I love making this refreshing spring roll salad with peanut dressing when I want a light, vibrant, and flavorful meal. It combines crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and tender proteins, all brought together with a creamy, savory peanut sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy how this salad feels fresh and satisfying at the same time. The peanut dressing adds richness without weighing the dish down, and I like how versatile it is—I can mix in different vegetables, proteins, or noodles depending on what I have. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a picnic.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mixed salad greens or lettuce
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Red bell pepper
- Red cabbage
- Cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, or basil)
- Rice noodles (optional)
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce
- Lime juice
- Honey or maple syrup
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Water
Directions
I start by chopping the vegetables into thin strips and setting them aside.
I cook the protein if needed, such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu, and let it cool slightly.
I prepare the peanut dressing by mixing peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a bit of water until smooth and pourable.
I assemble the salad by layering the greens, vegetables, protein, and rice noodles if I’m using them in a large bowl.
I drizzle the peanut dressing over the top and toss everything gently until evenly coated.
I garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
I usually make this recipe for 2–4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 25 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add sliced avocado or roasted peanuts for extra texture. When I want more spice, I include chili flakes or sriracha in the dressing. I also like using different proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tempeh for variety.
storage/reheating
I store the components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I keep the peanut dressing in a separate container and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, I use tofu or tempeh instead of meat or seafood.
Can I use store-bought peanut sauce?
I can, but I enjoy making it fresh for the best flavor.
What vegetables work best?
I like carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, and red cabbage, but other crisp vegetables work too.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
I prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the salad just before serving.
Can I serve this salad cold or warm?
I serve it cold or at room temperature for maximum freshness.
Conclusion
I find this refreshing spring roll salad with peanut dressing to be a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish. It’s perfect for light lunches, quick dinners, or whenever I want something fresh and satisfying.
PrintRefreshing Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing
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A light, vibrant spring roll-inspired salad packed with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and your choice of protein, all tossed in a creamy, savory peanut dressing.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook / Tossed
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed salad greens or lettuce
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, or basil)
- 1 cup cooked rice noodles (optional)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2–4 tbsp water (to thin dressing)
Instructions
- Chop all vegetables into thin strips and set aside.
- Cook your chosen protein (shrimp, chicken, or tofu) and let it cool slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, ginger, and water until smooth and pourable.
- In a large bowl, combine salad greens, vegetables, protein, and rice noodles if using.
- Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add sliced avocado or roasted peanuts for extra texture.
- Include chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Store dressing separately to keep salad fresh.
- Best served fresh or within 1–2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
