If you’re craving something fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce will be your new obsession.
Imagine everything you love about classic Vietnamese spring rolls — crunchy veggies, herbs, and that irresistible creamy peanut sauce — transformed into a vibrant, easy-to-make salad. It’s light yet satisfying, healthy yet indulgent, and absolutely perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
This easy homemade spring roll salad captures the balance of textures and flavors that make Southeast Asian cuisine so special — crisp vegetables, tender rice noodles, fragrant herbs, and a rich, nutty dressing that ties it all together.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a summer potluck, this recipe delivers freshness in every bite.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Fresh Spring Roll Salad Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes — no rolling required!
- Packed with flavor: Crunchy, tangy, nutty, and perfectly balanced.
- Healthy and customizable: Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu — it’s all good.
- Perfect for meal prep: The components store well, making it ideal for weekday lunches.
It’s basically your favorite spring roll, but deconstructed — and even more delicious.
🥕 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make 4 servings of this fresh and flavorful spring roll salad.
🥬 For the Salad:
- 6 oz (170 g) rice noodles (thin vermicelli-style)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup crushed roasted peanuts (for garnish)
- Optional protein: 1 cup cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or crispy tofu
🥜 For the Peanut Sauce Dressing:
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust for spice)
- 2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin to desired consistency)
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
🔪 How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce Step by Step
Step 1: Cook the Rice Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to package directions (usually about 3–4 minutes).
Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a small drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While the noodles cook, chop and slice all your vegetables — the more color, the better!
Think rainbow: orange carrots, purple cabbage, red bell pepper, green herbs.
Arrange them neatly on a large platter or in a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, and minced garlic.
Add warm water gradually until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
Taste and adjust — more lime for tang, more honey for sweetness, more sriracha for heat.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large salad bowl, toss together noodles and veggies.
Drizzle with half the peanut dressing and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Add your protein of choice (shrimp, chicken, or tofu), then drizzle on the rest of the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped peanuts, extra herbs, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Serve immediately and get ready for compliments — this salad looks as good as it tastes!
👩🍳 Chef’s Tips for the Best Spring Roll Salad
- Use fresh herbs generously. Mint and cilantro make this salad taste alive and authentic.
- Prep ahead: Chop the veggies and make the sauce up to 2 days in advance.
- Customize your protein. Try seared shrimp, grilled chicken, baked tofu, or even edamame for a vegetarian option.
- Add crunch: Crushed peanuts or crispy shallots take it over the top.
- Make it low-carb: Swap rice noodles for spiralized zucchini or kelp noodles.
🧡 Easy Homemade Peanut Sauce – The Star of the Show
Let’s be honest: the peanut sauce makes or breaks this dish.
This homemade version is creamy, nutty, and tangy with a touch of heat — it’s so good you’ll want to drizzle it on everything from roasted veggies to rice bowls.
If you prefer a thinner, dressing-like texture, just add an extra tablespoon of warm water or coconut milk until it’s silky smooth.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce can easily be a full meal or a side dish at your next gathering. Here’s how to serve it:
🌸 As a Main Dish:
- Top with grilled shrimp or tofu for a protein-packed meal.
- Add a soft-boiled egg for a quick lunch option.
🥢 As a Side Dish:
- Serve alongside Vietnamese lemongrass chicken or Thai satay skewers.
- Pair with miso soup or fresh summer rolls for a light dinner spread.
🍹 Drinks to Pair:
- Thai iced tea
- Sparkling lime water with mint
- Light white wine or coconut water for a tropical touch
🎉 Occasions:
Perfect for:
- Summer picnics and potlucks
- Healthy meal prep lunches
- Light weeknight dinners
This salad looks stunning in a bowl — bright, fresh, and full of texture — making it a hit at any table.
🧠 FAQ – Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Store the components separately (noodles, veggies, and sauce) in the fridge. Toss together just before serving for the best texture.
Q2: How long does the peanut sauce last?
Up to 5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed jar. It may thicken slightly — just whisk in a little warm water before serving.
Q3: Can I make it vegan or gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use maple syrup instead of honey, and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Q4: What if I’m allergic to peanuts?
Swap peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter — it’s still delicious!
Q5: Can I add fruit?
Yes! Add mango slices or mandarin oranges for a tropical touch — they balance beautifully with the savory peanut dressing.
🌈 Final Thoughts: A Salad You’ll Actually Crave
This Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce is everything you want in a meal — crunchy, colorful, refreshing, and full of bold flavor.
It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Every bite delivers that satisfying mix of sweet, salty, and tangy — and the creamy peanut dressing ties it all together perfectly.
Whether you’re eating it straight from the bowl on a warm afternoon or serving it at a backyard cookout, this salad is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
So grab your chopsticks (or a fork — no judgment here), whip up that peanut sauce, and bring a little sunshine to your table today! 🥢🌸