The Best Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce – Fresh & Easy

If you’re craving something fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor, the best spring rolls with peanut sauce are exactly what you need. These Vietnamese-inspired fresh spring rolls are light yet satisfying, filled with crisp vegetables, tender noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of protein — all wrapped in delicate rice paper and served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce that’s downright addictive.

Unlike fried rolls, fresh spring rolls feel bright and clean. Every bite is cool, crunchy, and refreshing, while the peanut sauce adds rich, nutty depth that ties everything together. They’re perfect for warm-weather meals, light dinners, or even as a fun appetizer when you want something impressive but not complicated.

What makes the best spring rolls with peanut sauce truly special is how easy they are to customize. Whether you prefer shrimp, tofu, chicken, or an all-veggie version, this recipe adapts beautifully. Once you learn the simple rolling technique, you’ll want to make them again and again.

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Why These Are the Best Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Fresh, Light, and Healthy

These fresh spring rolls are loaded with raw vegetables, herbs, and lean protein, making them a naturally light and nourishing option. They’re gluten-free, low in fat, and full of texture, which makes them feel satisfying without being heavy.

Easy to Customize for Any Diet

One of the reasons these are the best spring rolls with peanut sauce is their flexibility. You can keep them vegetarian, make them vegan, or add shrimp or chicken depending on your preference. The base stays the same, while the fillings change to suit your taste

Creamy, Flavor-Packed Peanut Sauce

The peanut sauce is what takes these rolls from good to unforgettable. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, savory, and tangy all at once. Paired with fresh vegetables and herbs, it creates that classic balance of flavors found in the best Vietnamese spring rolls

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

For the Spring Rolls

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Rice paper wrappers	12 sheets	Wraps the fillings
Rice vermicelli noodles	4 oz (115 g)	Adds soft texture
Romaine or butter lettuce	1 large head	Adds crunch and structure
Carrots, julienned	1 cup	Adds sweetness and color
Cucumber, julienned	1 large	Fresh, crisp bite
Fresh mint leaves	½ cup	Classic spring roll flavor
Fresh cilantro	½ cup	Adds brightness
Fresh basil (optional)	¼ cup	Extra herbal aroma

Protein Options

Choose one (or mix and match):

• Shrimp: 12–16 medium shrimp, cooked and halved
• Tofu: 8 oz firm tofu, pan-seared or baked
• Chicken: 1 cup cooked, thinly sliced chicken breast
• Tempeh: 8 oz, lightly sautéed

For the Peanut Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Creamy peanut butter	½ cup	Base of the sauce
Soy sauce or tamari	2 tbsp	Salty, umami flavor
Lime juice	2 tbsp	Adds tang and freshness
Honey or maple syrup	1–2 tbsp	Balances saltiness
Garlic, minced	1 clove	Adds depth
Sesame oil	1 tsp	Nutty aroma
Warm water	2–4 tbsp	Thins the sauce

Optional Add-Ins

• Sliced avocado
• Mango strips
• Bean sprouts
• Red bell pepper strips
• Crushed peanuts for topping

How to Make the Best Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Step by Step

Prepare the Fillings First

Before you start rolling, make sure everything is ready. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set them aside to cool completely.

Wash and dry all vegetables and herbs thoroughly. Slice the carrots and cucumber into thin matchsticks, separate the lettuce leaves, and set out the fresh mint, cilantro, and basil. If using shrimp, tofu, or chicken, have it fully cooked and sliced.

Having everything prepped makes assembling the best spring rolls with peanut sauce quick and frustration-free.

Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers

Fill a large, shallow bowl or pan with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10–15 seconds, just until it becomes pliable. It should still feel slightly firm when you remove it — it will continue to soften as you work.

Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean kitchen towel or cutting board.

Pro Tip:
If the rice paper is too soft, it will tear easily. Slight firmness is key for neat, sturdy spring rolls.

Layer the Fillings

On the lower third of the wrapper, layer your fillings in this order:

• Lettuce
• Rice noodles
• Vegetables
• Herbs
• Protein of choice

Keep the filling compact and centered. Overfilling is the most common mistake and makes rolling difficult.

This balanced layering is what helps create the best spring rolls with peanut sauce — evenly filled, fresh, and easy to dip.

Roll the Spring Rolls

Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper up over the filling. Then fold in both sides tightly, like wrapping a burrito. Roll upward firmly but gently until sealed.

Place the finished spring roll seam-side down on a plate and cover with a damp towel while you repeat with the remaining wrappers. This keeps them soft and prevents drying out.

Make the Peanut Sauce

While assembling the rolls (or ahead of time), prepare the peanut sauce.

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Creamy peanut butter
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Lime juice
• Honey or maple syrup
• Minced garlic
• Sesame oil

Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce is smooth and dippable.

Taste and adjust:

• Add more lime juice for brightness
• Add more honey for sweetness
• Add chili paste or sriracha for heat

This sauce is what truly defines the best spring rolls with peanut sauce — creamy, balanced, and bold.

Serve Immediately

Arrange the spring rolls on a platter, cut in half if desired, and serve with the peanut sauce on the side. Garnish with crushed peanuts or fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

These spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, when the rice paper is soft and the vegetables are crisp.

Tips for Perfect Fresh Spring Rolls Every Time

Don’t Overfill the Rolls

Less is more. Using smaller portions keeps the rolls neat, intact, and easy to eat.

Use Warm (Not Hot) Water

Hot water makes rice paper sticky and fragile. Warm water softens it gradually and evenly.

Keep Finished Rolls Covered

Cover rolled spring rolls with a damp towel while working to prevent drying or cracking.

Work Slowly at First

Your first few rolls may look imperfect — that’s normal. By the third or fourth roll, you’ll get the hang of it quickly.

Prep Ahead Smartly

You can prep all fillings and peanut sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the spring rolls just before serving for the freshest texture.

Chef’s Tip:
If you’re serving guests, slice the rolls in half on a diagonal — it shows off the colorful fillings and makes them easier to dip.

Delicious Variations of the Best Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Vegan Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Swap the protein for baked tofu, tempeh, or edamame and use maple syrup in the peanut sauce. This version stays light, protein-rich, and completely plant-based while keeping the same bold flavor.

Classic Shrimp Spring Rolls

Use sliced shrimp layered neatly under the rice paper for that traditional Vietnamese look. Shrimp adds sweetness and pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut dipping sauce.

Spicy Spring Rolls

Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce for heat. You can also include thinly sliced jalapeños inside the rolls for extra kick.

Gluten-Free Spring Rolls

Rice paper and rice noodles are naturally gluten-free. Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce in the peanut sauce to keep everything gluten-free.

Tropical Spring Rolls

Add sliced mango or pineapple to the filling for a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the savory peanut sauce.

FAQ – The Best Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Conclusion

Fresh, colorful, and endlessly customizable, the best spring rolls with peanut sauce are the perfect balance of light and satisfying. Each bite delivers crisp vegetables, tender noodles, fragrant herbs, and that irresistible creamy peanut sauce that brings it all together.

Whether you serve them as an appetizer, light dinner, or party-friendly finger food, these spring rolls never fail to impress. They look beautiful on the plate, taste fresh and vibrant, and fit a wide range of diets.

Once you master this recipe, you’ll see just how easy it is to make restaurant-quality spring rolls at home — fresh, healthy, and packed with flavor every single time.

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