This colorful Fresh Spring Roll Salad brings all your favorite salad vibes with a crunchy twist! Filled with crisp veggies and herbs, it’s just bursting with freshness.
The spicy ginger dressing adds a nice kick to each bite and makes everything taste amazing. On a busy day, this salad is my go-to for a quick and tasty meal. You’ll love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These give your salad a lovely chewy texture. If you can’t find them, you can use other thin noodles like rice or soba noodles. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions.
Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro add great flavor to the salad. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can switch it for parsley or more mint. Fresh herbs really brighten up the dish!
Vegetables: Red bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and cabbage provide crunch and color. Feel free to swap in other veggies like snap peas or shredded lettuce for some variety.
Spicy Ginger Dressing: Fresh ginger is key for the dressing’s kick. If fresh ginger isn’t available, ground ginger can be used as a substitute, but start with a smaller amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Properly Cook Rice Vermicelli Noodles?
Cooking rice vermicelli noodles is quite simple, but it’s important to get it right for the perfect texture. Here’s how:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add the noodles and stir gently to separate them.
- Cook for about 2-4 minutes until they’re tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
- Drain and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them from sticking together.
Make sure they cool down before tossing into your salad. I often prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until I’m ready to assemble the dish!
Fresh Spring Roll Salad With Spicy Ginger Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 oz rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrot, julienned
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
For the Spicy Ginger Dressing:
- 3 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1-2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Fresh Spring Roll Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the noodles and chopping up the veggies, and then a little time whisking the spicy ginger dressing. It’s a quick, fresh, and vibrant meal you can whip up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice Vermicelli Noodles:
Start by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, this means boiling them for a couple of minutes until they’re tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set them aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the noodles cool, grab your veggies! Thinly slice the red bell pepper, julienne the carrot and cucumber, and shred the red cabbage. Chop the fresh mint, cilantro, and slice the green onions. You want everything nice and crisp!
3. Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles with all the prepared vegetables and herbs. This is where all the fresh flavors come together!
4. Make the Spicy Ginger Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the grated ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), sriracha, minced garlic, and oil until you have a smooth dressing. Give it a taste and adjust the salt or spiciness based on your preference.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the spicy ginger dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure it’s all evenly coated with that delicious dressing.
6. Add the Crunch:
Finally, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts and toasted sesame seeds over the top. This adds a lovely crunch to your salad!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately for a fresh experience, or you can refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy this vibrant, crunchy, and zesty salad as a light meal or as a refreshing side dish!
FAQ for Fresh Spring Roll Salad With Spicy Ginger Dressing
Can I Use Different Noodles in This Salad?
Absolutely! While rice vermicelli noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with other thin noodles like soba or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember that the noodles may absorb some dressing, so you might want to add a splash of dressing when you eat the leftovers for a fresh taste!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the spicy ginger dressing ahead of time! Just store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to This Salad?
Feel free to get creative! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, shredded carrots, or edamame. Just ensure they are cut into small, bite-sized pieces to maintain the salad’s texture and balance.
