Name: Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger; 2 medium cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon agave nectar; 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons canola oil or vegetable oil; 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 oz rice noodles; 1-1/2 cups shredded green or purple cabbage; 1 small cucumber, julienned; 2 small carrots, julienned; 1 medium sweet pepper, julienned; 1/4 cup firmly-packed minced cilantro; 1/4 cup firmly-packed minced mint; 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts; Additional cilantro and sesame seeds for topping

Jump to Recipe

If you crave all the bright, crunchy, ultra-fresh vibes of your favorite Vietnamese spring rolls but want a shortcut to weeknight bliss, this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is your new obsession. It delivers layers of color and texture: crisp veggies, silky rice noodles, nutty herbs, and a punchy, bold dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Every forkful is a celebration of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making this a refreshing and satisfying dish you’ll want to share at every summer gathering.

Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something unique to the party, from the zingy herbs to the creamy peanuts. Together they balance color, crunch, and bold flavors beautifully. Don’t skip anything here; each is chosen to make the salad irresistibly craveable.

Fresh ginger: Provides warmth and spice, setting the tone for the vibrant dressing.
Garlic: Delivers savory backbone and depth to the salad’s flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and essential saltiness to round out the dressing.
Agave nectar: Lends a touch of sweetness that balances the spice and vinegar.
Rice wine vinegar: Gives a gentle tang and brightness to the dressing.
Sesame oil: Brings a toasty, aromatic note to tie everything together.
Canola or vegetable oil: Softens and mellows the dressing, making it silkier.
Red pepper flakes: Flexible heat! Adjust to your spice preference for that lively kick.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
Rice noodles: The tender, chewy base that soaks up every drop of spicy ginger dressing.
Shredded cabbage (green or purple): Crunchy, colorful crunch that keeps things light.
Cucumber: Juicy, hydrating freshness in every bite; julienne for the best texture.
Carrots: Adds sweet earthiness and another splash of color.
Sweet pepper: Red, yellow, or orange varieties offer sweetness and crunch.
Cilantro: Herbaceous and citrusy, essential for that authentic spring roll flavor.
Mint: The cool, bright flavor that screams “spring roll!”
Chopped roasted peanuts: For big crunch and a touch of savory richness.
Additional cilantro and sesame seeds: The prettiest, tastiest finish on top.

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Step 1: Make the Spicy Ginger Dressing

Start by making the star of our show: that unforgettable spicy ginger dressing. Just toss the fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, agave nectar, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, and your preferred amount of red pepper flakes into a blender or food processor. Blend until silky smooth, tasting as you go. This is the backbone of your Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing, so don’t skimp on the ginger or garlic! Once it tastes punchy and perfect, season with salt and pepper, and stash it in the fridge to marry all those flavors together.

Step 2: Cook and Rinse the Rice Noodles

Next up, bring a big pot of water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. These are the cozy, chewy bed that will soak up all that spicy ginger dressing. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking (we want them perfectly springy!) and drain thoroughly. Toss them into a large salad bowl—this is the base of your masterpiece!

Step 3: Chop and Prep the Veggies and Herbs

The real beauty of Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing comes from a rainbow of fresh veggies and herbs. Shred the cabbage finely for maximum crunch, and julienne the cucumber, carrots, and sweet pepper into long skinny strips, reminiscent of what you’d find in classic spring rolls. Mince the cilantro and mint, packing them in tight for the brightest pop of flavor throughout every bite.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Time for everything to come together! Add your prepped cabbage, cucumber, carrots, sweet pepper, cilantro, and mint to the bowl with the rice noodles. Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss everything together, making sure the herbs are evenly distributed for surprise flavor in each forkful.

Step 5: Toss with Dressing and Top It Off

When you’re just about ready to serve, drizzle the spicy ginger dressing generously over the salad and toss well to coat every strand and veggie. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if necessary. To finish, scatter roasted peanuts, extra cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top. Your Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is now dressed to impress—enjoy it while it’s at peak freshness!

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes truly bring Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing to life! Always finish with a generous handful of chopped roasted peanuts for crunch, a scatter of extra cilantro for fragrance, and sesame seeds to make the dish look as good as it tastes. For a citrusy twist, try a squeeze of lime over the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve your salad alongside other Asian-inspired nibbles like crispy tofu, grilled shrimp skewers, or simple steamed edamame with sea salt. The lightness of the salad makes it play well with heartier main dishes, or keep it classic with a bowl of miso soup to start. It’s so versatile, it’ll shine at a brunch spread or weeknight dinner alike.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing in small individual glass bowls for a party-ready starter. Or, pack portions into mason jars for colorful, on-the-go lunches. For a dramatic centerpiece, mound the salad high on a large platter and garnish with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have some salad left over? Simply store the undressed salad and spicy ginger dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The veggies and noodles will keep their crunch for up to two days, making midday snacking a breeze!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing, since rice noodles and fresh herbs don’t thaw with their original snap. For best results, enjoy this salad fresh, or prep the ingredients ahead and combine right before serving.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’d like to refresh it, toss with an extra splash of the spicy ginger dressing and a handful of new herbs to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go on the main ingredient.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Sliced grilled chicken, shrimp, or marinated tofu are all fantastic toppers. Each protein soaks up the spicy ginger dressing beautifully and adds more staying power to the salad.

How spicy will the dressing be?

That’s up to you! You control the heat with the red pepper flakes. Start with a half teaspoon for a gentle kick, or add more for true spice lovers. Taste as you go and adjust to your family’s preference.

What’s the best way to julienne the vegetables?

A sharp knife or a mandoline slicer will help you achieve thin, even strips. For quick prep, you can also use a julienne peeler or purchase pre-cut veggies from the produce section.

Can I prep this salad ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prep the noodles and veggies and store them separately from the dressing. Toss everything together shortly before guests arrive and garnish it last for maximum freshness and crunch.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! It’s vibrant, fresh, and so easy to love—perfect for picnics, meal prep, or impressing friends at dinner. Dive in and let every bite remind you how delicious simple ingredients can be together.

Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the fresh flavors of spring rolls in salad form with a zesty and spicy ginger dressing. This colorful and vibrant dish is perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

Instructions

Spicy Ginger Dressing
In a food processor or blender, combine ginger, garlic, soy sauce, agave, vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, and red pepper flakes to taste. Blend dressing until smooth.

Season dressing with salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate until ready to use.
Spring Roll Salad
Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Rinse noodles well with cold water until noodles are completely cooled. Drain noodles and transfer to a large serving bowl.

Add cabbage, cucumber, carrot, sweet pepper, cilantro, and mint to rice noodles and toss to combine.

When ready to serve, drizzle dressing over salad and toss well to evenly coat. Season salad with salt and pepper to taste if needed and garnish with peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Asian