Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

If you love the light, fresh vibe of classic spring rolls but crave all those vibrant flavors in a fuss-free, satisfying way, you’re going to adore this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing. It gathers everything you love—crisp veggies, slurpable noodles, zippy herbs, and that signature punchy ginger dressing—all in a single, gorgeous bowl. Think of it as your favorite appetizer turned into a crave-worthy main event!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is built on simple ingredients that combine for huge flavor and a rainbow of color. Every element—from aromatic herbs to crunchy cabbage and savory peanuts—plays a starring role!

• Rice noodles (8 oz): These create the backbone of the salad, bringing the chewy texture you know and love from classic spring rolls.
• Shredded green or purple cabbage (1½ cups): Cabbage offers color, hearty crunch, and a touch of sweetness.
• Small cucumber, julienned: Cool, crisp, and hydrating—the perfect contrast to the spicy dressing.
• Carrots, julienned (2 small): They add sweetness, color, and a delicate crunch.
• Medium sweet pepper, julienned: For a pop of bright color and naturally sweet flavor. Any color works—red, orange, or yellow are gorgeous.
• Cilantro (¼ cup, minced): This fresh herb injects a bit of citrusy zing.
• Mint (¼ cup, minced): Adds brightness and an irresistibly refreshing aroma, absolutely essential in spring roll flavors!
• Chopped roasted peanuts (¼ cup): Salty and crunchy, they make the whole salad wonderfully satisfying.
• Additional cilantro and sesame seeds: These finish things off beautifully with more fragrance, texture, and a little wow-factor for presentation.
• Spicy Ginger Dressing ingredients:
• Minced fresh ginger (3 tbsp): The heart and soul of the dressing, providing warmth and spice.
• Minced garlic (2 medium cloves): Bold, aromatic, and essential for that classic punchy flavor.
• Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Deep umami and saltiness round out the dressing.
• Agave nectar (1 tbsp): Balances the heat and acidity while keeping it all vegan.
• Rice vinegar (¼ cup): For zippy tang that brightens up every bite.
• Toasted sesame oil (1 tbsp): Nutty and aromatic, crucial for that must-have Asian flavor profile.
• Canola or vegetable oil (2 tbsp): Brings the dressing together with just the right mouthfeel.
• Red pepper flakes (½–1 tsp): Brings the spice! Add more or less based on your heat preference.
• Salt and pepper: To taste—every salad needs a little personalization at the end!

Variations

The magic of Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is how flexible it is—no need to run to the store if you’re missing an herb or two, and you can easily make it fit vegan, gluten-free, or protein-packed preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Add Protein: Top with grilled shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
• Substitute Noodles: Swap rice noodles for soba, glass noodles, or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter twist.
• Go Nut-Free: Use roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of peanuts for a safe, crunchy finish.
• Boost the Veggies: Try adding shredded lettuce, snap peas, or radishes for more crunch and color.
• Make It Extra-Spicy: Stir a dab of chili paste or sriracha right into the dressing if you love a fiery flavor kick.

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Step 1: Blend the Spicy Ginger Dressing

Start by blending the dressing, which is truly the heartbeat of this salad. In a food processor or blender, combine fresh minced ginger, garlic, soy sauce, agave, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, canola or vegetable oil, and your preferred amount of red pepper flakes. Blend until completely smooth, then taste and adjust salt and pepper. Chill in the fridge while you prep everything else—the wait lets all the bold flavors meld together.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Rice Noodles

Cook your rice noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse them under cold water right away. This step stops the cooking process and keeps the noodles from getting gummy. Drain well and transfer to a big salad bowl—the noodles will be the pillowy foundation for all your fresh toppings.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Herbs

While the noodles cool, shred your cabbage, julienne the cucumber, carrots, and sweet pepper, and finely mince the cilantro and mint. This is where all those vibrant colors come alive! If you have a mandoline or julienne peeler, this goes quickly (and your salad will look extra stunning).

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add all the prepped vegetables and herbs to the bowl with your noodles. Toss gently to combine—you’re aiming for a beautiful tangle where every bite gets a bit of everything. When you’re ready to serve, generously drizzle on the spicy ginger dressing and toss again until everything is luscious and evenly coated.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts, extra cilantro, and a shower of sesame seeds. Taste for seasoning, adding extra salt or a squeeze of lime if you like. Grab your chopsticks or favorite fork—your Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Garnishes

This salad loves to be dressed up! Shower it with extra roasted peanuts, a sprinkling of black or white sesame seeds, and a final handful of tangy fresh herbs. For even more pizazz, add thinly sliced fresh chili or a few lime wedges for squeezing just before digging in.

Side Dishes

While Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is hearty enough to shine on its own, it also makes a perfect pairing with dumplings, miso soup, or crispy tofu bites. For a bigger spread, serve with sticky rice, steamed edamame, or a light Asian slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your salad into a show-stopper by plating it in shallow bowls with colorful layers, or arrange the veggies “deconstructed” spring roll style for a DIY vibe at the table. Or, pack individual salad jars for the ultimate grab-and-go lunch—add dressing just before eating for max crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this salad keep beautifully—simply store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The veggies and noodles stay crisp for 2–3 days, so you can look forward to another flavor-packed lunch!

Freezing

Because of the delicate noodles and raw veggies, this salad isn’t great for freezing. If you have extra dressing, though, you can freeze it in a small container for up to a month—just thaw and shake before using!

Reheating

Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If you want to revive leftovers, just toss with a splash of fresh dressing and a quick handful of new herbs or veggies.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing—the flavors are so bold, fresh, and downright addictive that it just might become your new warm-weather staple. Toss one together, invite a friend, and prepare for a bowlful of smiles. Happy salad-making!

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