Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Refreshing, vibrant, and bursting with flavors, Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is a healthy twist on traditional spring rolls. Instead of being wrapped in rice paper, all the fresh ingredients are tossed together in a bowl for a quick, convenient, and colorful salad that maintains all the classic textures and flavors of a spring roll. The combination of crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and delicate rice vermicelli noodles delivers a satisfying mix of crunch, chewiness, and freshness in every bite.

This salad is versatile, making it ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for gatherings. The star of the dish is the spicy ginger dressing, which balances heat, sweetness, acidity, and umami to elevate the fresh ingredients. Grated fresh ginger gives it a bright and zesty kick, while soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and chili sauce create a layered flavor profile that is bold yet balanced.

With fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, the salad has a fragrant aroma and vibrant green color, complemented by the rainbow hues of bell peppers and carrots. Optional crushed peanuts add a satisfying crunch, making each bite an explosion of texture and taste. This recipe is approachable for home cooks of all levels, quick to prepare, and adaptable to personal taste preferences.

Ingredients

For the salad:
1 cup rice vermicelli noodles
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (red and yellow)
1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1/4 cup peanuts, crushed (optional)

For the spicy ginger dressing:
3 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon chili sauce (adjust based on spice preference)

Preparation Method

Begin by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling water, adding the noodles, and cooking for 3–4 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.

While the noodles are cooling, prepare the vegetables. Shred the carrots, thinly slice the bell peppers and cucumber, and wash the bean sprouts thoroughly. Chop the fresh herbs—cilantro and mint—and slice the green onions. Place all the vegetables and herbs into a large mixing bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the spicy ginger dressing. Start with grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or agave syrup, sesame oil, and chili sauce. Adjust the chili sauce based on your preferred level of spiciness. Taste and balance the flavors, adding more sweetness, acidity, or heat as needed.

Once the noodles have cooled, add them to the bowl with the vegetables and herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to break the delicate noodles while mixing.

If desired, sprinkle crushed peanuts over the salad for an added layer of crunch and flavor. The peanuts complement the freshness of the herbs and the zing of the ginger dressing. Serve immediately for the best texture, or chill for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips for the Perfect Spring Roll Salad

Cook noodles al dente: Overcooked noodles can become mushy and detract from the salad’s texture. Balance the dressing: Taste as you go, adjusting sweetness, acidity, and heat to complement the fresh vegetables. Use fresh herbs: Cilantro and mint elevate the salad with aroma and flavor. Add optional proteins: Grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu can make this salad a complete meal. Serve immediately: For the best texture, avoid letting the salad sit too long, as the noodles can absorb too much dressing.

Variations and Personalizations

Make it vegetarian or vegan: Use honey substitutes like agave syrup and avoid animal-based toppings. Add crunch: Include sliced water chestnuts or toasted sesame seeds. Extra spice: Incorporate fresh sliced chili or a dash of Sriracha for more heat. Customize vegetables: Swap in thinly sliced cabbage, snap peas, or radishes for different textures and flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the noodles, vegetables, and dressing separately in advance. Combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.

Can I use a different type of noodles? Yes, rice noodles, soba noodles, or even thin spaghetti can be substituted depending on preference.

How long does the salad stay fresh? For the best texture and flavor, consume within 1 day. Noodles tend to absorb dressing over time, which can make the salad less crisp.

Can I make it gluten-free? Ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free, and check all other ingredients for hidden gluten sources.

Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely. Reduce or omit chili sauce for a mild version, or add more for extra heat.

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Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is a refreshing, colorful, and flavorful dish that balances crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, tender noodles, and a spicy-sweet dressing. It’s light yet satisfying, healthy yet indulgent, and versatile enough to serve as a meal or side dish. With the layers of texture and taste, this salad is guaranteed to become a staple for anyone looking for a vibrant, easy-to-make, and crowd-pleasing recipe.