Description
This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing combines tender rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs tossed in a bold, zesty ginger dressing. It’s a fresh, easy, and customizable dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rice noodles: soft and tender base for the salad
- 1 1/2 cups shredded green or purple cabbage: adds crunch and color
- 1 small cucumber, julienned: cool and refreshing crunch
- 2 small carrots, julienned: slightly sweet and vibrant
- 1 medium sweet pepper, julienned: juicy and colorful bite
- 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro: adds citrusy herbal notes
- 1/4 cup minced fresh mint: refreshing and cooling
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts: nutty crunch and flavor
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping): nutty aroma and texture
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger: spicy, zesty flavor base for dressing
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced: savory depth in dressing
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: umami and saltiness
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar: adds natural sweetness
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar: tangy balance for the dressing
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: toasty and aromatic flavor
- 2 tablespoons canola oil: neutral base to balance flavors
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: adjustable heat level
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Rinse under cold water to cool quickly and prevent sticking. Drain well.
- In a blender or food processor, combine ginger, garlic, soy sauce, agave nectar, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate until needed.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked rice noodles with shredded cabbage, cucumber, carrots, sweet pepper, cilantro, and mint. Toss to mix evenly.
- Just before serving, pour the spicy ginger dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
- Top with chopped peanuts, additional cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make the dressing up to 7 days in advance and store in the fridge.
- Prep veggies and noodles ahead, but mix dressing in just before serving to keep vegetables crisp.
- For a milder version, reduce or omit red pepper flakes in the dressing.
- Great with added protein like tofu, shrimp, or grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 oz
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3.7 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 10.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 72.5 g
- Fiber: 5.3 g
- Protein: 7.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg