If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors, exciting textures, and a zesty kick, then this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is your new best friend. It’s a refreshing twist on classic spring rolls but transformed into a fresh, colorful bowl that’s easy to toss together for lunch or dinner. The lively ginger dressing binds crisp veggies, tender rice noodles, and fragrant herbs into a mouthwatering experience that’s both light and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this salad, it will become one of your go-to dishes for a quick and delicious meal.

Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient shines on its own while harmonizing perfectly together. Every item on the list brings a unique layer—whether it’s crunch, freshness, heat, or an herbaceous note—that makes the salad irresistibly tasty and delightfully textured.

Fresh ginger (3 tablespoons minced): Adds a spicy, aromatic punch essential for the dressing’s zing.
Garlic (2 medium cloves, minced): Brings deep savory flavor that complements the ginger.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides saltiness and umami, making the dressing rich and balanced.
Agave nectar (1 tablespoon): Offers a gentle sweetness that offsets the spicy heat.
Rice wine vinegar (1/4 cup): Gives a tangy brightness that lifts the whole dressing.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma essential for authentic flavor.
Canola or vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps emulsify the dressing for a smooth texture.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 to 1 teaspoon): Adds heat tailored to your spice preference.
Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all flavors harmoniously.
Rice noodles (8 ounces): Soft, neutral base that soaks up the tangy dressing beautifully.
Shredded cabbage (1 1/2 cups, green or purple): Adds crunch and color vibrancy.
Cucumber (1 small, julienned): Brings refreshing crispness and coolness.
Carrots (2 small, julienned): Provide natural sweetness and crunch.
Sweet pepper (1 medium, julienned): Offers juicy, mild sweetness and vivid color.
Firmly packed cilantro (1/4 cup minced): Adds fresh herbal brightness.
Firmly packed mint (1/4 cup minced): Delivers a cooling, fragrant note that elevates the salad.
Chopped roasted peanuts (1/4 cup): Provide satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
Additional cilantro and sesame seeds: Perfect for topping and extra flavor boost.

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Ginger Dressing

Start by making the soul of this salad—the spicy ginger dressing. In a food processor or blender, combine the freshly minced ginger, garlic, soy sauce, agave nectar, rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, canola or vegetable oil, and red pepper flakes. Blend everything until the dressing is perfectly smooth and emulsified. Taste it and season with salt and pepper. Place the dressing in the fridge to chill while you get the salad ready. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Rice Noodles

Cooking the rice noodles is straightforward but an important step for texture. Follow the package instructions carefully so they soften but don’t get mushy. Once cooked, rinse them thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles cool and springy. Drain well and transfer them into a large mixing bowl; this will be the base of your salad.

Step 3: Chop and Combine Fresh Vegetables and Herbs

Julienne the cucumber, carrots, and sweet pepper into thin, delicate strips that add crunch and a bright splash of color. Shred the cabbage finely so it melds easily with the other ingredients. Toss the vegetables together with the rice noodles, and then stir in the minced cilantro and mint. The herbs bring an irresistible freshness that distinguishes this salad.

Step 4: Toss with Spicy Ginger Dressing and Garnish

When the salad is ready to be enjoyed, drizzle the chilled spicy ginger dressing generously over the bowl, then toss everything to coat evenly. Give it a quick taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Finally, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts, extra cilantro, and sesame seeds on top for added crunch, texture, and a pretty finish. Now your Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Garnishes

For a final flourish, extra chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds add not only inviting color but also layers of flavor and texture. The roasted peanuts give a satisfying crunch with every bite, making the salad feel indulgently fresh. These little touches turn a simple salad into something spectacular and worth savoring.

Side Dishes

This salad works beautifully as a light main dish, but if you want to serve it alongside something, consider pairing it with grilled shrimp or chicken skewers for a protein boost. Alternatively, steamed dumplings or a bowl of hot miso soup complement the fresh, zesty flavors perfectly and make for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this salad wrapped in rice paper sheets like classic spring rolls with the spicy ginger dressing on the side for dipping. Another idea is to arrange it in pretty individual bowls layered with crushed peanuts and fresh herbs for an eye-catching presentation that impresses guests and delights the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days to maintain the crisp texture of the veggies and noodles. Give the salad a quick toss and add a little fresh herbs before serving again.

Freezing

Because this salad relies on fresh, crunchy vegetables and delicate noodles, freezing is not recommended. The texture would suffer greatly, and the dressing might separate or become gritty after thawing, so it’s better to enjoy this salad fresh.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. If you prefer, you can warm leftover protein sides to accompany the chilled salad for a cozy contrast.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing less spicy?

Absolutely! The red pepper flakes are adjustable, so feel free to use less or skip them completely if you prefer mild flavors. The dressing will still be vibrant and delicious without much heat.

What can I substitute for rice noodles?

If you don’t have rice noodles on hand, thin vermicelli or glass noodles make a fine substitute. They soak up the dressing well and maintain a nice texture similar to rice noodles.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients, including fresh veggies, herbs, and the dressing components, are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely. Grilled shrimp, chicken, tofu, or even sliced cooked beef are fantastic additions to bulk up the salad and make it a complete meal without losing any freshness.

How far ahead can I prepare the salad?

You can prepare and mix all the veggies and noodles up to a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is a delightful celebration of fresh flavors and exciting textures that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s colorful, quick to prepare, and wonderfully satisfying without feeling heavy. Whether serving it for a casual lunch or as a standout side at dinner, this salad is sure to brighten your table and your mood. Give it a try and fall in love with this irresistible fresh take on a classic favorite!

Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 30 reviews

Author: Harry
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

A vibrant and fresh Spring Roll Salad with a zesty and spicy ginger dressing, featuring crisp vegetables, tender rice noodles, and aromatic herbs, topped with crunchy peanuts and sesame seeds for a delightful texture.

Instructions

Prepare Spicy Ginger Dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine minced fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, agave nectar, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, canola or vegetable oil, and red pepper flakes. Blend until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Season and Refrigerate Dressing: Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper as desired. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook Rice Noodles: Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, rinse noodles thoroughly with cold water to cool them completely, then drain well and transfer to a large serving bowl.
Combine Salad Ingredients: Add shredded cabbage, julienned cucumber, carrots, sweet pepper, minced cilantro, and mint to the bowl with the rice noodles. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
Dress the Salad: When ready to serve, drizzle the spicy ginger dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
Garnish and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, additional fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds for added crunch and aroma. Enjoy immediately for best freshness.

Notes

Rice noodles should be well rinsed and cooled to prevent clumping and maintain a pleasant texture.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your preferred level of spiciness.
This salad is best served fresh but can be chilled for up to a few hours; toss again before serving.
For a gluten-free option, ensure soy sauce used is tamari or a certified gluten-free brand.
To add protein, consider topping with grilled shrimp, tofu, or shredded chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook (noodle boiling and mixing)
Cuisine: Asian Fusion