Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is a delightful and refreshing dish that brings the vibrant flavors of spring rolls into a convenient salad form. This recipe is perfect for those who love the fresh and crunchy textures of spring rolls but are looking for a lighter and quicker alternative. With a mix of crisp vegetables, tender rice noodles, and a spicy ginger dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, this Spring Roll Salad is sure to become a favorite.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are many reasons to fall in love with this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of fresh vegetables and rice noodles provides a satisfying crunch, while the spicy ginger dressing adds a kick of flavor that ties everything together. Additionally, this salad is highly customizable – you can add your favorite proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make it more filling. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have in your fridge. Plus, it’s a healthy choice, packed with vitamins and fiber.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
For the Spicy Ginger Dressing:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Rice Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the noodles are cooking, shred the carrots and red cabbage, and julienne the cucumber and red bell pepper. Place all the vegetables in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sriracha sauce, and lime juice until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked rice noodles to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the spicy ginger dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped cilantro, mint, basil, and peanuts over the top of the salad. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
Variations
- Protein Additions: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make the salad more filling.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Use any crunchy vegetables you like, such as radishes, snap peas, or bell peppers of different colors.
- Dressing: Experiment with different dressings like a peanut sauce or a tangy lime vinaigrette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch.
Q: Is this salad vegan? A: To make this salad vegan, simply replace the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Chilling the Salad: For an extra refreshing dish, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil add a burst of flavor and should be added just before serving to maintain their freshness.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce or omit the sriracha sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing as a light lunch or a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired main course. Pair it with grilled chicken skewers, shrimp satay, or tofu stir-fry for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy it with a glass of chilled white wine or iced green tea for a refreshing combination.
