If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, flavorful dish that bursts with fresh textures and irresistible creaminess, this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce is exactly what you need. It captures all the bright, crunchy goodness of a traditional spring roll but in a wonderfully easy salad form, drenched in a luscious peanut dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Each bite offers a satisfying mix of tender rice noodles, crisp veggies, and fragrant herbs, crowned by a tangy-sweet peanut sauce that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light at the same time. Whether you want a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning side, this recipe is guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.

Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that work harmoniously to create a lively balance of flavors and textures. From creamy peanut butter to crisp cucumbers, each element not only shines on its own but also contributes vital freshness, crunch, and lushness that make the salad irresistible.

Creamy peanut butter: This forms the rich, nutty base of the dressing, giving it that signature flavor that makes the salad so comforting and satisfying.

Hoisin sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the peanut sauce, but brown sugar can be a handy substitute for a sweeter option.
Lime juice: Provides bright acidity to balance the richness of the peanut butter, adding a zesty freshness.

Soy sauce: Offers a salty, umami note that rounds out the dressing’s flavor perfectly.
Rice noodles: Soft and light, these noodles soak up the flavors of the peanut sauce without overpowering the fresh veggies.

Cucumber: Thinly sliced for a crisp, cooling crunch that complements the salad’s textures.
Purple cabbage: Gives a beautiful splash of color and a satisfying bite, though coleslaw mix works well too.
Carrot: Grated or thinly sliced carrot adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange hue.

Red bell pepper: Adds juicy freshness and a burst of color to keep the salad lively.
Fresh cilantro and mint: Bring aromatic herbal notes that lift the entire dish and add complexity.
Chopped peanuts (optional): Introduce extra crunch and nutty flavor, perfect if you love that little textural contrast.

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Rice Noodles

Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. It’s essential to drain them well afterward to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Let them cool slightly once cooked; this keeps their delicate texture intact and ready to mingle with the fresh veggies.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, hoisin sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce. Begin with ¼ cup water to start thinning the dressing, then add more little by little until you reach your preferred consistency. The dressing should be smooth, creamy, and easy to drizzle, with a lovely balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Step 3: Combine Vegetables, Herbs, and Noodles

In a large salad bowl, toss together the drained rice noodles, thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded purple cabbage, grated carrots, and red bell pepper strips. Add the chopped cilantro and mint to infuse the salad with fresh herbal brightness. If using, sprinkle in the chopped peanuts for that bold crunch.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the luscious peanut dressing over the salad mixture, then toss thoroughly to ensure each bite is coated in that creamy goodness. This step brings everything together, marrying the soft noodles with the crisp veggies and herbs in perfect harmony.

Step 5: Serve or Chill

You can enjoy your Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce immediately for a lively, fresh crunch, or chill it briefly in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Both ways offer delicious results!

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

Enhance the salad’s visual appeal and flavor by adding extra garnishes such as crushed peanuts, fresh lime wedges for squeezing, or thinly sliced chili for a hint of heat. These little extras can take the salad from delightful to downright irresistible.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed dumplings, grilled shrimp, or a simple miso soup. The vibrant salad offers a perfect contrast to warm, comforting dishes, making it ideal for a balanced meal or a casual dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce inside fresh lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers. You could also present it as a deconstructed salad platter, inviting guests to assemble their spring rolls themselves. This interactive touch adds excitement and is perfect for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To prevent sogginess, store the peanut dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving.

Freezing

Due to the fresh vegetables and the creamy peanut dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended as it will affect texture and flavor negatively. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer a warmer version, discard the fresh herbs, gently warm the rice noodles and veggies, then toss with the peanut sauce and add fresh herbs just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! The recipe as is is naturally vegan, especially if you choose a soy sauce without any fish ingredients and avoid garnishes like shrimp.

What can I substitute for rice noodles?

If rice noodles aren’t your thing, try thinly sliced zucchini noodles or cooked soba noodles for a different texture and a gluten-free option.

How long does the peanut sauce keep?

The peanut sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good whisk before using, as it may thicken upon chilling.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh all make excellent additions that turn this refreshing salad into a hearty, satisfying meal.

Is this salad spicy?

This version of Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce is mild, but you can easily add sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes to the peanut sauce if you crave some heat.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce a try. It’s one of those dishes that feels light yet indulgent, easy to whip up but endlessly impressive on the plate. Whether you’re making it for yourself or friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that keeps you coming back for more. Enjoy every vibrant, peanuty bite!

Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 23 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and vibrant Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce that combines crisp vegetables, thin rice noodles, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a creamy, tangy peanut dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or appetizer, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Instructions

Cook the rice noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions, usually by soaking or boiling until tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles well and set them aside to cool slightly.
Make the peanut dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, hoisin sauce (or brown sugar), lime juice, soy sauce, and start with ¼ cup water. Gradually add more water until you reach your desired dressing consistency, making sure the sauce is smooth and well blended.

Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rice noodles, thinly sliced cucumber, purple cabbage, grated carrots, red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, chopped mint, and optional chopped peanuts.
Dress the salad: Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the vegetables and noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors or chill it briefly in the refrigerator to allow the ingredients to meld together before serving.

Notes

Adjust the water in the dressing to achieve your preferred thickness.
For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper to the dressing.
Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

To make this dish vegan, ensure the hoisin sauce contains no animal products or substitute with brown sugar and additional soy sauce.
Chilling the salad for 15-20 minutes enhances the flavors.
Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a non-vegetarian option.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; toss before serving again as dressing may settle.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes

Category: Salad
Method: No-cook (except boiling noodles)
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 6g

Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g

Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g

Fiber: 4g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: spring roll salad, peanut sauce salad, asian salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, rice noodle salad