If you love vibrant flavors and crisp textures that make every bite exciting, then this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish beautifully captures the essence of fresh spring rolls without the fuss of rolling, combining chewy rice noodles, crunchy veggies, and fragrant herbs, all brought together by a rich, creamy peanut sauce that’s bursting with tang and a hint of sweetness. Whether you’re craving something light yet filling or wanting to impress friends with an easy, colorful dish, this salad hits every note perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic of this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe. Each component plays a vital role—rice noodles add softness, fresh vegetables bring crunch and bright color, herbs provide vibrant, aromatic freshness, and the peanut sauce ties everything together with its creamy, savory-sweet punch.
- Rice noodles: Thin and tender, they soak up the sauce beautifully without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and cool balance against the richness of the peanut dressing.
- Purple cabbage: Offers a lovely pop of color and a slightly peppery bite, making the salad visually stunning.
- Carrot: Brings a natural sweetness and subtle earthiness, finely grated or thinly sliced for easy mixing.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a crisp texture that elevates the salad’s flavor profile.
- Fresh cilantro: Infuses a zesty, fresh herbal note that’s indispensable in this salad.
- Fresh mint: Delivers a cool brightness that complements the peanut sauce perfectly.
- Chopped peanuts: Optional but highly recommended for a satisfying crunch and extra nuttiness.
- Peanut butter: The creamy backbone of the dressing, creating a luscious texture and flavor.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds depth and subtle sweetness, but brown sugar can be a handy substitute.
- Lime juice: Brightens the dressing with a citrusy tang that balances richness.
- Soy sauce: Provides saltiness and umami to round out the dressing’s flavor.
- Water: Used to adjust the dressing to the perfect consistency for drizzling or tossing.
How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice Noodles
Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes in boiling water until tender. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside. This soft, delicate base will soak up all the fantastic flavors of the salad and peanut sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, hoisin sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce. Whisk these together starting with ¼ cup water, then gradually add more water until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. This luscious dressing is the star, marrying salty, sweet, tangy, and nutty notes with perfect balance.
Step 3: Combine the Vegetables and Noodles
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked noodles, thinly sliced cucumber, shredded purple cabbage, grated carrot, red bell pepper slices, chopped cilantro, chopped mint, and the optional chopped peanuts. The mix of crunchy vegetables and herbs will give each bite exciting layers of texture and flavor.
Step 4: Toss with Peanut Dressing
Pour the peanut dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together so every strand of noodle and every vegetable slice gets coated in that irresistible peanut goodness. The dressing clings perfectly, amplifying the fresh ingredients while offering a creamy richness.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
You can serve this salad immediately for the freshest crunch or chill it briefly in the fridge to let the flavors meld even more deeply. Either way, this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe delivers a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s ready to enjoy in minutes.
How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra chopped peanuts on top for crunch and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like additional cilantro or mint to boost brightness. A wedge of lime on the side invites a hand-squeezed splash of citrus that can elevate each forkful.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light Asian-inspired dishes like steamed dumplings or grilled shrimp skewers. A bowl of miso soup or sticky jasmine rice can also round out the meal, creating a balanced experience of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual bowls lined with large lettuce leaves or in small cups for a fun appetizer-style presentation. Another idea is layering the salad in a clear glass jar, showing off its vibrant colors, perfect for potlucks or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the peanut dressing separate if possible to preserve the crispness of the vegetables and noodles before serving.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing because the fresh vegetables and noodles can lose their texture and become soggy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t recommended since this is a fresh, cold salad that shines most when served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a warm version, prepare the peanut sauce and vegetables separately and toss together right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but creamy peanut butter blends more smoothly into the dressing, giving a silky texture. If you prefer some crunch, you can sprinkle chopped peanuts on top instead.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, a teaspoon of brown sugar or a bit of honey mixed with soy sauce works well to add that sweet depth.
Are rice noodles gluten-free?
Generally, yes, rice noodles are made from rice flour and water, which makes them naturally gluten-free, but it’s best to check the packaging to be sure.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even crispy tempeh make fantastic add-ins to make this salad more filling and wholesome.
How long does the peanut sauce keep?
The peanut sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as it might thicken upon chilling.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe will brighten your meals with its fresh ingredients and rich, satisfying dressing. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of spring rolls without the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!
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Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Spring Roll Salad featuring thin rice noodles and a colorful mix of vegetables and herbs, all tossed in a creamy and tangy peanut sauce. Perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish that combines crunchy textures with rich, nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Peanut Dressing
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (or substitute with brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ¼–½ cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
Salad
- 4 oz thin rice noodles
- 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced (or use coleslaw mix)
- 1 cup carrot, grated or sliced thin
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- ½ cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions until tender, then drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce, gradually adding ¼ cup water and additional water as needed to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sliced cucumber, purple cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, cilantro, mint, and optional chopped peanuts.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the prepared peanut dressing over the salad mixture, then toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest crunch, or chill briefly to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the water in the dressing to reach your preferred consistency, thinner for drizzling or thicker for dipping.
- For a spicier kick, add a splash of sriracha or finely chopped fresh chili to the dressing.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be chilled for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- To make this dish vegan, ensure the hoisin sauce and soy sauce are free from animal products.
- Substitute crushed peanuts with chopped cashews or omit for a nut-free version.
