Spring Roll Salad Recipe

Say hello to your new obsession: Spring Roll Salad! Imagine all the crunchy, fresh, and herby goodness of classic spring rolls, but piled high in a giant bowl tossed with the brightest, zippiest dressing. This recipe brings everyone’s favorite flavors—crisp cabbage, tender rice noodles, protein-packed tofu, and a vibrant punch of mint and cilantro—together for a salad that’s totally satisfying and irresistibly fun to eat.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Spring Roll Salad is all about effortless prep and bold color. Each ingredient brings its own personality—crunch, chew, zing, or a pop of color—making the final dish both gorgeous and satisfying. Let’s take a look at the building blocks!

• Rice noodles: These vermicelli-style noodles create that perfect “spring roll” bite. I love Dynasty Maifun Rice Sticks, but any thin rice noodle works.
• Green & purple cabbage: Thinly sliced for the ultimate crunch and a gorgeous rainbow effect.
• Carrots & cucumber: Julienne for extra texture—these veggies are refreshingly crisp and cooling.
• Red bell pepper & red onion: Color, sweetness, and a gentle bite all rolled into one.
• Fresh cilantro & mint: The signature, herby, spring-roll aroma—absolutely key for that authentic zing!
• Firm tofu: Gives protein and a satisfying golden chew when pan-fried.
• Olive oil & soy sauce: Transform bland tofu into crispy, savory nuggets. Use salt/pepper as a sub, if you prefer.
• Vegan fish sauce (or soy sauce + lime): The base of our dressing—salty and punchy, with a citrus twist.
• Sugar & vinegar: Balance out the saltiness and bring tangy-sweet brightness.
• Garlic & ginger: Aromatic and warming, these should never be skipped.
• Sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce: A spicy edge; adjust to your heat level!
• Lime juice: A final squeeze wakes up every flavor.
• Optional toppings: Chopped peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or crispy fried shallots add crunch and flair.

Variations

What makes Spring Roll Salad truly special? It’s endlessly flexible! Feel free to swap veggies, change up your protein, or tweak the dressing to create your own signature version. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing:

• Add Shrimp or Chicken: Swap in cooked, sliced chicken breast or chilled shrimp for tofu (or add both for a protein-packed twist!).
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and confirm your sauces are certified GF for a fully gluten-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice noodles with spiralized cucumber or zucchini “noodles” for an extra-refreshing, carb-light salad.
• Extra Spicy: Double the sambal oelek in the dressing or toss some chili flakes directly onto the tofu as it fries.
• Nutty Lovers: Amp up the crunch and flavor by adding a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a handful of roasted peanuts.

How to Make Spring Roll Salad

Step 1: Cook the Rice Noodles

Start by soaking your thin rice noodles in hot water (just as the package directs)—usually about 10 minutes is all it takes! They’ll soften and become beautifully silky but not mushy. Give them a quick rinse in cold water to stop the cooking, then drain well so your salad isn’t soggy.

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies and Herbs

While the noodles soak, finely slice the cabbages, julienne (or dice) your carrots and cucumbers, and thinly slice bell pepper and onion. Grab a handful each of mint and cilantro, give them a rough chop, and toss everything into a big mixing bowl. The more color, the better!

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Tofu

Drain and cube the tofu, then heat olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium. Add tofu cubes and a splash of soy sauce, and sizzle them until golden and crispy on every side, 5–7 minutes. Set aside—you’ll want these warm, crispy bites right on top of your salad!

Step 4: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine vegan fish sauce (or your soy/lime swap), sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, sambal oelek, and lime juice. Taste and adjust for tang or heat as you like! This is where the Spring Roll Salad gets its signature kick.

Step 5: Toss and Assemble

Add the drained noodles to your big bowl of veggies and herbs. Pour the dressing all over and toss, toss, toss! You want every strand and leaf coated. Pile the salad onto plates or a serving platter, top with the crispy tofu, and finish with your favorite garnishes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or crispy shallots for extra crunch. Squeeze on fresh lime juice and dig into the most vibrant, exciting Spring Roll Salad ever.

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad

Garnishes

Finish your Spring Roll Salad with a flourish by showering it with chopped peanuts, sunflower or sesame seeds, or even crispy fried shallots if you want to go all out. A final squeeze of lime brings each bite alive and adds that signature spring roll finish!

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad is a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with Vietnamese-inspired summer rolls, miso soup, or a simple cucumber salad. If you’re hosting, add a platter of fresh fruit for a light, sunny finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Spring Roll Salad looks absolutely stunning piled up on a big platter, family-style, so everyone can grab their favorite toppings. For parties, try serving in individual mason jars or clear glasses for a grab-and-go, picnic-perfect twist. Or, keep it classic and roll the salad in lettuce leaves for mini “spring roll” bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spring Roll Salad keeps surprisingly well! Store undressed salad and tofu separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply toss with dressing for maximum crunch and flavor.

Freezing

Because of the fresh veggies and rice noodles, freezing isn’t recommended—the texture changes quite a bit. For best results, enjoy your Spring Roll Salad fresh, or within a couple days from the fridge.

Reheating

Spring Roll Salad is meant to be enjoyed cool or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat! If you prefer warm tofu, you can re-crisp it in a skillet for a minute or two before topping your fresh salad.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, punchy, and totally satisfying, give this Spring Roll Salad a try. It’s got the spirit of the best takeout rolls, but with the freedom (and fun!) of a toss-together salad—perfect for sharing and easy enough for any night of the week. Enjoy every crunchy, aromatic bite!

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