Name: Fresh and Crunchy Spring Roll Salad Bowl You’ll Love
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons minced ginger; 1 clove garlic (fresh is best); 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons agave (or honey); 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar); 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (any neutral oil); 8 ounces rice noodles (or vermicelli or soba noodles); 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple); 1 whole cucumber (julienned); 2 whole carrots (julienned); 1 whole sweet pepper (julienned); ¼ cup cilantro (chopped); ¼ cup mint (torn); ⅓ cup roasted peanuts (chopped)

As I stood in my kitchen one sunny afternoon, a colorful array of fresh vegetables inspired me to create something vibrant and delicious. What emerged is my Loaded Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing—an irresistible blend of crunchy vegetables and tender rice noodles that brings a burst of flavor to the table. The best part? This healthy salad is not only visually stunning, but it’s also a make-ahead gem, perfect for those breezy summer lunches or as a refreshing side for barbecues. With its bold spicy ginger dressing, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds without the guilt. Ready to dive into a bowl of wholesome goodness? Let’s get cooking!

Why is this spring roll salad a must-try?

Colorful, Crunchy Goodness: This Loaded Spring Roll Salad bursts with vibrant colors, making it as appealing to the eyes as it is delicious for the palate.

Health-Packed Ingredients: Made with fresh veggies and gluten-free rice noodles, it’s a nutritious option for anyone seeking a guilt-free meal.

Zesty Ginger Kick: The spicy ginger dressing offers a zesty flavor that elevates every bite, leaving a lasting impression.

Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for meal prep, you can enjoy this salad on busy days or as an easy go-to for summer gatherings.

Versatile Mix: Feel free to customize with proteins like grilled shrimp or tofu, or add fruits like mango for a delightful twist.

Discover more refreshing options like my Mango Avocado Salad or try serving it alongside my delicious Grilled Shrimp Bowl for an unforgettable meal combo!

Spring Roll Salad Bowl Ingredients

For the Spicy Ginger Dressing

Minced Ginger – adds a robust flavor and is known for its health benefits.
Garlic – enhances the dressing’s aromatic qualities; fresh is best!
Soy Sauce – provides salty depth; can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
Agave – balances the spice with a touch of sweetness; use honey for a different taste.
Rice Wine Vinegar – offers a mild acidity that brightens the dressing; white wine vinegar works in a pinch.
Sesame Oil – brings a nutty richness; can substitute with olive oil if needed.
Vegetable Oil – helps blend the dressing and keeps it light; any neutral oil will do.

For the Salad Base

Rice Noodles – the heart of the salad, delivering a chewy texture; feel free to use vermicelli or soba noodles.
Shredded Cabbage (green or purple) – adds delightful crunch and beautiful color; switch it with kale or romaine for variety.
Cucumber (julienned) – brings a refreshing crispness; zucchini can be a fun substitute.
Carrots (julienned) – infuse natural sweetness and a pop of color; bell peppers work as an alternative for added crunch.
Sweet Pepper (julienned) – offers sweetness and contrast; red or yellow peppers are great choices.
Cilantro – adds aromatic brightness, but feel free to omit it or swap with parsley if you’re not a fan.
Mint – imparts refreshing notes; basil can be a lovely alternative for a different herbaceous taste.
Roasted Peanuts (chopped) – for a nutty flavor and delightful crunch; substitute sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

This Spring Roll Salad Bowl is a celebration of freshness, flavor, and easy preparation, making it an irresistible addition to your culinary repertoire!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spring Roll Salad Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a blender, combine 2 tablespoons of minced ginger, 1 clove of garlic, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of agave, 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and silky. Transfer the spicy ginger dressing into a bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 2: Cook Rice Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of rice noodles according to the package instructions, typically around 3–5 minutes. Once they are tender, drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Let the rice noodles drain well, then set them aside in a large mixing bowl for the Spring Roll Salad Bowl.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the rice noodles cool, julienne one cucumber, two carrots, and one sweet pepper. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for clean, even cuts. Shred about 2 cups of cabbage, either green or purple, for added crunch and color. Gather the chopped ingredients in a large bowl, making the base for your vibrant spring roll salad.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Add the cooled rice noodles to the bowl of shredded veggies along with ¼ cup of fresh cilantro and ¼ cup of fresh mint leaves, torn into smaller pieces. Toss everything gently using tongs or your hands until evenly combined, ensuring every colorful ingredient is well distributed throughout the Spring Roll Salad Bowl.

Step 5: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the chilled spicy ginger dressing over the tossed salad, about half of what you prepared, and toss again to coat the veggies and noodles evenly. Make sure each noodle and vegetable piece glistens with that aromatic dressing. You can always add more dressing later if you prefer a bolder flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your loaded spring roll salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with chopped roasted peanuts for added crunch and sprinkle extra herbs if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, allowing everyone to enjoy a fresh, crunchy Spring Roll Salad Bowl bursting with vibrant colors and exciting tastes.

What to Serve with Loaded Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing?

