This Fresh Spring Roll Salad is a colorful mix of crisp veggies, tasty noodles, and vibrant herbs, all topped with a zesty spicy ginger dressing. It’s like a party in a bowl!
Every bite is crunchy and refreshing. I love adding some crushed peanuts for extra texture. It’s a fun and healthy way to enjoy your veggies—perfect for warm days! 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These thin noodles are essential for a light texture. If you can’t find them, thin rice noodles or even zucchini noodles can work as alternatives.
Vegetables: Carrots, cabbage, and cucumbers add crunch and color. You can substitute with bell peppers, radishes, or even avocados to mix it up.
Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro bring freshness. If you’re not a fan or can’t find these, try basil or parsley instead. Each herb gives a different flavor.
Peanuts: Roasted peanuts add crunch. You could use cashews or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option, and sunflower seeds are great for a different texture.
Soy Sauce: It provides umami flavor. Use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a sweeter, low-sodium flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Cook Rice Vermicelli Noodles?
Cooking rice vermicelli noodles can be tricky if you’re not careful, as they can get mushy. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Bring water to a boil and remove it from heat.
- Submerge the noodles for about 4-5 minutes, until they’re soft but still have a bite.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water immediately to stop cooking.
- Let them cool and set aside. This helps keep them from sticking together!
Fresh Spring Roll Salad With Spicy Ginger Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 7 oz (200 g) rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced purple cabbage
- 1 cup julienned cucumber
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For the Spicy Ginger Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Optional: 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to make and can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Perfect for a light meal or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles. Follow the package instructions, usually submerging them in boiling water for about 4-5 minutes until just tender. Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles with the julienned carrots, sliced purple cabbage, julienned cucumber, chopped mint, cilantro, and green onions. Use your hands or tongs to gently toss everything together, ensuring even distribution of the ingredients.
3. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, chili paste, and lime juice until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened. This dressing will add a spicy kick and a savory flavor to the salad.
4. Combine and Toss:
Drizzle the spicy ginger dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This step is essential for a flavorful salad.
5. Add Crunch and Serve:
For an extra crunch, sprinkle the salad with the chopped roasted peanuts and optional toasted sesame seeds. Give it a gentle toss again and then serve. You can enjoy the salad right away or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors even more.
Enjoy this vibrant Fresh Spring Roll Salad as a delightful meal that’s light, fresh, and bursting with flavor!
FAQ for Fresh Spring Roll Salad With Spicy Ginger Dressing
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Salad?
Absolutely! If rice vermicelli isn’t available, you can substitute it with thin rice noodles or even spiralized zucchini for a gluten-free option. Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions for the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Honey in the Dressing?
If you’re looking for alternatives to honey, maple syrup works well for a vegan option. You can also use agave nectar or a sugar substitute, adjusting the amount to match your sweetness preference.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The noodles may absorb some of the dressing, so you can always add a little more dressing before serving to refresh the flavor!
Can I Prepare the Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the salad ingredients and the dressing separately up to a day ahead. Just wait to combine them until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crunchy!
