Spring Roll Salad – Fresh, Easy & Crunchy Asian-Inspired Meal

If you love the light, crisp taste of traditional spring rolls but not the hassle of wrapping them, this Spring Roll Salad is exactly what you need. It’s a fresh, vibrant, and nourishing meal that combines everything you love about spring rolls — crunchy vegetables, tender rice noodles, fragrant herbs, and a tangy peanut or sesame dressing — all tossed together in one refreshing bowl.

This deconstructed version of the classic Asian appetizer captures the same bright flavors and textures but skips the rolling step entirely. It’s fast, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for quick lunches, easy dinners, or healthy meal prep. Each bite delivers a balance of crunch, zest, and creaminess that feels both light and filling.

Whether you’re following a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diet, this Spring Roll Salad fits seamlessly into your routine. Packed with fiber, fresh veggies, and protein, it’s a balanced meal that fuels your body while treating your taste buds. Plus, it looks as beautiful as it tastes — a colorful, Instagram-worthy salad that’s as good for the eyes as it is for the appetite.

JUMP TO

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Spring Roll Salad

All the Flavor of Spring Rolls, Without the Wrapping

This salad delivers everything you crave about classic Vietnamese or Thai spring rolls — the crunch of veggies, the chew of rice noodles, and the creamy richness of peanut dressing — but without the extra time and effort. Instead of wrapping each roll, you simply toss everything together in a bowl. The result is the same flavor experience, but faster and easier.

A Perfect Balance of Freshness and Crunch

Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil bring brightness to every bite, while shredded carrots, crisp cucumbers, and crunchy bell peppers add layers of texture. The rice noodles and dressing tie it all together, creating that signature spring roll taste — cool, crisp, and incredibly refreshing.

Healthy, Customizable & Meal-Prep Friendly

This Spring Roll Salad recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but it’s also easy to customize for any diet. You can add shrimp, grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame for protein, or keep it all-veggie for a light lunch. The salad components can be prepped ahead and stored separately, making it a go-to option for busy weekdays.

According to The Spice Girl Kitchen, the key to a flavorful spring roll salad lies in using a variety of colorful vegetables and a bold, creamy dressing to balance the freshness. The mix of textures and flavors keeps every bite exciting and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Spring Roll Salad

This Spring Roll Salad recipe comes together with simple, fresh ingredients that deliver bold flavors and vibrant textures. Think crisp veggies, light rice noodles, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties it all together.

For the Salad Base

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Rice noodles	6 ounces (about half a package)	Provides a light, chewy base
Shredded carrots	1 cup	Adds sweetness and crunch
Red bell pepper, thinly sliced	1	Adds color and crisp texture
Cucumber, julienned	1 cup	Keeps the salad refreshing
Purple cabbage, shredded	1 cup	Adds vibrant color and crunch
Fresh mint leaves	¼ cup	Brings bright, herbal flavor
Fresh cilantro	¼ cup	Adds depth and fragrance
Green onions, sliced	2	Enhances the savory flavor
Protein (optional): shrimp, tofu, or chicken	1 cup cooked	Makes the salad a complete meal

For the Dressing

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Creamy peanut butter	3 tablespoons	Adds nutty richness
Soy sauce or tamari	2 tablespoons	Provides savory umami flavor
Lime juice	2 tablespoons	Adds acidity and freshness
Honey or maple syrup	1 tablespoon	Balances tangy and salty flavors
Rice vinegar	1 tablespoon	Brightens the dressing
Sesame oil	1 teaspoon	Adds a warm, toasty aroma
Garlic, minced	1 clove	Adds flavor depth
Warm water	2–3 tablespoons	Thins the dressing to pourable consistency

Optional Toppings

• Chopped peanuts or cashews: For crunch
• Sesame seeds: Adds visual appeal and texture
• Lime wedges: Extra zest and freshness
• Chili flakes or sriracha: For a little heat

How to Make Spring Roll Salad Step-by-Step

This recipe is all about quick prep and big flavor. It’s easy, refreshing, and requires no special skills — just a good knife and a big bowl!

Step 1 – Prepare the Noodles

Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until tender. Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 2 – Chop and Layer the Veggies

Slice or shred all your vegetables thinly to get that perfect spring roll texture. The key is to keep everything roughly the same size so that every bite has a mix of flavors and crunch. Arrange the noodles at the bottom of a large serving bowl, then layer on the shredded carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs.

Step 3 – Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Add warm water a little at a time until the dressing is smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust to your preference — more lime for tanginess, more honey for sweetness, or a dash of sriracha for spice.

Step 4 – Toss Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the noodles and veggies. Using tongs, gently toss everything until evenly coated. Top with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Serve immediately, or chill for 15 minutes for a refreshing cold salad.

This Spring Roll Salad offers a beautiful balance of textures — crunchy vegetables, soft noodles, creamy dressing — all in one satisfying, healthy bowl. It’s light enough for lunch but filling enough to stand as a complete dinner.

Best Dressings for Spring Roll Salad

The dressing is what truly brings a Spring Roll Salad to life. Here are three delicious versions that complement the crisp veggies and noodles perfectly:

Creamy Peanut Dressing

Rich, nutty, and slightly sweet, this dressing is a fan favorite. Made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of honey, it delivers the classic spring roll flavor you know and love. It coats the noodles beautifully and adds a silky finish to every bite.

Sesame Ginger Dressing

If you prefer a lighter option, whisk together sesame oil, grated ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a dash of maple syrup. The ginger adds a gentle heat while sesame brings warmth and aroma — perfect for an Asian-inspired twist.

Spicy Lime Dressing

For a bright, zesty flavor with a little kick, combine lime juice, chili flakes, rice vinegar, and a touch of sriracha. This one is light, refreshing, and especially good when paired with grilled shrimp or tofu.

Tips & Variations

Add Protein for a Complete Meal

Transform your Spring Roll Salad into a filling lunch or dinner by adding your favorite protein. Grilled shrimp, pan-seared tofu, or shredded chicken work perfectly. Each adds its own flavor and texture while keeping the salad balanced and wholesome.

Make It Vegan or Gluten-Free

Swap soy sauce for tamari to make the recipe gluten-free. For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey and skip any non-vegan toppings.

How to Store for Meal Prep

Keep the salad components separate for the freshest results. Store the noodles and vegetables in airtight containers, and keep the dressing in a small jar. When ready to eat, toss them together. The dressing stays good for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Add Crunch & Color

For an extra crunch, add crushed peanuts, edamame, or crispy wonton strips. For extra color, toss in shredded red cabbage, thinly sliced radish, or even mango for a tropical twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion – A Fresh & Flavorful Twist on a Classic

This Spring Roll Salad is everything you love about classic spring rolls — fresh, crisp, and bursting with flavor — but in an easier, deconstructed form. It’s colorful, customizable, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for anyone craving a light yet filling meal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a dinner party, this salad adds a touch of freshness and flair to any menu.

Healthy eating has never looked or tasted so good — grab your chopsticks and enjoy this crunchy, flavor-packed creation any time of the year.

Print