Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Category: Salads & Side dishes

This Fresh Spring Roll Salad is colorful and crunchy! It has all the good stuff like veggies, herbs, and rice noodles, topped with a zesty spicy ginger dressing that gives it a kick!

Who doesn’t love a salad you can wrap up in rice paper? I often make extra dressing so I can drizzle it on everything. Trust me, it’s a tasty way to eat your greens!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These thin noodles are the star of the dish. If you can’t find them, you can use any thin pasta or even cooked rice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Red Cabbage: This adds color and crunch. Green cabbage is a good substitute if you prefer a milder flavor, or use shredded lettuce for a lighter option.

Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro bring freshness to the salad. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to skip it or use parsley instead, which has a different taste but works well.

Peanuts: Roasted peanuts add a nice crunch and protein. Almonds or cashews can be used for a different twist. Make sure to chop them if they’re large!

Spicy Ginger Dressing: If you’re looking for a milder flavor, reduce the ginger or chili. For a nut-free dressing, use sunflower oil instead of sesame oil.

How Do You Get the Noodles Just Right?

Cooking rice vermicelli noodles is easy, but getting them perfect is key to a great salad. Follow these steps:

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and then remove it from heat.
  • Add the noodles to the hot water, letting them soak for about 5-7 minutes until they turn soft. You can use a fork to stir and make sure they’re evenly cooked.
  • Once soft, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. This also helps keep them fresh and cool for your salad!
  • Let them sit in a strainer until you’re ready to mix them into your salad.

With these tips, your noodles will be perfectly tender and ready to enjoy in your fresh spring roll salad!

Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

  • 4 oz rice vermicelli noodles
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

For the Spicy Ginger Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small red chili or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Fresh Spring Roll Salad takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep the veggies, 5 minutes to cook the noodles, and about 10 minutes to whip up the dressing and mix everything together. A quick and healthy meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:

Start by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles. Follow the package instructions, which usually involve soaking them in hot water for about 5 minutes until they are tender. After they’re done, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, sliced cucumber, chopped mint, chopped cilantro, and green onions. This colorful mix is what makes the salad so vibrant!

3. Combine Noodles and Veggies:

Add the cooked rice noodles to the bowl of vegetables. Gently combine everything by tossing it together, ensuring the noodles and veggies are evenly mixed.

4. Make the Spicy Ginger Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, honey, minced garlic, and chili (or red pepper flakes). This dressing is going to add a lovely zing to your salad!

5. Dress the Salad:

Pour the spicy ginger dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything well to coat all the ingredients evenly. You want every bite to be full of flavor!

6. Add the Finishing Touches:

Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts and toasted sesame seeds on top of your salad for that perfect crunch. These will elevate the dish and add a nice texture!

7. Serve and Enjoy:

You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Feel free to garnish with extra mint or cilantro leaves for a pop of freshness!

Enjoy this light and refreshing salad filled with the amazing flavors of spring rolls and a spicy ginger kick!

Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

FAQ for Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Can I Use Different Noodles?

Yes! While rice vermicelli noodles give the best texture, you can substitute them with thin rice noodles, soba, or even whole wheat pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose!

How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

This recipe is already mostly vegan! Simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it completely plant-based.

Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad and dressing in advance. Store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just toss them together right before serving for the freshest taste.

How to Store Leftovers?

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing may make the vegetables a bit softer, but it’ll still taste great. Just give it a good toss before serving again!

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