If you’re craving something light, refreshing, and absolutely bursting with texture, this Spring Roll Salad is your next go-to. Inspired by traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, this vibrant salad combines crisp vegetables, chewy vermicelli noodles, and a creamy peanut dressing that ties everything together. Best of all, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and ideal for warm weather or meal prep lunches. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just want a satisfying salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Spring Roll Salad delivers.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Vibrant Spring Roll Salad
This recipe takes everything you love about spring rolls—the crunch, the freshness, the creamy dipping sauce—and tosses it into a bowl for an easier, deconstructed version. It’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The blend of colors, textures, and bold flavors makes it feel indulgent while remaining light and nutritious.
The chewy vermicelli noodles provide a comforting base, while edamame boosts protein content without the need for meat. Fresh vegetables add a juicy crunch, and the peanut dressing infuses the dish with a sweet, tangy, and spicy kick that’s impossible to resist.
The Fresh Ingredients That Make It Irresistible
Each ingredient in this Spring Roll Salad plays a vital role in creating a balanced and satisfying bite. Here’s what makes this bowl so special:
- Vermicelli Rice Noodles: Adds a chewy, light texture and makes the salad more filling
- Frozen Edamame (thawed): A plant-based protein powerhouse, lending heartiness and a subtle bite
- Carrot (cut into strips): Offers a sweet crunch and vibrant color
- Red Bell Pepper (cut into strips): Adds juicy texture and a mild, sweet flavor
- Cucumber (cut into strips): Contributes coolness and hydration to balance spicy elements
- Fresh Mint (chopped): Lends a fresh, cooling aroma that echoes traditional spring roll flavor
- Roasted Peanuts (chopped): For nutty crunch and richness that complements the dressing
- Green Onions (thinly sliced): Brings a subtle sharpness that rounds out the flavor profile
Ingredient Swaps and Helpful Substitutions
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Here are some smart substitutions that still align with the Spring Roll Salad’s flavor and texture:
- Noodles: Swap vermicelli for soba noodles, zucchini noodles, or even brown rice for a gluten-free option
- Peanuts: Try cashews or sunflower seeds for a different kind of crunch or allergy-friendly choice
- Mint: Use Thai basil or cilantro for a different fresh herbal note
- Edamame: Chickpeas or tofu can substitute for a different plant-based protein
- Peanut Butter: Almond butter or sunflower seed butter work in the dressing if needed
How to Make Spring Roll Salad Step-by-Step
Making this Spring Roll Salad is as easy as boil, chop, whisk, and toss. Here’s how to bring it together:
- Cook the Noodles: Boil vermicelli rice noodles according to package instructions in salted water. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Place in a large salad bowl.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a medium bowl or jar, combine natural peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), water, granulated sugar or maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha (if desired). Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Veggies: To the bowl with the noodles, add thawed edamame, carrot strips, red bell pepper, cucumber, mint, green onions, and chopped roasted peanuts.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy peanut dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately for the freshest texture, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Note: this salad is not freezer-friendly.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Salad Bowl
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Vermicelli becomes mushy quickly—test early and rinse immediately with cold water.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Let the dressed salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving for better flavor melding.
- Balance the Dressing: Taste the dressing and adjust with more lime for acidity or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Make it a Meal: Add baked tofu, grilled shrimp, or tempeh for extra protein.
Mentioning Spring Roll Salad here again helps reinforce the keyword naturally and emphasizes its meal-prep potential.
Serving Ideas and Creative Variations
This Spring Roll Salad pairs beautifully with other Asian-inspired sides or mains. Here are a few ways to switch it up or serve it:
- Add a Side of Miso Soup: A warm, umami-packed soup contrasts well with the cold salad
- Spicy Version: Add extra sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat lovers
- Gluten-Free: Ensure tamari is used instead of soy sauce and double-check noodle ingredients
- Low-Carb: Swap vermicelli with spiralized zucchini or kelp noodles
- Toppings: Top with sesame seeds, crushed rice crackers, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor
A Salad That Fits Every Season and Lifestyle
Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just trying to eat more veggies, this Spring Roll Salad fits the bill. It’s ideal for spring and summer thanks to its refreshing ingredients, but also makes a great meal prep option year-round. With a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition, it’s no wonder this dish is becoming a staple in healthy kitchens everywhere.
