Name: Effortless Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Zesty Peanut Drizzle
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: For the Salad:; 200g (7 oz) rice vermicelli noodles; 2 large heads butter lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 large cucumber, julienned; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 450g (1 lb) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (or pan-seared chicken breast/tofu); For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:; 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or agave nectar); 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-2 tablespoons warm water (to thin); 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for a kick); For Garnish:; 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts; Lime wedges

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Craving the vibrant, fresh flavors of a spring roll but short on time and patience for the rolling process? Look no further! This Effortless Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Zesty Peanut Drizzle delivers all the satisfaction of your favorite Vietnamese appetizer in a convenient, deconstructed bowl. Imagine crisp, colorful vegetables, tender rice vermicelli, aromatic fresh herbs, and succulent shrimp (or your chosen protein) all mingling together, generously coated in a homemade, creamy peanut dressing that hits every savory, sweet, and tangy note. It’s a light, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful main course that’s perfect for a healthy lunch or a vibrant dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Effortless Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Zesty Peanut Drizzle

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease and maximum flavor. Here’s why this fresh spring roll salad with peanut dressing will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

No Rolling Required: Say goodbye to sticky rice paper and tedious assembly! This deconstructed version captures all the essence of a spring roll without any of the fuss, making it incredibly quick to prepare.
Bursting with Freshness: Every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, from crisp lettuce and crunchy vegetables to tender noodles and bright herbs. It’s a true celebration of fresh ingredients.
Irresistible Peanut Dressing: The homemade creamy peanut dressing is the star of the show, balancing savory notes from soy sauce, tang from lime and rice vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup. It’s utterly addictive!
Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and complex carbohydrates, this salad is incredibly nourishing and leaves you feeling perfectly satisfied without being heavy.
Highly Customizable: Whether you prefer shrimp, chicken, tofu, or another protein, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can also easily add your favorite vegetables or a touch of spice.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredients for Effortless Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Zesty Peanut Drizzle

Crafting this vibrant salad is all about combining fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some flexible substitution ideas:

For the Salad:

Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These thin, delicate noodles absorb the dressing beautifully. Any thin rice noodle will work.
Butter Lettuce: Its tender leaves provide a soft base. Romaine, green leaf, or even mixed greens can be used.
Shredded Carrots & Julienne Cucumber: Essential for crunch and color. Feel free to add shredded red cabbage or bell peppers for more variety.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet, vibrant crunch. Orange or yellow bell peppers would also be lovely.
Fresh Mint & Cilantro Leaves: These aromatic herbs are crucial for that authentic spring roll flavor. Don’t skip them! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, increase the mint, or add Thai basil.
Cooked Shrimp: A classic choice for spring rolls. Alternatively, pan-seared chicken breast (sliced), crispy pan-seared tofu, or even grilled salmon or tempeh would be fantastic.

For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:

This dressing is a game-changer! It’s rich, balanced, and so easy to make.

Natural Creamy Peanut Butter: Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor and consistency. Almond butter can be a substitute for a different flavor profile.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides depth and umami. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Rice Vinegar & Fresh Lime Juice: These add essential tang and brightness.
Maple Syrup: Balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness. Agave nectar or honey (if you don’t mind the slight flavor difference) can be used.
Grated Fresh Ginger & Minced Garlic: Key aromatics that elevate the dressing’s complexity.
Warm Water: Used to thin the dressing to your desired pourable consistency.
Sriracha (Optional): For those who enjoy a little heat. Adjust to your preferred spice level or omit entirely.

For Garnish:

Crushed Roasted Peanuts: Adds a delightful crunch and extra nutty flavor.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating brightens everything up.

