Spring Roll Salad
Spring Roll Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that captures the essence of a classic Vietnamese spring roll while offering the convenience and ease of a salad. Picture crisp, leafy greens mingling with bright, crunchy vegetables, all brought to life by a creamy, tangy peanut dressing. This dish is perfect for warm days when you crave something light yet satisfying. It’s not only easy to prepare, but it also serves as a great crowd-pleaser for gatherings or family meals. Follow along for this step-by-step recipe that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the standout features of Spring Roll Salad is its impeccable balance of flavors and textures. With minimal cooking involved, you can whip up this vibrant dish in no time, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. This recipe is also incredibly flexible, allowing you to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a nutrient-packed meal prep solution or a beautiful centerpiece for your next potluck, this salad delivers on all fronts. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens: These provide a crisp and refreshing base, adding a slight peppery taste that complements the other ingredients.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Their sweetness adds a lovely crunch and vibrant orange color to the salad.
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned: Juicy and refreshing, cucumbers bring a cooling element to the dish.
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced: Choose your favorite color for a pop of brightness; bell peppers enhance the salad’s crunch and sweetness.
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded: This adds a beautiful purple hue and a slightly earthy flavor, contributing to the overall texture.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: A burst of freshness, cilantro brightens the salad with its aromatic scent.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: Creamy and nutty, this forms the rich base of the dressing that ties everything together.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: It brings a savory depth and umami flavor that complements the peanut dressing.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: When added, it introduces a tangy brightness that uplifts the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: For a touch of natural sweetness, balancing the savory notes in the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a fragrant, nutty quality that elevates the overall taste.
- Water to thin the dressing: Adjust according to your desired creamy or pourable consistency.
Step-by-Step Directions
Combine the Greens and Veggies: In a large bowl, start by adding 2 cups of mixed greens, 1 cup of shredded carrots, 1 cup of julienned cucumber, 1 thinly sliced bell pepper, 1 cup of shredded red cabbage, and 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro. Toss gently to ensure an even distribution of all the ingredients.
Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
Adjust the Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time, mixing well until you achieve your desired dressing consistency. The ideal dressing should be creamy yet pourable.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the peanut dressing generously over the salad. Toss everything together until all the veggies are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Spring Roll Salad immediately for the best texture. Enjoy the blend of flavors and the refreshing crunch of the vegetables!
Tips & Tricks
- For added protein, consider stirring in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- If you want more Asian flair, add some chopped peanuts on top or sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Don’t hesitate to customize this salad by adding other vegetables you enjoy, such as snap peas or radishes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Spring Roll Salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. Pair it with grilled meats, a rice noodle dish, or serve it alongside a bowl of hot soup for a complete meal. It also makes for a delightful dish to take along to potlucks or BBQs where a refreshing, healthy option is always welcome.
Nutritional Information
A serving of this Spring Roll Salad is low in calories, around 300-350, depending on dressing quantities. It’s packed with nutrients from the vegetables, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The peanut butter adds healthy fats, ensuring a balanced meal that will keep you satisfied.
Storing Tips & Variations
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s crunch. This salad is also versatile—feel free to swap out ingredients based on what’s in season. For instance, add edamame for extra protein or replace the greens with spinach for a different flavor.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a delicious, simple dish that bursts with flavor and nutrition, try making this Spring Roll Salad. Its bright colors and fresh ingredients are not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. We’d love to hear how your version turns out, so be sure to share your experience!
FAQs
1. Can I make the dressing in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just remember to give it a good stir or shake before using, as it may thicken when stored.
2. What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you have a nut allergy, try using sunflower seed butter or tahini instead for a similar creamy texture.
3. Can I add cooked proteins to this salad?
Yes, adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu can make this salad a fuller meal and is a fantastic way to incorporate more protein.
4. How long does the salad keep in the refrigerator?
The salad can be stored in an airtight container for about two days. However, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, to keep the greens crispy.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Spring Roll Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing twist on classic Vietnamese spring rolls, this vibrant salad combines crisp greens and colorful vegetables with a creamy peanut dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Water to thin the dressing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, thinly sliced bell pepper, shredded red cabbage, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, and sesame oil.
- If the dressing is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are coated.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
For added protein, consider stirring in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Customize with other vegetables like snap peas or radishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
