Spring Roll Salad Recipe: Fresh, Crunchy & Bursting with Flavor

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, this Spring Roll Salad is about to become your new go-to. It takes everything you love about Vietnamese spring rolls — crisp veggies, tender noodles, fresh herbs, and creamy peanut dressing — and turns it into an easy, no-fuss salad.

This colorful bowl is a perfect balance of textures and flavors: crunchy vegetables, chewy rice noodles, and a rich, nutty dressing that ties everything together. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and ideal for meal prep or light lunches.

Whether you’re following a healthy lifestyle, looking for a flavorful vegan option, or simply want something refreshing and nourishing, this Spring Roll Salad checks all the boxes. It’s proof that healthy food can also be crave-worthy and delicious.

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What Is a Spring Roll Salad?

A Deconstructed Take on the Classic

Spring Roll Salad is a creative spin on traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, transforming the popular handheld snack into a colorful, easy-to-eat salad bowl. Instead of wrapping everything in rice paper, you simply toss all the components — noodles, veggies, herbs, and protein — together with a creamy peanut or sesame dressing.

It’s fresh, filling, and full of crunch. You get all the classic flavors and textures of a spring roll, but without the hassle of rolling or wrapping. Each bite offers a mix of savory, tangy, and nutty notes that make it impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad isn’t just beautiful — it’s packed with nutrients and flavor. You’ll love it because:

• It’s refreshing and light, perfect for warm days or post-workout meals.
• It’s customizable — add your favorite proteins or veggies.
• It’s easy to meal prep for healthy lunches all week.
• It’s gluten-free and dairy-free, with vegan options available.
• It’s served cold, making it a no-stress, make-ahead meal.

So if you love Asian-inspired salads or need a vibrant dish that’s as satisfying as it is healthy, this Spring Roll Salad will hit the spot every single time.

Ingredients for Spring Roll Salad

The best thing about this Spring Roll Salad is how customizable and colorful it is! You can easily mix and match vegetables, proteins, and herbs to make it exactly how you like. It’s light yet filling — a perfect all-in-one meal or side dish.

Base Salad Ingredients

Ingredient	Purpose	Suggested Amount
Rice noodles	Adds chewy texture	6 oz (about 3 cups cooked)
Shredded lettuce or cabbage	Fresh and crunchy base	2 cups
Carrots, julienned	Adds color and sweetness	1 cup
English cucumber, sliced thin	Adds cool, crisp texture	1 cup
Red bell pepper, thinly sliced	Adds crunch and color	1 cup
Fresh mint leaves	Adds refreshing flavor	¼ cup
Fresh cilantro or Thai basil	Adds brightness	¼ cup
Green onions, chopped	Adds a mild bite	2 tablespoons
Chopped peanuts or cashews	Adds crunch	¼ cup

Protein Options

Ingredient	Purpose	Suggested Amount
Tofu (pan-fried or baked)	Vegan protein option	1 block (14 oz)
Shrimp (grilled or boiled)	Light, lean protein	12 medium shrimp
Chicken breast (grilled or shredded)	High-protein option	1 cup cooked

For the Creamy Peanut Dressing

Ingredient	Purpose	Suggested Amount
Creamy peanut butter	Rich, nutty base	¼ cup
Lime juice	Adds tangy freshness	2 tablespoons
Soy sauce or tamari	Adds saltiness and umami	2 tablespoons
Sesame oil	Adds depth	1 teaspoon
Maple syrup or honey	Adds sweetness	1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced	Adds savory flavor	1 clove
Warm water	To thin the dressing	2–3 tablespoons

How to Make Spring Roll Salad

This Spring Roll Salad is as easy as it is delicious. With just a few simple steps, you can have a fresh, restaurant-quality salad on the table in under 30 minutes.

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package directions.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Toss lightly with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

1. Wash and chop all vegetables into thin, uniform slices or matchsticks for the best texture.
2. Arrange them in a large salad bowl with the lettuce or cabbage as the base.
3. Add the cooked noodles on top, followed by carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and herbs.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, maple syrup (or honey), and minced garlic.
2. Add warm water gradually until the dressing reaches your desired consistency — creamy but pourable.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning (more lime for tang, soy for salt, or maple syrup for sweetness).

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
2. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
3. Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
4. Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for a refreshing, crisp texture.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Spring Roll Salad

Making Spring Roll Salad is simple, but these expert tricks will help you nail the perfect flavor and texture every single time.

Keep Everything Cold and Crisp

After chopping your vegetables, soak them in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then pat dry. This helps them stay crisp and vibrant, giving your salad that fresh “crunch” every bite deserves.

Don’t Overcook the Noodles

Rice noodles can turn mushy quickly. Cook them just until tender, then rinse under cold water immediately. Toss with a drop of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together.

Balance the Dressing

If your peanut dressing tastes too strong, thin it out with water or add more lime juice for brightness. For a sweeter flavor, add a bit more maple syrup or honey.

Customize for Meal Prep

To prep ahead, store the salad components separately. Combine the veggies, noodles, and dressing only when ready to eat — this keeps everything crunchy and fresh.

Add Texture with Toppings

Crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or crispy shallots add that perfect finishing touch and extra flavor boost.

Variations & Add-Ins

One of the best parts of Spring Roll Salad is how versatile it is. You can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.

Protein Power Options

Add shrimp, grilled chicken, tofu, or tempeh to boost protein. Each adds a new layer of flavor while keeping the salad balanced.

Vegan & Gluten-Free Twist

Make it vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey and gluten-free by swapping soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

Extra Crunch Factor

For more crunch, toss in shredded red cabbage, bean sprouts, or roasted chickpeas.

Different Dressings to Try

Swap the peanut dressing for a light sesame-ginger or chili-lime vinaigrette for a whole new flavor experience.

FAQs About Spring Roll Salad

Conclusion

This Spring Roll Salad brings together the best of both worlds — the fresh, crunchy flavors of Vietnamese spring rolls with the ease and simplicity of a salad. Each bite bursts with color, texture, and flavor thanks to crisp veggies, chewy noodles, and creamy peanut dressing.

It’s light yet satisfying, healthy yet indulgent — the perfect dish for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply love fresh food, this recipe is endlessly customizable and guaranteed to brighten your table.

So grab your chopsticks (or fork!) and dig into this Spring Roll Salad — the refreshing, flavor-packed salad you’ll crave all year long.

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