Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing: A Fresh, Vibrant Bowl with Bold Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing captures everything delightful about fresh spring rolls while eliminating the need for rolling or wrapping. It is crisp, colorful, and wonderfully refreshing—a perfect option when you want something light yet satisfying. What I enjoy most about this dish is how easily it adapts to whatever vegetables I have in the refrigerator. I once substituted cabbage for lettuce, and the result was just as crunchy and delicious. The spicy ginger dressing brings the entire bowl to life with its punchy heat, bright acidity, and fragrant aromatics. This salad is excellent for weekday lunches, meal prep, or a lively addition to a dinner spread. It feels energizing, nourishing, and vibrant, yet it requires very little effort. If you enjoy meals that strike the balance between healthy and indulgent, this salad delivers it beautifully.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rice Noodles

Rice noodles provide the essential spring roll feel. Their soft, slightly chewy texture contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables. If you prefer a lighter version, you can even reduce the noodle portion and increase the vegetables.

Lettuce or Mixed Greens

Fresh greens form the base of the salad, adding crunch and volume. Romaine or butter lettuce works well, but mixed greens add a more delicate texture. I have used shredded cabbage when out of lettuce, and it offered great body and crispness.

Carrots

Julienned or shredded carrots contribute sweetness and a pop of bright color. They hold up well even when prepared ahead, making them ideal for meal prep.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers add refreshing coolness and a clean, crisp bite. Thin slices or matchsticks integrate easily into each forkful.

Fresh Herbs

Herbs such as mint, cilantro, and basil bring the unmistakable spring roll aroma. They elevate the salad from simple to restaurant-worthy without much effort.

Red Bell Pepper

Red bell pepper offers sweetness and crunch, complementing the heat of the dressing. Feel free to use yellow or orange peppers depending on availability.

Avocado

Avocado brings creaminess that balances the bright dressing. It also makes the salad more filling and satisfying.

Crushed Peanuts

Peanuts add the nutty crunch typical of many Southeast Asian dishes. Cashews or almonds can substitute if peanuts are not preferred.

Spicy Ginger Dressing Ingredients

A blend of fresh ginger, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of chili for heat. This dressing ties every fresh ingredient together with its lively, aromatic profile. I have made it with honey instead of sugar, and it tasted just as lovely.

Directions

Begin by preparing the rice noodles according to package instructions, typically soaking them in hot water until tender. Drain well and set them aside to cool. While the noodles rest, chop and prepare all the vegetables: slice cucumbers, julienne the carrots and bell peppers, cube the avocado, and wash the herbs. Arrange the noodles in a large salad bowl, then layer the vegetables and herbs artfully on top.

Next, prepare the spicy ginger dressing. Whisk together grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and your chosen source of heat, such as chili paste or crushed red pepper. Adjust the balance by adding a hint of sweetness if needed. Drizzle the dressing generously over the salad, ensuring it coats the noodles and vegetables evenly.

Toss gently just before serving to preserve the freshness and integrity of the ingredients. Add crushed peanuts last to maintain their crisp texture. This salad is most enjoyable served immediately, though the components can be stored separately for easy assembly throughout the week.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people as a main course or 6 as a side. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, with no cooking required beyond softening the noodles. If prepping ahead, store the vegetables and dressing separately to maintain freshness.

Storage/reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store undressed components in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing refrigerated in a sealed jar and toss the salad just before serving. Once dressed, the vegetables may soften, so immediate consumption is recommended. Reheating is not necessary, as the dish is served cold.

Variations and Customizations

Protein Boost

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame to make the salad heartier.

Low-Carb Version

Replace rice noodles with spiralized zucchini or additional crisp vegetables.

Peanut-Free Option

Use toasted sesame seeds or chopped almonds instead of peanuts.

Extra-Spicy Dressing

Increase the ginger and chili component for a more intense kick.

Coconut-Lime Twist

Add a splash of coconut milk to the dressing for a creamier, tropical profile.

Crunchier Texture

Incorporate shredded cabbage or bean sprouts for additional bite.

Miso Dressing Alternative

Replace soy sauce with white miso for a richer, umami-forward dressing.

Tropical Addition

Include mango or pineapple for a bright, sweet contrast.

Herb-Forward Variation

Use extra basil or mint to intensify the fresh, fragrant flavor.

Sesame Noodle Style

Add more sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for a nuttier, richer base.

FAQs

How far in advance can I prepare the ingredients?

You can chop the vegetables up to 2 days ahead and keep them refrigerated in airtight containers.

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, soba or glass noodles also work well and offer different textures.

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and verifying that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I reduce the spice level?

Simply reduce or omit the chili component in the dressing.

What vegetables can I substitute?

Zucchini, cabbage, snap peas, or shredded Brussels sprouts are great alternatives.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Rinse them under cold water after cooking and toss with a tiny amount of sesame oil.

Can I meal prep this for lunches?

Yes, store the noodles, vegetables, and dressing separately and assemble just before eating.

Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs are ideal, but dried herbs will not offer the same vibrancy or aroma.

Can I make the dressing in a blender?

Absolutely; blending creates a smoother, more integrated dressing.

How can I make it sweeter?

Add honey, maple syrup, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.

Conclusion

Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing brings together crisp vegetables, tender noodles, and a bold, invigorating dressing to create a dish that is fresh, nourishing, and full of character. Its adaptability makes it perfect for any season, while its vibrant flavors feel both satisfying and energizing. With limitless customization options, you can tailor this salad to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or weekly meal plans. Whether served as a light main course or a colorful side dish, this recipe is a refreshing and memorable addition to any table.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!