Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

If you love vibrant, fresh flavors packed into a single dish, you are absolutely going to adore this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe. It’s a celebration of colorful vegetables, tender rice noodles, and a zingy, bold ginger dressing that ties everything together in the most irresistible way. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a show-stopping side, this salad is refreshingly simple to whip up and keeps beautifully if made ahead. Prepare yourself for a burst of tastes and textures that will make your taste buds sing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s as pretty as it is flavorful. Each one has a special role — from the crunchy veggies adding texture, to the herbs bringing fresh brightness, and that spicy ginger dressing delivering an unforgettable punch.

• Fresh ginger (3 tablespoons minced): The star of the dressing, delivering a warm, spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
• Garlic (2 medium cloves minced): Adds depth and a savory undertone to the dressing.
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings umami richness without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
• Agave nectar (1 tablespoon): A natural sweetener that balances the zing of ginger and spice.
• Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds a bright, tangy touch that lifts the dressing.
• Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): A toasty note that complements the salad’s Asian-inspired flavors.
• Canola or vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps emulsify the dressing and keep it smooth.
• Red pepper flakes (1/2-1 teaspoon): For customizable heat, adding a gentle spicy warmth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Rice noodles (8 oz): Soft and slippery, they provide a neutral base that absorbs the dressing beautifully.
• Shredded cabbage (1 1/2 cups): Crunchy and colorful, either green or purple adds a lovely vibrant element.
• Small cucumber (1, julienned): Offers cool crispness and a refreshing bite.
• Carrots (2 small, julienned): Sweetness and bright orange color for contrast.
• Sweet pepper (1 medium, julienned): Adds juicy crunch and vivid hues to the salad.
• Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup minced): Brings an aromatic, citrusy note that livens every bite.
• Fresh mint (1/4 cup minced): Adds coolness and herbal freshness for perfect balance.
• Chopped roasted peanuts (1/4 cup): Crunchy topping with a nutty flavor that adds satisfying texture.
• Additional cilantro and sesame seeds: For garnish, boosting presentation and taste.

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Ginger Dressing

Begin by combining minced fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, agave nectar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, and red pepper flakes in a food processor or blender. Blend everything until completely smooth, allowing the flavors to meld into a silky, spicy dressing. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Pop the dressing into the fridge to chill until you’re ready to dress the salad.

Step 2: Cook and Chill the Rice Noodles

Follow the package instructions for cooking the rice noodles carefully, making sure not to overcook them. Once cooked, rinse the noodles thoroughly under cold water to cool them down and stop the cooking process. Drain well to prevent sogginess and transfer the noodles to a large mixing bowl, giving you the perfect foundation for your salad.

Step 3: Assemble the Fresh Veggies and Herbs

Add the shredded cabbage, julienned cucumber, carrots, sweet pepper, and the finely minced cilantro and mint to the bowl with the cooled noodles. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to combine all those gorgeous colors and fresh flavors. This mix creates the crunchy, refreshing base that contrasts beautifully with the tender noodles and spicy dressing.

Step 4: Dress and Garnish the Salad

Just before serving, drizzle the spicy ginger dressing over the salad and toss to coat every strand and shred in that flavorful sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Finally, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts, additional cilantro, and sesame seeds on top to add that satisfying crunch and fragrant finish.

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to add the final flourish. Roasted peanuts give an irresistible crunch while fresh cilantro and nutty sesame seeds elevate the salad’s aroma and visual appeal. Don’t be shy with these toppings — they make every bite more exciting.

Side Dishes

This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe is fantastic on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple grilled meats or seafood. Think grilled chicken skewers, shrimp, or even tofu for a complete meal. Steamed jasmine rice or a light soup can also round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or fun family dinners, try serving this salad in individual glass jars or small bowls to showcase its vibrant layers. Wrapping portions in rice paper sheets for DIY spring rolls or serving it atop a bed of butter lettuce leaves for lettuce wraps adds a playful twist, perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps well in the fridge but it’s best to store the dressing separately to prevent sogginess. Keep the noodles and veggies in an airtight container and toss with the dressing just before eating to preserve the fresh crunch and full flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe. The fresh vegetables and herbs will lose their texture and freshness during freezing and thawing, impacting the overall vibrant quality of the dish.

Reheating

Since this salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer a warm noodle salad, consider heating the noodles and dressing separately and then combining them with fresh veggies just before serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute ingredients in the spicy ginger dressing?

Absolutely! You can swap agave nectar with honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and if you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works well. Just adjust the quantities to taste to keep that perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy.

What are the best noodles to use for this salad?

Rice vermicelli or thin rice noodles are ideal because they absorb the dressing beautifully and stay tender but not mushy. Avoid thicker noodles like udon since they’ll overwhelm the delicate flavors and textures.

Can I make this salad vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan since the dressing relies on plant-based ingredients and the salad is packed with vegetables and herbs. Just be sure your soy sauce is vegan-certified if that’s important to you.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is adjustable thanks to the red pepper flakes in the dressing. Start with a smaller amount if you’re sensitive to spice and ramp it up to your liking. The ginger itself adds warming spice but not overpowering heat.

What’s the best way to julienne vegetables for the salad?

To julienne, slice the vegetables into thin, matchstick-sized strips. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer helps ensure uniform pieces that mix evenly and look beautiful in the salad.

Final Thoughts

This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again because it’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s also wonderfully versatile and easy enough for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Give it a try—you’re about to discover a new favorite that lights up your table and delights your taste buds every time!

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