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Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing

fresh spring roll salad - featured image

A crisp and vibrant salad inspired by fresh spring rolls, featuring crunchy veggies wrapped in rice paper and drizzled with a creamy, balanced peanut dressing. Perfect for quick, healthy meals that are light yet satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Rice paper wrappers (round, 8-inch size recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots (fresh and crisp)
  • 1 medium cucumber, julienned (peeled if preferred)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • A handful of fresh mint leaves, torn
  • A handful of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups butter lettuce or mixed greens, washed and dried
  • 6 oz cooked shrimp or tofu cubes (optional)
  • Chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter (preferably without added sugar or salt)
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 23 tablespoons warm water (to thin the dressing)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry all fresh produce. Shred the carrots finely, julienne the cucumber and bell pepper into thin strips, roughly chop the cilantro, and tear the mint leaves. If using shrimp or tofu, ensure they are cooked and cut into bite-size pieces.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and fresh ginger (if using). Whisk together while slowly adding warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more lime juice or red pepper flakes if desired.
  3. Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper for about 15-20 seconds until it becomes soft but still slightly firm. Lay it flat on a clean surface or plate.
  4. On each softened rice paper, layer a small handful of butter lettuce or mixed greens, followed by a colorful mix of carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, herbs, and protein if using. Fold the sides in and then roll tightly from the bottom up, like a spring roll but looser since this is a salad version.
  5. Place the assembled salad rolls on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the creamy peanut dressing and sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts for crunch. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

Soak rice paper briefly to avoid tearing or mushiness. Work quickly as rice paper dries fast once softened. Keep veggies dry to prevent soggy wrappers. Adjust peanut dressing thickness with warm water. Chilling dressing before serving helps it cling better. Prep veggies and dressing ahead to save time, but soak and roll rice paper fresh before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: fresh spring roll salad, creamy peanut dressing, healthy salad, quick salad recipe, gluten-free salad, vegan salad option, easy lunch, light dinner