I’ve always been a sucker for spring rolls – those crisp, fresh packets of joy that somehow manage to be both light and satisfying. But let’s be honest: the wrapping part? Pure kitchen chaos for someone with my coordination skills. After another evening of rice paper casualties and filling explosions, I had my eureka moment while staring at the beautiful ingredients scattered across my counter.
What if I threw all those incredible spring roll components into a bowl instead? The Asian salads I’d enjoyed at restaurants always left me feeling inspired, and I wanted to recreate that magic at home. Plus, my obsession with peanut dressing was reaching concerning levels – I’d probably drink it if society deemed it acceptable.
This Spring Roll Salad recipe was born from both convenience and cravings. All the vibrant flavors and textures of traditional spring rolls but in a big, beautiful bowl that requires zero wrapping skills. The peanut salad dressing ties everything together with that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that make Chinese salad recipes so irresistible. It’s become my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but is secretly packed with nutritious spring seasonal foods.
Why You’ll Love This Spring Roll Salad Bowl
Fresh Factor Overload This salad bursts with crisp vegetables in every bite. The combination of crunchy cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers creates that satisfying texture you crave in spring salad recipes, while the herbs add brightness that wakes up your taste buds.
Protein Power Whether you choose shrimp, tofu, or chicken, this salad delivers substantial protein. The peanuts and edamame add even more staying power, making this one of those rare big low calorie salads that actually keeps you full for hours.
Customize Like Crazy This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Don’t have bean sprouts? Skip them! Want to add mango? Go for it! The beauty of this salad is that you can adjust based on your preferences or what’s already in your fridge.
That Peanut Dressing Though Let’s talk about this sauce. The peanut dressing is life-changing – sweet, savory, slightly spicy, and utterly addictive. It transforms simple vegetables into something extraordinary that you’ll crave repeatedly.
Meal Prep Marvel Components can be prepped ahead of time and assembled when ready to eat. This makes it one of my favorite easy quick salad recipes for busy weekdays when I need something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
No Cooking Required On hot days, the last thing you want is a hot kitchen. This refreshing salad requires minimal cooking (just the protein if you choose), making it perfect for those sweltering summer afternoons when turning on the stove feels like a personal attack.
Ingredients for the Spring Roll Salad With Peanut Sauce Recipe
For the Salad:
- 3 cups thinly sliced Napa cabbage
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, deseeded and sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup edamame, shelled and cooked
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- Protein option: 8 oz cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 tablespoons water for thinning
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha
Cooking Equipment Needed:
- Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar with lid
- Vegetable peeler or julienne tool
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instructions for the Spring Roll Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Protein If using shrimp, chicken, or tofu, season with salt, pepper, and a touch of sesame oil. Cook until done and set aside to cool while you prepare other ingredients.
Step 2: Create The Peanut Sauce Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until smooth and creamy. Add water gradually until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 3: Prepare The Vegetables Wash and chop all vegetables according to the ingredient list. Make sure everything is sliced thinly for the best texture and eating experience. Pat dry with paper towels if needed.
Step 4: Assemble The Base In a large bowl, combine the Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and bean sprouts. Toss gently to mix the vegetables evenly.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches Add the cooked protein, edamame, herbs, green onions, and peanuts to the salad. Toss lightly to incorporate all ingredients while maintaining the fresh, crisp texture.
Step 6: Dress And Serve Either drizzle the peanut sauce over the entire salad and toss to coat, or serve the sauce on the side so everyone can add their preferred amount. Garnish with extra herbs and peanuts.
Notes:
Make Ahead Magic The dressing can be made up to five days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Spice Adjustments Add sliced jalapeños or extra sriracha if you prefer more heat.
Gluten-Free Option Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Nut Allergy Alternative Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter if needed.
Veggie Variations Thinly sliced mango, avocado, or radishes make excellent additions.
Quick Shortcut Use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots from the produce section to save time.
Macronutrients Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Fat: 19g (mostly healthy fats)
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 490 mg
Pro Tips for Perfect Spring Roll Salad
Slice Everything Thinly The magic of this salad is in the texture. Take time to slice vegetables into thin, uniform pieces for the authentic spring roll experience.
Massage The Cabbage Gently massage the cabbage with a tiny pinch of salt before adding other ingredients. This softens it slightly without losing the crunch.
Sauce Consistency Matters If your peanut sauce is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add more peanut butter.
Temperature Balance For the best flavor contrast, serve the protein slightly warm over the cool, crisp vegetables.
Fresh Herb Preservation Add delicate herbs like mint and cilantro at the very last minute to prevent wilting and maintain their aromatic qualities.
Layering For Presentation When serving guests, consider layering components rather than mixing for a stunning visual presentation.
Fresh & Crunchy FAQs
What sides pair well with Spring Roll Salad? Coconut rice, miso soup, or simple steamed dumplings complement this salad perfectly, creating a complete and satisfying Asian-inspired meal.
Can I make this salad ahead for meal prep? Absolutely! Store components separately and assemble just before eating. Keep the dressing in a separate container until ready to serve.
How long does the peanut dressing last? The peanut sauce stays fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. It may thicken when cold, so let it come to room temperature before using.
Is this salad kid-friendly? Most kids love the sweet peanut dressing! For picky eaters, set up a “build your own” station so they can choose their favorite components.
Can I serve this warm? While traditionally served cold, a warm version with sautéed vegetables and hot protein can be delicious, especially in cooler months.
How can I boost the protein without meat? Besides edamame and peanuts, add crispy baked tofu, tempeh, or a hard-boiled egg for additional plant-based or vegetarian protein options.
