Why Make This Recipe
Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is not just a dish; it’s a burst of freshness and flavor. This salad is light, colorful, and packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. It combines the crunchy texture of fresh vegetables with the zing of spicy ginger dressing. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish, or a main-course salad, this recipe is perfect. Plus, it’s easy to make, so even novice cooks can impress their family and friends!
How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (red and yellow)
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed (optional)
For Spicy Ginger Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
Directions:
Creating the Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add rice vermicelli noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: While noodles cool, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, and green onions. Set aside.
- Combine Greens: In a large bowl, add the shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, cucumber, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, and green onions.
- Mix Noodles: Add the cooled vermicelli noodles to the bowl with the vegetables and gently toss to combine.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and chili sauce until well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the spicy ginger dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is coated.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter, sprinkle with crushed peanuts if using, and enjoy!
How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
Serve this salad immediately after preparing it. The flavors are best when fresh! You can also serve it chilled. Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal. Don’t forget to add extra crushed peanuts on top for a delightful crunch!
How to Store Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will be good for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
Tips to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
- Adjust the spice level of the dressing by adding more or less chili sauce based on your taste.
- Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like radishes, avocado, or sugar snap peas for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the peanuts if someone has allergies, or replace them with sunflower seeds.
Variation
You can customize this salad with protein like grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make it more filling. You could also switch up the herbs and use basil instead of mint or parsley instead of cilantro.
FAQs
1. Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and noodles ahead of time. Just store them separately and mix them with the dressing right before serving.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the dressing, this salad can be gluten-free.
3. Can I use other noodles?
Yes, while rice vermicelli noodles work best, you can substitute with other types of noodles, like glass noodles or soba noodles, based on your preference.