If you’re craving something crisp, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing is the perfect answer. Inspired by the fresh flavors of traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, this salad captures all the textures and tastes you love — but without the rolling! It’s a vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables, soft rice noodles, and a creamy, zesty peanut dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
This salad isn’t just delicious — it’s also healthy, vegan, and gluten-free. It’s the ideal quick lunch or light dinner for anyone looking to enjoy something satisfying yet refreshing. Inspired by The All Natural Vegan’s version, it’s a simple, nutrient-rich meal that tastes like sunshine in a bowl.
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Why You’ll Love This Spring Roll Salad
The Perfect Balance of Crunch, Sweetness, and Spice
Every bite of this spring roll salad delivers the ultimate contrast — crisp veggies, chewy noodles, and the rich, nutty flavor of peanut sauce. The dressing offers just the right mix of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy, giving this dish its signature depth.
Healthy, Colorful, and Completely Plant-Based
Packed with fresh vegetables and a protein-rich peanut dressing, this salad is as nourishing as it is beautiful. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that make it filling without being heavy. Plus, it’s entirely plant-based, making it an excellent option for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Ingredients for Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing
The beauty of this spring roll salad with peanut dressing is that it uses simple, fresh ingredients that you can easily find in any grocery store. It’s colorful, light, and packed with nutrients.

Fresh Vegetables for the Salad Base
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rice noodles | 6 oz (about 2 cups cooked) | Use thin vermicelli or rice stick noodles |
| Shredded carrots | 1 cup | Adds crunch and sweetness |
| Red cabbage | 1 cup | Thinly sliced for color and texture |
| Cucumber | 1 medium | Julienned or thinly sliced |
| Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) | 1 cup | Adds color and a mild sweetness |
| Fresh cilantro | ¼ cup | Roughly chopped |
| Green onions | 2 stalks | Sliced thinly |
| Fresh mint or basil | ¼ cup | Optional, for an herbal boost |
These ingredients form the perfect salad base—light, crisp, and full of refreshing flavors.
Homemade Creamy Peanut Dressing Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Natural peanut butter | ¼ cup | Smooth and unsweetened works best |
| Soy sauce or tamari | 2 tbsp | Use tamari for a gluten-free option |
| Lime juice | 2 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp | Adds tanginess |
| Maple syrup or honey | 1 tbsp | For natural sweetness |
| Garlic | 1 clove | Minced |
| Ginger | 1 tsp | Freshly grated |
| Warm water | 2–3 tbsp | To thin the dressing |
| Sriracha or chili flakes | To taste | Optional, for spice |
This peanut dressing is the star of the dish — creamy, nutty, and perfectly balanced with sweet and savory flavors.
How to Make Spring Roll Salad Step-by-Step
Prepping the Vegetables
Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Slice the cabbage thinly, julienne the carrots and cucumbers, and cut the bell peppers into thin strips. Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them mix evenly for that signature crunchy bite.
Making the Peanut Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger. Add warm water a tablespoon at a time until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust to taste — add more lime juice for tang, or a drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness.
Assembling the Salad
Cook the rice noodles according to package directions, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large mixing bowl, combine the noodles, chopped vegetables, herbs, and green onions. Pour the peanut dressing over the top and toss everything gently until well coated.
For extra texture, top your spring roll salad with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or crispy tofu cubes.
Tips for the Best Spring Roll Salad
How to Customize Your Salad
One of the best parts about this salad is its flexibility. You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have:
- Add mango slices for a tropical twist
- Substitute almond butter for peanut butter if needed
- Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of rice noodles for a low-carb version
Protein Add-Ins for a Heartier Meal
While this salad is satisfying on its own, you can boost the protein with:
- Grilled tofu or tempeh
- Edamame
- Shredded rotisserie chicken (if not strictly vegan)
These additions make it a more filling, balanced meal while keeping it fresh and flavorful.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re meal prepping, store the peanut dressing separately and combine it with the salad just before eating. The undressed salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. The dressing can be refrigerated for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Common Questions About Spring Roll Salad (FAQ)
What’s the best peanut butter for the dressing?
Use natural peanut butter made with just peanuts (and maybe salt). Avoid processed versions with added sugar or oils, as they can make the dressing too thick and overly sweet. Smooth peanut butter blends easily, giving you that creamy texture the dressing is known for.
Can I make this spring roll salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! For best results, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving. This keeps the vegetables crisp and prevents the noodles from absorbing too much sauce. The dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week, and the chopped veggies will stay fresh for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just make sure you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and confirm that your rice noodles are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
If you have a peanut allergy, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter are excellent alternatives. Each one gives a slightly different flavor, but they all create a creamy, satisfying dressing.
Conclusion – A Refreshing and Nourishing Meal for Any Day
This Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing is everything you could want in a quick, wholesome meal — fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Every bite delivers crunch, color, and the perfect balance of creamy peanut dressing and crisp veggies.
Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking for a lighter dish that still satisfies, this salad checks every box. It’s perfect for lunches, potlucks, or as a colorful side dish at dinner. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it — a true flavor explosion in every forkful!
PrintSpring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing – Easy Healthy Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing packed with crunchy vegetables, rice noodles, and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce for a light yet satisfying vegan meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook, Tossed
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 6 oz rice noodles (about 2 cups cooked)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint or basil (optional)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (smooth and unsweetened)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin the dressing)
- Sriracha or chili flakes, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all the vegetables by washing, peeling, and thinly slicing or shredding as needed. Set aside.
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then drain well.
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger.
- Slowly add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing is smooth and pourable. Adjust taste with more lime or maple syrup as needed.
- In a large bowl, combine the rice noodles, carrots, cabbage, cucumber, bell peppers, herbs, and green onions.
- Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Top with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or tofu cubes if desired. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Store dressing separately if meal prepping; mix before serving.
- Add tofu, tempeh, or edamame for extra protein.
- Try adding mango or orange slices for a sweet, tropical touch.
- The peanut dressing can be kept in the fridge for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