Pair your vibrant salad with delightful accompaniments to create a well-rounded meal experience.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers:
Juicy shrimp skewers marinated with lime and garlic add a delectable protein boost. Their smoky notes beautifully contrast with the salad’s freshness.
Crispy Egg Rolls:
These crunchy bites bring extra texture and heartiness to your meal. Fill them with veggies or proteins for a delightful crunch.
Chilled Cucumber Soup:
Light and refreshing, this soup pairs wonderfully with the salad’s zesty flavors. It offers a delightful coolness for those warm summer days.
Sesame Garlic Noodles:
These flavorful noodles, tossed in savory sesame sauce, complement the rice noodles in your salad, adding depth to the overall meal.
Mango Coconut Sticky Rice:
A sweet finish that balances the salad’s spice, this dessert offers tropical flavors that leave a lasting impression.
Iced Green Tea:
This thirst-quenching drink enhances the meal with its refreshing taste and lightness, making each bite of salad even more enjoyable.

How to Store and Freeze Spring Roll Salad Bowl

Fridge: Store any leftover spring roll salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.

Freezer: Ideally, do not freeze the salad, as the texture of the vegetables and noodles can become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating: If you’ve included protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, reheat those separately on the stovetop or microwave before adding them to the salad.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad base and dressing a day in advance and combine just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Spring Roll Salad Bowl Variations

Feel free to personalize your spring roll salad bowl with these delightful twists that will make it truly your own!

Dairy-Free: Omit any cheese and substitute with extra nuts or seeds for creaminess and crunch.
Add Sweetness: Include sliced mango, pineapple, or orange for a refreshing burst of sweetness. Your taste buds will thank you for this tropical twist!
Protein Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this salad a heartier meal. It adds substance without sacrificing freshness.
Additional Crunch: Toss in snap peas or bean sprouts for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. This little twist keeps things exciting and adds delightful texture!
Herb Variations: Substitute mint with basil for a different herbaceous note that complements the dressing beautifully.
Low-Carb Option: Replace rice noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a healthy, low-carb alternative!
Epic Heat: Spice it up with additional red pepper flakes or slices of jalapeño in the salad for those who crave extra zing.
Nut-Free Delight: Swap out roasted peanuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep the crunch while keeping it nut-free.

By getting creative with your spring roll salad bowl, you can discover endless delicious possibilities. And if you’re on the lookout for more vibrant salads, why not check out my refreshing Mojito Fruit Salad or pair it with a satisfying Rotisserie Chicken Salad for your next meal? Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Make Ahead Options

These Loaded Spring Roll Salad Bowls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors even on your busiest days! You can prepare the spicy ginger dressing and chopped vegetables up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. To prevent the rice noodles from becoming soggy, keep them separate until just before serving. When you’re ready to eat, toss everything together with the dressing and top with roasted peanuts for that delightful crunch. This meal prep strategy ensures each bite remains just as delicious and colorful as when first made!

Expert Tips for Spring Roll Salad Bowl

Adjust Spice Level: Start with less red pepper flakes in the dressing and gradually increase to match your taste preference—this allows everyone to enjoy the spring roll salad bowl to their liking.

Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest produce you can find for maximum crunch and flavor. Wilted vegetables will dull the vibrant taste and texture of your salad.

Dress Just Before Serving: To avoid soggy noodles, serve the spring roll salad bowl immediately after dressing it. If making ahead, store dressing separately and combine just before serving.

Creative Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with ingredients you love! Swap cabbage for kale or add tropical fruits like mango for a unique twist on your spring roll salad bowl.

Perfect Prep: If you’re making this salad for a gathering, prep all the veggies and the dressing in advance. Just toss them together before serving, ensuring you impress your guests with minimal effort.

Spring Roll Salad Bowl Recipe FAQs

What kind of cucumbers should I use for the salad?
Absolutely! I recommend using English cucumbers for their crispness and mild flavor, but you can also use regular cucumbers. Just make sure to peel and seed them for a less watery texture. Zucchini is a fun alternative if you’re looking for a twist!

How do I store leftovers of the Spring Roll Salad Bowl?
You can store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep the spicy ginger dressing separate to maintain the salad’s freshness and prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.

Can I freeze this Spring Roll Salad Bowl?
Very! While the salad itself isn’t ideal for freezing—since the texture of the vegetables can become mushy—I recommend freezing just the rice noodles if you have any leftovers. Cooked rice noodles can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, and then mix with freshly chopped veggies and dressing.

What should I do if the salad dressing is too spicy?
No worries! If you find the dressing a bit too spicy, you can mellow it out by adding a little more vegetable oil or agave to balance the flavor. Taste as you go, and adjust by adding one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired spice level. You can also dilute it with a splash of additional soy sauce or rice vinegar if needed.

Are there any allergens in this recipe I should be aware of?
Definitely! The salad contains peanuts, so those with nut allergies should substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. The dressing also contains soy sauce, which may be an issue for those with soy allergies; tamari can be a gluten-free alternative. Always check labels if you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, indeed! You can prep the salad base and the spicy ginger dressing a day in advance. Just store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge, and combine them right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. Perfect for busy days or summer gatherings!