From weekday lunches to casual dinners or picnic-friendly sides, this salad reinvents the classic spring roll into a bold, satisfying bowl that’s anything but ordinary.
A Final Bite: Why This Spring Roll Salad Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
In a world where quick meals often sacrifice flavor or nutrition, this Spring Roll Salad proves you can have it all. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and packed with satisfying textures and fresh, bold flavors. Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week, trying to eat more plant-based meals, or just craving something light and nourishing, this recipe is a guaranteed win.
Let the creamy peanut dressing do the heavy lifting, while the crisp veggies and noodles provide that irresistible contrast. This dish doesn’t just feed your body—it excites your palate. Keep it in your rotation and enjoy a salad that truly feels like a treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Roll Salad
1. Can I make Spring Roll Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Spring Roll Salad is ideal for meal prep. You can make it up to 4 days in advance. To keep it fresh, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much liquid and getting mushy.
2. Is this Spring Roll Salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely. Just ensure you’re using tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check your vermicelli noodles are labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients—veggies, peanut dressing, and seasonings—are naturally gluten-free.
3. What protein can I add to make this salad more filling?
While edamame already adds a solid dose of plant-based protein, you can bulk up the salad with grilled tofu, tempeh, or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re not vegetarian. Cold shrimp or marinated baked tofu also work beautifully with the Spring Roll Salad flavor profile.
More Relevant Recipes
- Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl: This vibrant bowl pairs sweet and savory honey-glazed salmon with fresh vegetables, making it a deliciously balanced alternative to Spring Roll Salad. It features similar Asian-inspired flavors and a clean, refreshing profile.
- Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls: Packed with tender chicken and a savory-sweet glaze, this bowl is served over rice with fresh veggies. It echoes the satisfying, wholesome nature of a spring roll salad while offering a protein-packed variation.
- Chickpea Avocado and Feta Salad: For a vegetarian-friendly option with creamy textures and zesty flavors, this salad brings a refreshing twist. It’s light yet filling, similar to the Spring Roll Salad, and perfect for lunch or a side dish.
Spring Roll Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Spring Roll Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish inspired by Vietnamese spring rolls. Featuring chewy vermicelli noodles, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing, it’s a satisfying, naturally vegan and gluten-free meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 150g dry vermicelli rice noodles: provides a light and chewy base
- 1 ½ cups frozen edamame, thawed: adds plant-based protein and texture
- 1 medium carrot, cut into strips: offers sweetness and crunch
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into strips: provides a juicy and sweet bite
- 1 medium cucumber, cut into strips: adds refreshing, cool flavor
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped: brings aromatic freshness
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped: gives nutty crunch
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: adds mild sharpness and color
- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter (unsalted): creamy base for the dressing
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free): adds salty umami depth
- ¼ cup water: helps thin the dressing to proper consistency
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar or maple syrup: adds balance with sweetness
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil: brings nutty aroma and richness
- Juice from 1 ½ limes: adds brightness and acidity
- 1 tsp grated ginger: adds fresh, zesty heat
- 1 tsp minced garlic (2-3 cloves): brings savory flavor
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional): adds a spicy kick
Instructions
- Cook the vermicelli rice noodles in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce or tamari, water, sugar or maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, grated ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if using) until smooth and creamy.
- To the bowl with noodles, add the thawed edamame, carrot strips, bell pepper, cucumber, mint, green onions, and peanuts.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.
Notes
- Rinse noodles under cold water to avoid clumping.
- Adjust dressing thickness with more water if needed.
- For extra protein, add tofu or grilled shrimp.
- Keep dressing separate until serving for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook (except noodles)
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 486.5 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 1151.1 mg
- Fat: 23.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53.8 g
- Fiber: 8.9 g
- Protein: 21.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg