Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

Get ready for a party on your plate—this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is a fresh, crunchy, flavor-packed twist on classic Vietnamese spring rolls, but in salad form! Every forkful is bursting with vibrant veggies, aromatic herbs, and an irresistible, spicy ginger dressing that you’ll want to drizzle on just about everything.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element of this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing brings texture, color, and unforgettable flavor. Don’t let the list intimidate you—most ingredients are pantry staples, and each one transforms this salad into a craveable, crowd-pleasing meal.

• Fresh Ginger: The star of the dressing, delivering fiery, aromatic warmth that makes the flavors pop.
• Garlic: Adds depth and savory oomph to the dressing, balancing the brightness of the other ingredients.
• Soy Sauce: For that essential salty umami that ties everything together (use tamari for gluten-free).
• Agave Nectar: Gives a delicate sweetness and rounds out the spicy notes. Honey also works here.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy acidity, brightening the entire salad and accentuating the fresh veggies.
• Sesame Oil: Adds toasty, nutty depth—that little bit of richness you’ll recognize from Asian restaurant fare.
• Canola or Vegetable Oil: Helps emulsify the dressing, making it silky-smooth and pourable.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just the right amount of slow-building heat. Start with less, taste, and go from there!
• Rice Noodles: Slippery, chewy, and endlessly satisfying, these make the salad hearty enough for a meal.
• Shredded Green or Purple Cabbage: Crunchy and vibrant—plus, it adds a pop of color and fiber.
• Cucumber: Julienne-cut for freshness and a hydrating, crisp bite.
• Carrots: Julienne for sweetness and brilliant orange color.
• Sweet Pepper: Any color works! These add juicy crunch and subtle sweetness.
• Cilantro & Mint: The herby twosome brings that signature spring roll aroma and freshness.
• Roasted Peanuts: Chop them for a savory, nutty crunch that completes every bite.
• Sesame Seeds & Extra Herbs: The perfect finishing touch for even more flavor and visual appeal.

Variations

One of the best parts about Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is how adaptable it is. Don’t be afraid to raid your fridge—all sorts of crunchy veggies, herbs, and proteins are fair game.

• Add Protein: Toss in cubed tofu, cooked shrimp, or grilled chicken for extra staying power.
• Go Grain-Free: Swap the rice noodles for spiralized zucchini or extra cabbage for a lighter twist.
• Nut-Free Version: Replace peanuts with roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch without allergens.
• Veggie Swap: Use snap peas, radish, bean sprouts, or whatever crisp vegetables you love or have on hand.

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Step 1: Whip Up the Spicy Ginger Dressing

Grab your food processor or blender and add the fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, agave, rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola (or vegetable) oil, and red pepper flakes. Blitz until perfectly smooth and creamy. Give the dressing a quick taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold!

Step 2: Chill the Dressing

Once your dressing has reached peak spicy-sweet deliciousness, pop it in the fridge. Even a short chill will help the flavors meld together and take your Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing to the next level.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice Noodles

Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. The trick is to rinse them under cold water immediately after draining—this coolest them down fast and prevents any stickiness. Transfer those glistening noodles to your biggest mixing bowl.

Step 4: Assemble the Veggies and Herbs

To the noodles, add your shredded cabbage, julienned cucumber, carrots, sweet pepper, minced cilantro, and mint. This step is a feast for the eyes and an aromatic appetizer for your senses. Give everything a gentle toss to combine.

Step 5: Dress and Toss!

When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the chilled spicy ginger dressing all over the salad. Toss with tongs (or clean hands) so every strand of noodle and shard of veggie gets evenly coated. Taste and season with a pinch more salt and pepper if you like.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Time for the final flourish: sprinkle the salad with chopped roasted peanuts, extra cilantro, and a smattering of sesame seeds. There you have it—the ultimate Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing, ready to wow your taste buds!

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Garnishes

A generous scatter of roasted peanuts, extra fresh cilantro, mint, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is pure joy on top of this salad. For an even fancier touch, add thin strips of seaweed or a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Side Dishes

This salad stars as a light meal on its own, but it’s also perfect on the side of grilled chicken skewers, crispy tofu, or simple miso soup. Pair it with a chilled glass of jasmine tea or sparkling water with lime to complement all those fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing in individual noodle bowls, lettuce cups for a hand-held vibe, or even as an elegant jar salad layered for lunch on the go. It’s a showstopper on a large platter for family-style sharing at gatherings and picnics!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For the best texture, keep the dressing and salad separate until serving if you know you’ll be storing extras.

Freezing

This is a make-fresh, enjoy-fresh kind of salad—freezing isn’t recommended, as the veggies and rice noodles will lose their crisp, snappy texture once thawed. The dressing, however, can be frozen and thawed as needed!

Reheating

No reheating required! In fact, this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is best served chilled or at room temperature. Just toss again before eating to refresh flavors and textures.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is truly my go-to for when I want something vibrant, wholesome, and just plain fun to eat. I hope you fall in love with every zingy, crunchy bite—don’t forget to share your creative twists and enjoy making it your own! Give it a try, and let it become a fresh favorite in your kitchen.

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