How to Make Effortless Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Zesty Peanut Drizzle

Assembling this incredibly flavorful salad is straightforward and quick:

Prepare the Noodles: Cook your rice vermicelli according to the package instructions. The key here is to drain them thoroughly and then rinse them with cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together, ensuring a perfect texture in your salad. Set them aside to cool completely.
Cook Your Protein: If you’re using raw shrimp, chicken, or tofu, now’s the time to cook it. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook shrimp until it turns pink and opaque (usually 2-3 minutes per side). Chicken breast should be cooked until no longer pink inside (about 5-7 minutes per side), then sliced into strips. Tofu should be pressed, cubed or sliced, and pan-seared until golden brown and crispy (around 4-5 minutes per side).
Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency that you like – it should be creamy but not too thick. Stir in the sriracha if you desire a spicy kick. This versatile dressing would also be fantastic on a Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, artfully combine the cooled rice vermicelli noodles, torn butter lettuce, shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, thinly sliced red bell pepper, fresh mint leaves, and cilantro leaves. Add your cooked protein of choice (shrimp, chicken, or tofu).
Dress and Serve: Generously drizzle the creamy peanut dressing over the entire salad. Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring every noodle and vegetable is coated in the luscious dressing. Divide the salad among individual serving bowls, then garnish each with a sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts and a fresh lime wedge. Serve immediately and savor every fresh, flavorful bite!

Tips for Success

Rinse Noodles Thoroughly: Don’t skip rinsing the cooked vermicelli with cold water. This not only cools them but also washes away excess starch, preventing them from clumping.
Fresh Herbs are Key: The fresh mint and cilantro are non-negotiable for that authentic spring roll taste. Use a generous amount!
Customize Your Protein: While shrimp is traditional, feel free to experiment. Grilled salmon, pan-seared tempeh, or even a hard-boiled egg can add a different dimension.
Adjust Dressing Consistency: The amount of warm water needed for the dressing can vary slightly depending on your peanut butter. Add it slowly until you achieve your desired pourable texture.
Spice It Up: The sriracha in the dressing is entirely optional. Start with a little and add more if you like a bolder, spicier flavor.
Add Extra Crunch: For more texture, consider adding bean sprouts, thinly sliced red cabbage, or even avocado slices to your salad.

Serving Suggestions

This Effortless Fresh Spring Roll Salad is a complete and satisfying meal on its own. However, if you’re looking to round out your spread, consider pairing it with a light, clear broth soup, or perhaps some additional fresh fruit. For a delightful, light dessert that complements the meal, consider serving a Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe.

Storage & Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but thoughtful storage can extend its life:

Meal Prep: If you’re preparing this for meal prep, it’s crucial to store the creamy peanut dressing separately from the salad components. This prevents the vegetables and noodles from becoming soggy.
Refrigeration: Store the undressed salad components (noodles, vegetables, protein) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the dressing in a separate airtight container.
Serving Later: When ready to eat, simply combine your desired portion of salad with the dressing, toss, and enjoy. Note that lettuce may wilt slightly after a day, but the flavors will still be delicious. This salad is not suitable for reheating as it is meant to be enjoyed cold.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this salad vegan?

A: Absolutely! Simply swap the shrimp for pan-seared tofu or tempeh, and ensure your peanut butter and maple syrup are vegan-friendly. Use tamari for a gluten-free and vegan soy sauce alternative.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, it can be! Ensure you use 100% rice vermicelli noodles and substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari in the dressing. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q: What other vegetables can I add to the salad?

A: Feel free to customize! Bean sprouts, thinly sliced red cabbage, edamame, bell peppers of different colors, or even thinly sliced radishes would all be delicious additions.

Q: How long does the peanut dressing last?

A: The creamy peanut dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It might thicken slightly when chilled, so you may need to whisk in a tablespoon of warm water before serving to restore its desired consistency.

Q: Can I use different types of noodles?

A: While rice vermicelli is traditional and works best for this deconstructed spring roll concept, you could experiment with other thin rice noodles or even glass noodles. Avoid wheat-based pasta as it will change the texture and flavor profile significantly.

Embrace the vibrant flavors and effortless preparation of this fresh spring roll salad with peanut dressing. It’s a delightful journey for your taste buds, promising a satisfying and healthy meal every time. Enjoy the freshness!

Vibrant Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing Drizzle