Spring Roll Salad Recipe
This Spring Roll Salad Recipe is like your favorite Vietnamese spring rolls transformed into a vibrant, easy-to-eat bowl—crisp veggies, silky rice noodles, and a zingy, nutty dressing all come together in minutes. Every bite bursts with freshness and crunch, and the whole dish is delivered with almost zero effort and totally customizable toppings. Whether you’re after a quick lunch, a show-stealing side, or a creative way to use up extra veggies, this salad is a must for anyone who loves big, bold flavors and refreshing texture!
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spring Roll Salad Recipe is how simple these ingredients are, yet how vital each one is to creating the iconic fresh, colorful, and balanced flavor. Fresh veggies provide the crunch, noodles soak up the lively dressing, and the herbs and toppings bring classic spring roll magic straight to your bowl.
- Shredded Napa cabbage (2 cups): This delicate cabbage is light, crisp, and serves as the perfect foundational crunch for the salad.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Adds a pop of color and a natural sweetness that balances the savory dressing.
- Cooked rice noodles (1 cup): These give the salad satisfying body and a traditional spring roll feel.
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced (1): Sweet, crunchy, and vibrant, bell pepper brightens up both flavor and looks.
- Cucumber, julienned (1 cup): Cool cucumber offers refreshing crispness in every forkful.
- Fresh mint leaves (1/4 cup): Brings a classic, cooling lift that’s essential to any authentic spring roll experience.
- Fresh cilantro leaves (1/4 cup): Adds herbaceous, citrusy notes and beautiful flecks of green.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): Sharp and zesty, green onions round out the salad with a gentle bite.
- Chopped roasted peanuts, optional (1/4 cup): For added crunch and a savory, toasty finish.
- Sesame seeds, optional (1 tablespoon): A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives extra nutty aroma and delicate crunch.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): The umami-rich backbone of the dressing—swap for tamari if you’re gluten-free.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Fresh lime delivers essential tang and brightness to the dressing.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds gentle acidity to balance the flavors.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness smooths out the zingy, savory elements.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Just a little brings incredible toasty, nutty depth.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): Essential for a punchy, fragrant dressing base.
- Fresh grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds a spicy, aromatic kick that really wakes up the salad.
- Chili flakes, optional (1/2 teaspoon): If you like heat, a pinch will deliver gentle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make Spring Roll Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
Start by slicing, shredding, or julienning your cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and cucumber. There’s something really satisfying about prepping so many fresh, colorful veggies—you’ll feel like a salad artist! Having all your veggies ready ahead makes the assembly super quick and keeps everything crisp.
Step 2: Cook and Rinse the Rice Noodles
If your rice noodles aren’t cooked yet, prepare them according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking together. This quick rinse keeps everything nice and cool, perfect for a salad.
Step 3: Make the Lively Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes if you’re using them. The aroma as you combine these ingredients is so inviting—a true preview of the salad’s flavor.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
In a big mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, rice noodles, red bell pepper, cucumber, mint, cilantro, and green onions. Pour your homemade dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to make sure every bite is bursting with flavor. Don’t be shy—gently toss until the veggies and noodles glisten!
Step 5: Top and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle over the chopped roasted peanuts and sesame seeds if you’re using them. They bring the perfect pop of crunch and nutty goodness. Serve the salad immediately, or chill it for up to two hours for extra-refreshing results.
How to Serve Spring Roll Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh mint or cilantro leaves, extra green onions, and a wedge of lime on the side really makes the colors and flavors of this Spring Roll Salad Recipe pop. If you want to impress your guests, a final dusting of roasted peanuts and a light scatter of sesame seeds brings both texture and visual excitement.
Side Dishes
This salad shines on its own, but it’s even better as part of a fresh, Asian-inspired meal. Serve it alongside grilled shrimp, tofu skewers, or chicken satay for extra heartiness, or pair with miso soup and steamed dumplings to build out a satisfyingly vibrant spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the ingredients in glass jars for colorful, portable lunch salads, or use a big platter and arrange the veggies and noodles in artful rows—like a deconstructed spring roll! Serve in lettuce cups for an interactive appetizer, or add edible flowers for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spring Roll Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Because the vegetables are sturdy and the dressing is balanced, this salad stays crisp and lively longer than most—though best within 24 hours for maximum crunch.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe since the fresh vegetables and noodles lose their crisp texture and vibrant color once thawed. If you’re planning meals ahead, it’s best to prep the components (dressing and veggies) separately and assemble just before serving for that fresh-salad magic.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold for the best texture and flavor, so no reheating is needed. If you’d like a warm element, add freshly grilled proteins like warm tofu or shrimp on top just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this Spring Roll Salad Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos in the dressing, and double-check that your rice noodles are gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s super easy to adapt.
What protein can I add to make this more filling?
This Spring Roll Salad Recipe is fantastic with sliced grilled chicken, seared tofu, poached shrimp, or even leftover steak. Any of these will turn the salad into a hearty, complete meal.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep all the veggies and make the dressing up to a day ahead! For the best texture, store them separately and toss together just before serving. If you assemble fully, serve within two hours for peak crunch.
What’s the best way to keep the noodles from clumping?
After cooking the rice noodles, rinse them under cold water, drain well, and toss with just a splash of sesame oil to keep them slick and prevent sticking until you mix everything together.
How spicy is this dish?
The basic Spring Roll Salad Recipe is very mild. The chili flakes in the dressing are totally optional, so you can dial up or omit the heat depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dish that’s fresh, colorful, and incredibly satisfying, this Spring Roll Salad Recipe is your ticket to flavor paradise. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen—I promise, it tastes like a celebration in every bowl!
Print
Spring Roll Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This refreshing Spring Roll Salad Recipe captures all the flavors of traditional spring rolls in a light and vibrant salad. Crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a zesty dressing make this dish a perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups shredded Napa cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cooked rice noodles
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, rice noodles, bell pepper, cucumber, mint, cilantro, and green onions.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Top with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds if using.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Notes
- For added protein, top with grilled shrimp, tofu, or sliced chicken.
- Use spiralized vegetables instead of noodles for a low-carb option.
- This salad is best served chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg