Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These noodles form the base of the salad and cook quickly. If you can’t find them, thin rice noodles or even spaghetti can work as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time!

Vegetables: This salad is versatile. Feel free to use whatever crunchy veggies you have, like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers. I love adding shredded zucchini for extra texture!

Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro add freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or basil can be great alternatives, bringing a different flavor to the dish.

Peanuts: They add crunch and flavor. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas can provide a similar texture!

How Do I Perfectly Prepare the Noodles?

Getting the rice vermicelli noodles just right can be a little tricky! Here’s how I do it:

• Soak the noodles in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be soft but not mushy!
• Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water. This stops cooking and keeps them from sticking.
• For a bit of extra flavor, consider tossing them in a splash of sesame oil after rinsing.

What’s the Best Way to Make the Dressing?

Making the spicy ginger dressing is simple! Just mix all dressing ingredients in a bowl:

• Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce.
• Whisk until everything is well blended. If it’s too thick, add a little water to reach your preferred consistency.
• Taste and adjust the spice level to your liking! You can add more chili garlic sauce if you want extra heat.

This salad is a fantastic option for lunch or as a side dish, bringing a bright, refreshing vibe to any table! Enjoy your cooking!

Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 4 oz (115 g) rice vermicelli noodles
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
• 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber (seeded)
• 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

For the Spicy Ginger Dressing:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp water (to thin dressing as needed)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Fresh Spring Roll Salad can be prepared in about 20 minutes. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and another 10 minutes to combine everything and make the dressing. For best flavor, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Noodles:

Start by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles. Follow the package instructions, which typically involve soaking them in hot water for 5-7 minutes until they’re tender. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.

2. Mix the Veggies:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked vermicelli noodles with the julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, sliced cucumber, shredded purple cabbage, sliced green onions, chopped mint, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together gently to blend the ingredients.

3. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce (or Sriracha), and water. Adjust the water quantity to achieve your desired dressing consistency—thicker or thinner, based on your preference.

4. Combine Salad and Dressing:

Pour the spicy ginger dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure that all the flavors are distributed well and that the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.

5. Add Crunchy Toppings:

Finish off by sprinkling the chopped roasted peanuts and toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.

6. Serve or Chill:

You can serve the salad immediately, or for even tastier results, cover it and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and cold!

Enjoy this vibrant and appetizing salad that brings together all the delightful elements of fresh spring rolls in a quick and easy bowl form!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Different Noodles?

Absolutely! If you can’t find rice vermicelli noodles, you can substitute with thin rice noodles or even regular noodles like spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure they’re cooked to perfection!

What Other Vegetables Can I Add?

This salad is really versatile! Feel free to toss in any crunchy vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, shredded zucchini, or snap peas. The more colorful veggies you add, the more vibrant your salad will be!

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the veggies from becoming soggy. Mix everything together right before serving for maximum freshness.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may soften a bit, but it will still taste delicious! Just give it a good toss before serving again.