There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Refreshing Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing to brighten your day.
It’s light, crunchy, and bursting with color — everything you love about traditional spring rolls but in salad form.
This dish combines fresh vegetables, herbs, and a creamy peanut dressing for a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Perfect for warm days, meal prep, or when you need something vibrant and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad delivers the exact flavors of Vietnamese spring rolls without the fuss of wrapping.
It’s crisp, tangy, and creamy all at once thanks to the irresistible peanut dressing.
You can make it in under 15 minutes — ideal for lunch, potlucks, or a light dinner.
It’s also vegetarian-friendly, packed with fresh herbs, and easily adaptable to your taste.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Shredded cabbage gives the salad a crunchy base that holds up well to the dressing.
Carrots add color, sweetness, and a refreshing bite.
Red bell pepper brings a pop of brightness and a crisp texture.
Cucumber provides coolness and balances the rich peanut sauce.
Fresh cilantro and mint give the salad its signature spring roll flavor.
Chopped roasted peanuts add crunch and a savory depth.
The dressing combines rice vinegar, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, and garlic — a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and nutty.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use a mix of green and purple cabbage for extra color.
Slice vegetables as thinly as possible for the best texture.
Add a splash of water to the dressing if it’s too thick.
Chill the salad before serving for an even more refreshing experience.
Top with extra herbs and crushed peanuts right before serving for extra crunch.
How to Make Refreshing Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing
Step 1 – Prepare the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, cilantro, and mint.
Toss lightly to mix the ingredients evenly.
Step 2 – Make the Peanut Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, and minced garlic until smooth and creamy.
Step 3 – Combine and Toss
Pour the peanut dressing over the salad.
Gently toss with tongs or two large spoons until everything is coated.
Step 4 – Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts over the top.
Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
What to Serve It With
Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
Pair with jasmine rice or quinoa for added substance.
Enjoy as a side dish to noodle bowls or stir-fried dishes.
It also works beautifully as a light lunch on its own.
Variations / Substitutions
Add cooked rice noodles to make it a heartier noodle salad.
Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if preferred.
For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Add thinly sliced avocado for creaminess.
Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or shrimp for protein.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 2 days — the dressing can last up to 5 days.
Re-toss before serving to refresh the texture.
Avoid freezing as fresh vegetables will lose their crispness.
If the dressing thickens in the fridge, whisk in a bit of warm water before using.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, just keep the vegetables and dressing separate until ready to serve.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
It can be! Simply swap honey for maple syrup and use plant-based soy sauce.
Can I add noodles to this recipe?
Definitely — vermicelli rice noodles work perfectly and make it more filling.
What protein goes best with this salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent choices.
How long does the peanut dressing last?
It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in a sealed jar.
Can I make the dressing thinner?
Yes, whisk in a little warm water until it reaches your desired consistency.
What type of peanut butter works best?
Smooth peanut butter mixes easily, but natural varieties add more flavor.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely — add chili flakes, sriracha, or chili oil to the dressing.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
Keep them dry until just before tossing with the dressing.
Can I serve it warm?
It’s best chilled, but you can serve it at room temperature if preferred.
Final Thoughts
This Refreshing Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing is everything you want in a light, satisfying dish — colorful, crunchy, and bursting with flavor.
It’s quick to prepare, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to brighten up your table.
Once you try it, you’ll be hooked on how simple and delicious this salad is.
