This fresh spring roll salad is packed with colorful veggies and served with a zesty ginger dressing that gives it a nice kick! It’s light, crunchy, and oh-so-refreshing!
I love how easy it is to toss together! Plus, you can pick any veggies you like. It’s perfect for warm days when you want something healthy and flavorful without any fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lettuce: I like using romaine for its crispness, but butter lettuce is another great option. If you want more crunch, try adding some arugula or spinach as well.
Purple Cabbage: This adds color and crunch. If you don’t have it, green cabbage works just fine! Or even use shredded kale for a twist!
Proteins: Cooked shrimp adds a nice protein boost, but feel free to use tofu or grilled chicken if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat altogether.
Herbs: Fresh mint, cilantro, and Thai basil bring incredible flavor. If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil or parsley can be used instead.
Peanuts: Roasted peanuts add a nice crunch. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas are great alternatives.
Why is Preparing Fresh Veggies So Important?
Preparing the vegetables correctly enhances the texture and flavor of your salad. Properly washing and drying them removes any grit and allows dressing to coat better. Shredding or julienning helps to combine flavors well and makes each bite enjoyable!
- Always wash vegetables under cold water and dry them to prevent sogginess.
- Cut them into uniform sizes, so they mix in well and everyone can enjoy a bit of everything!
How Can You Make the Perfect Dressing?
The dressing is what brings this salad to life! Making it from scratch is easy. Just whisk together ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level with chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to suit your preference.
- Use freshly grated ginger for better flavor—it’s worth the effort!
- Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before adding it to the salad.
This fresh spring roll salad is not only colorful and appetizing but also healthy and easy to prepare. Enjoy assembling this delightful dish!
Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (e.g., romaine or butter lettuce)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)
- 4 cooked shrimp, sliced (optional for protein)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: thin rice vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package instructions and chilled
For the Spicy Ginger Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or neutral oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take about 20-25 minutes to prepare, including cutting veggies and mixing the dressing. You won’t need any cooking time unless you’re preparing the shrimp or rice vermicelli noodles. Overall, it’s a quick dish that’s perfect for a light and refreshing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing and drying all your fresh vegetables and herbs thoroughly. Shred the lettuce and purple cabbage, julienne the carrot and cucumber, and slice the red bell pepper thinly. Keep your bean sprouts and fresh herbs ready aside; they will be added later!
2. Optional Noodles and Protein:
If you decide to use rice vermicelli noodles, cook them according to the package instructions, then rinse them under cold water and drain well. If you’re including shrimp or any other protein, cook and slice them as needed.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, and vegetable oil until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Assemble Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. If you prepared the noodles and shrimp, add them to the mixture as well.
5. Dress the Salad:
Now pour that delicious spicy ginger dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
6. Serve:
Transfer the vibrant salad to serving plates or a large platter. Don’t forget to sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top for added crunch!
7. Enjoy Immediately:
This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep all the veggies crisp and the flavors vibrant. Dig in and savor the delightful combination of fresh ingredients!
This fresh spring roll salad is a wonderful blend of crunchy vegetables, bright herbs, and a zesty spicy ginger dressing that transforms classic Vietnamese flavors into a refreshing and simple dish. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad with any vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or zucchini are great options. You can also add radishes for a peppery crunch!
How Can I Make the Dressing Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder dressing, simply reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha. You can start with a half teaspoon and add more gradually until it reaches your desired heat level.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients and store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to add the dressing just before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the salad and dressing separate to maintain crunchiness. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness!
