The Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce is a no-fuss, flavor-packed tribute to the iconic Vietnamese summer roll. By transforming traditional rolls into an easy, toss-and-serve salad, this dish delivers all the elements you love: chewy rice noodles, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a dreamy peanut dressing that ties it all together.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or weekly meal prep, it’s endlessly adaptable and loaded with texture. Whether you’re adding shrimp, tofu, or keeping it plant-based, each bite delivers a refreshing crunch and umami-rich satisfaction. Say goodbye to rolling, and hello to this vibrant, quick-to-make dish that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious.
Full Recipe:
For the Peanut Dressing:
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
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1 tbsp hoisin sauce (or substitute with 1 tsp brown sugar)
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2 tbsp lime juice
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1/4 to 1/2 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
For the Salad:
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4 oz thin rice noodles
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2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced
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2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced (or cole slaw mix)
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1 cup carrots, grated or thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
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1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Directions:
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Cook the noodles: Follow package directions, but check for doneness at half the recommended time (typically 3–4 minutes). Drain, rinse with cold water, and let dry. Snip noodles into smaller pieces with scissors for easier eating.
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Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, and water until smooth and pourable. Start with 1/4 cup water and add more as needed.
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Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled noodles, cucumber, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cilantro, and mint. Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss until well-coated. Garnish with chopped peanuts if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: ~375 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Fresh Twist on a Vietnamese Classic
The Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce is a delightful and vibrant take on traditional Vietnamese summer rolls, offering the same crisp, herbaceous, and savory elements in an easier, deconstructed form. Rather than wrapping each individual roll by hand, this salad combines all the best components—rice noodles, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a creamy peanut dressing—into a single, harmonious dish.
This salad isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that makes Vietnamese cuisine so beloved. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a make-ahead lunch, or a colorful potluck contribution, this dish offers convenience without compromise.
Origins and Cultural Inspiration
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its balance: sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and umami flavors all find their place in every dish. Traditional summer rolls, known as gỏi cuốn, are often filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and fresh herbs, then served with a savory peanut or hoisin-based dipping sauce. They’re as beautiful to look at as they are refreshing to eat.
The Spring Roll Salad captures the essence of this tradition but translates it into a Western-friendly format. Inspired by the viral food trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, this salad is perfect for modern home cooks who crave authenticity but appreciate ease.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This salad offers a dynamic combination of flavors and textures that is deeply satisfying while still being light and nutritious. You’ll enjoy:
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Crunch from raw vegetables like cabbage, bell peppers, and carrots.
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Chewy softness from tender rice noodles.
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Creaminess from the rich peanut dressing.
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Freshness from herbs like mint and cilantro.
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Salt and umami from the soy and hoisin-based sauce.
Not to mention, it’s highly adaptable. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or looking to add some protein, this salad works for nearly every dietary lifestyle.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not just tasty; it’s also loaded with nutrients. Here’s what it brings to the table:
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Vegetables: Purple cabbage, cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers are all packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and powerful antioxidants. These contribute to immune support, skin health, and digestive wellness.
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Herbs: Cilantro and mint are not only aromatic, but they also provide anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
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Nuts and Peanut Butter: These are rich in healthy fats and protein, which help with satiety and brain function.
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Rice Noodles: A gluten-free carb source that’s easy on the stomach and provides lasting energy.
By assembling these components, you get a salad that’s both filling and energizing, without the heaviness of traditional comfort food.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. It welcomes substitutions and personal touches:
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Add Protein: Tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp can be added to turn it into a full meal. For a more traditional flavor profile, shrimp is a great match.
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Make It Spicy: Add sriracha, red chili flakes, or sliced Thai chilies to the dressing for a kick of heat.
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Swap the Veggies: Don’t have purple cabbage? Use Napa cabbage or even a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw. No red bell pepper? Try thinly sliced radish or snap peas.
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Gluten-Free Adjustments: Make sure to use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and confirm your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
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Nut-Free Alternative: If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter or tahini can make a great substitute for peanut butter in the dressing.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This salad is a fantastic meal prep option because it stays fresh for days when stored properly. Here are some tips:
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Store the components separately: Keep the noodles and vegetables in one container and the dressing in another. Combine only when you’re ready to eat.
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Use airtight containers: This keeps everything crisp and prevents the dressing from making the salad soggy.
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Add herbs and peanuts last: To preserve their texture and flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs and chopped peanuts just before serving.
You can prep the base of the salad 3–4 days ahead and keep the peanut sauce chilled. This makes lunch packing a breeze or gives you a no-stress dinner option for midweek.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
This salad is also a great way to introduce kids to global flavors. The creamy peanut dressing has a familiar taste, and the rainbow of vegetables is visually appealing and fun to eat. You can even let little ones help build their own bowls, allowing them to choose their favorite ingredients. It’s an interactive and inclusive way to make healthy eating enjoyable for the whole family.
Perfect for Gatherings
If you’re looking for a show-stopping salad to serve at a summer barbecue or casual dinner party, look no further. The vibrant colors and variety of textures make this a beautiful centerpiece dish. You can serve it cold or at room temperature, and it’s easily scalable for larger groups.
Garnish with sesame seeds, extra lime wedges, and even a swirl of extra sauce on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation. This salad is guaranteed to impress.
Viral for a Reason
The popularity of this dish on social media platforms is no accident. It checks all the boxes: visual appeal, bold flavor, easy prep, and health-conscious ingredients. Plus, the “deconstructed” aspect adds an element of novelty that resonates with modern foodies.
Food bloggers, nutritionists, and home cooks alike are raving about how easy and delicious this salad is. Its TikTok-viral status only helps spread the word faster, making it a must-try trend that’s here to stay.
Conclusion
The Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Sauce offers a vibrant, fresh, and deeply satisfying spin on a Vietnamese favorite. It brings together the bright crunch of raw vegetables, the aromatic zing of fresh herbs, and the rich, nutty creaminess of a luscious peanut dressing—all in one simple bowl.
It’s the perfect marriage of flavor, function, and flexibility. Whether you’re following a plant-based lifestyle, eating gluten-free, or simply trying to eat more veggies, this salad fits seamlessly into your routine. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a culinary experience that’s colorful, wholesome, and full of joy.
So the next time you’re craving something light yet fulfilling, give this salad a try. You’ll discover that skipping the roll and going straight for the bowl was the best decision you could’ve made.