper and turns everything into a vibrant, fork friendly dish. It is a modern twist that keeps the spirit of the original while making it perfect for everyday meals.

Why You’ll Love Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing

Once you see how easily this comes together, it might become a regular in your rotation.

Versatile: It works as a light main dish, a side for grilled meals, or even a potluck favorite that travels well.

Budget-Friendly: Simple vegetables, pantry staples, and noodles keep this recipe affordable and accessible.

Quick and Easy: With minimal cooking involved, you can have this ready in under thirty minutes.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the veggies, herbs, or dressing to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: The familiar peanut dressing and crunchy textures make it a hit with all ages.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Most components can be prepped ahead and assembled when needed.

Great for Leftovers: It holds up beautifully in the fridge and stays flavorful the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few small details make this salad truly shine. Rinse the noodles after cooking to keep them springy and prevent sticking. Taste the dressing before mixing and adjust the balance of sweet, salty, and tangy to your liking. Finally, toss gently so every bite is coated without bruising the vegetables.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before diving in, let’s make sure you are set up for success.

Large Mixing Bowl: Gives you enough space to toss everything evenly.

Small Sauce Bowl: Perfect for whisking the peanut dressing smoothly.

Sharp Knife: Helps you get clean, thin cuts on the vegetables.

Cutting Board: Keeps prep organized and efficient.

Ingredients in Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing

What makes this salad special is how each ingredient plays its part, creating layers of flavor and texture.

1. Rice noodles: 6 ounces, these form the tender base that ties everything together.
2. Romaine lettuce: 3 cups chopped, adds crisp freshness and structure.
3. Carrots: 1 cup julienned, bring natural sweetness and crunch.
4. Cucumber: 1 cup sliced, keeps the salad cool and refreshing.
5. Red cabbage: 1 cup shredded, adds color and a satisfying bite.
6. Fresh cilantro: 1 half cup loosely packed, for bright herbal notes.
7. Fresh mint: 1 half cup loosely packed, adds a cooling aroma.
8. Roasted peanuts: 1 third cup, give crunch and nutty depth.
9. Creamy peanut butter: 1 third cup, forms the heart of the dressing.
10. Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons, provides savory balance.
11. Lime juice: 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed, adds brightness.
12. Honey: 2 tablespoons, rounds out the flavors with gentle sweetness.
13. Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon, brings warmth and toasted aroma.
14. Garlic: 1 clove minced, adds a subtle punch.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make swaps, this salad is very forgiving.

Romaine lettuce: Butter lettuce or shredded napa cabbage.
Rice noodles: Thin rice vermicelli or glass noodles.
Honey: Maple syrup or agave.
Peanuts: Cashews or sunflower seeds.

Ingredient Spotlight

Peanut Butter: This is what gives the dressing its creamy body and rich flavor. Choose a smooth, natural style for best results.

Fresh Herbs: Cilantro and mint lift the entire dish, adding fragrance and a fresh finish that makes each bite exciting.

Instructions for Making Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing

Now let’s dive into the fun part and bring everything together.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a pot of water to a boil for the rice noodles.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and garlic until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
4. Assemble the Dish: In a large bowl, add noodles, romaine, carrots, cucumber, red cabbage, cilantro, and mint.
5. Cook to Perfection: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle roasted peanuts over the top for crunch.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while everything is fresh and vibrant.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic of this salad lies in contrast. Soft noodles meet crisp vegetables, while creamy dressing coats every strand. The herbs cut through the richness, and the peanuts add that final crunch that makes you go back for another bite.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few helpful ideas to keep things effortless.

• Toss the salad just before serving for maximum crunch.
• Add the dressing gradually if you prefer a lighter coating.
• Chill the ingredients slightly for extra refreshment.

What to Avoid

Even simple recipes have a few pitfalls to watch for.

• Overcooking the noodles, which can make them mushy.
• Skipping the rinse step, which causes sticking.
• Adding all the dressing at once without tasting.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prep the vegetables and dressing up to two days ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble just before serving for the best texture. Leftovers keep well for up to two days, though the vegetables will soften slightly.

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing

Serve it as a standalone lunch, alongside grilled vegetables, or as a refreshing side for weeknight dinners. It also pairs beautifully with simple soups or rice dishes.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftovers into a wrap filling, stuff them into lettuce cups, or add extra greens to refresh the salad the next day.

Additional Tips

If you like heat, a pinch of chili flakes in the dressing works wonders. For extra crunch, add more nuts right before serving.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange the salad on a wide platter, keep the herbs visible, and drizzle a little extra dressing on top. It looks as good as it tastes.

Variations to Try

Try adding sliced bell peppers for sweetness. Swap the noodles for shredded cabbage for a lighter version. Use extra herbs for a more aromatic bowl. Add a splash more lime for extra tang.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, just keep the dressing separate until serving.

2. Is this salad served cold or warm?

It is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.

3. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, but the dressing will be slightly less smooth.

4. How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to two days in an airtight container.

5. Can I skip the herbs?

You can, but they add a lot of freshness.

6. Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, when made with plant based sweetener.

7. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely, this salad welcomes extras.

8. What if my dressing is too thick?

Add a splash of water or lime juice.

9. Can kids enjoy this salad?

Definitely, it is mild and flavorful.

10. Is this good for meal prep?

Yes, especially when stored in separate components.

Conclusion

This Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing is one of those recipes that feels effortless yet impressive. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite. Once you try it, you will find yourself craving it again and again, and that is always a good sign in the kitchen.

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