Spring Roll Salad
Spring Roll Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that captures the essence of beloved spring rolls, minus the wrapping. This salad is a delightful blend of crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and a rich peanut dressing that dances on your taste buds. With the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making Spring Roll Salad is not just an easy choice but also a cheerful one that brings joy to any table. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it an ideal dish for gatherings, picnics, or a comforting light meal. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both healthy and satisfying, this step-by-step guide will show you just how simple it is to enjoy this culinary gem!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only is this Spring Roll Salad incredibly easy to prepare, but it also allows you to whip up a delicious meal in minutes. With minimal fuss and a handful of fresh ingredients, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It captivates with its crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing, making it a perfect light dish for warm days. As a bonus, it’s versatile enough to allow you to swap or add your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply in need of a quick lunch, this salad will impress your guests and family alike!
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: Offers a delightful crunch and a refreshing base.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Sweet and colorful, these carrots add visual appeal and nutrients.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced: Crisp and juicy, the bell pepper provides a satisfying bite.
- 1 cucumber, sliced: Refreshing and hydrating, cucumber enhances the salad’s crispness.
- 1 avocado, diced: Creamy and rich, avocado gives a luxurious texture to every bite.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Aromatic and zesty, cilantro brings a burst of freshness.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- 1/2 cup peanuts or cashews: Nutty and crunchy, these toppings elevate the dish.
- 1/4 cup peanut butter: Rich and creamy, peanut butter forms the base of the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor that ties the salad together.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: A touch of sweetness balances the savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a tangy contrast that brightens the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Fresh and zesty, lime juice enhances the overall freshness of the salad.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a fragrant, nutty aroma that wraps everything together.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, and green onions. Toss gently to mix the colors and textures.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, savory soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), tangy rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, and fragrant sesame oil. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Toss the Salad: Pour the invigorating dressing over the fresh vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
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Add the Crunch: Just before serving, sprinkle your salad with a generous handful of peanuts or cashews to add an extra layer of crunch.
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Enjoy: Serve your fresh and vibrant Spring Roll Salad immediately as a delightful light meal or side dish!
Tips & Tricks
- To keep your avocado from browning, add it last and toss gently before serving.
- If you want an extra kick, consider adding thinly sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Feel free to experiment with other crunchy vegetables like radishes or snap peas to diversify the texture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Spring Roll Salad is best enjoyed fresh but pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp on the side for a heartier meal. Serve it as a refreshing starter at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. To elevate the experience, accompany the salad with rice noodles or serve it alongside your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
Nutritional Information
This Spring Roll Salad is not just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients too! Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
This salad is low in calories while being high in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, making it a balanced choice for a nutritious meal.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store your Spring Roll Salad, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the freshness of the vegetables. The salad can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For an interesting twist, consider adding cooked quinoa or grilled tofu for additional protein. You may also try different nuts or seeds like sesame seeds or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.
Conclusion
Spring Roll Salad is a refreshing, healthy dish bursting with flavor and color. It’s easy to create and perfect for practically any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a quiet meal at home or hosting a lively party. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience! You won’t regret diving into this bowl of vibrant goodness!
FAQs
1. Can I prep the salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chop the vegetables a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to store them in an airtight container and add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.
2. Is there a substitute for peanut butter?
Yes! You can use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini as alternatives if you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor.
3. Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent additions. Cook them separately and toss them into the salad when serving.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the salad gluten-free, choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as your dressing base.
5. What is the best way to serve leftovers?
To enjoy leftovers, only combine what you’ll eat immediately, keeping the unused salad and dressing separate in the fridge. When ready to serve, toss them together for a quick meal!
Spring Roll Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fresh and vibrant salad capturing the essence of spring rolls without the wrapping, featuring crunchy vegetables and creamy avocado in a rich peanut dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup peanuts or cashews
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, and green onions. Toss gently to mix well.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, lime juice, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Before serving, sprinkle with peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
- Serve immediately as a light meal or side dish.
Notes
To prevent avocado browning, add it last and toss gently. Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. Experiment with other vegetables like radishes or snap peas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
