Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rice Noodles: These noodles give a delicate texture to the salad. If you can’t find rice noodles, try using vermicelli or even cooked quinoa for a gluten-free option. Personally, I enjoy the chewy bite of rice noodles in this dish.

Cabbage: A mix of green and red cabbage adds color and crunch. If you want a different texture, try using kale or shredded romaine. Both alternatives will provide a fresh flavor.

Shrimp: Cooked shrimp is fantastic for this salad, but feel free to substitute with cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version. I find shrimp adds a wonderful sweetness that balances the flavors well.

Fresh Herbs: Mint, cilantro, and basil give the salad bright notes. If you dislike any of these herbs, try swapping in parsley or dill for a different flavor profile.

Peanut Butter: For those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter or tahini can work as a substitute. I find creamy peanut butter gives the dressing a lovely richness, but chunky peanut butter can add a fun texture too.

How Do I Make Sure the Peanut Dressing Is Just Right?

A good peanut dressing is key to a flavorful salad. Start by whisking together the peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl until smooth. Add water a little at a time to thin it to your desired consistency.

• For a creamy dressing, use less water; for a dressing that coats easily, add more.
• If you like some heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes gradually.

Always taste the dressing! You can adjust flavors by adding more sweetness, acidity, or salt as you prefer. It’s all about balance!

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked rice noodles
• 1 cup shredded cabbage (green and red mixed)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup chopped fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and basil)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Peanut Dressing:

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This vibrant and tasty salad will take you about 15 minutes to prepare. If you decide to chill it for 30 minutes before serving, that’s just a little extra wait for even better flavors!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix the Salad Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice noodles, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, cooked shrimp, chopped fresh herbs, sliced green onions, and bean sprouts. Use your hands or a pair of tongs to gently toss everything together until well mixed. Make sure all the colorful ingredients are evenly distributed!

2. Whisk Together the Peanut Dressing:

In a small bowl, add the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth, adjusting the thickness as needed with more water. If you love a bit of heat, feel free to sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to your taste.

3. Combine Salad and Dressing:

Now it’s time to dress up your salad! Pour the peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss again until everything is beautifully coated in that delicious dressing.

4. Season and Final Touches:

Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the top with a bit more sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish your salad with the crushed peanuts on top for a lovely crunch. You can enjoy it right away, or if you like, let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the flavors can meld together even more. Dig in and enjoy your fresh, crunchy Spring Roll Salad!

Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Shrimp?

Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that any meat options are cooked and seasoned to your liking before adding them to the salad.

What If I Don’t Have Rice Noodles?

No problem! You can use any type of noodle you have on hand, such as vermicelli noodles or even spaghetti. Just cook them according to the package instructions and prepare as directed in the recipe.

How Should I Store Leftover Salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The texture may change slightly, but you can refresh it by adding a bit more dressing before serving again.

Can I Make the Peanut Dressing in Advance?

Yes, you can! Prepare the peanut dressing up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir or whisk it again before using, as it may thicken when refrigerated.