Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing (Fresh, Fast, & Flavor-Packed)
Spring Roll Salad is everything you love about traditional Southeast Asian spring rolls—minus the rolling! Packed with crisp veggies, soft rice noodles, and a fiery ginger dressing, this deconstructed version is a weeknight win and a meal prep gem.
Perfect as a light main or a vibrant side, this salad brings brightness, crunch, and spice to your table in just 20 minutes. No wrappers, no mess—just clean, bold flavor in every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
When I want something refreshing and satisfying but don’t want to spend time wrapping rolls, I turn to this salad. It’s:
🌿 Crisp and colorful with fresh veggies
🌶️ Zesty and bold from the ginger dressing
⏱️ Fast—ready in under 30 minutes
🌱 Naturally vegan and gluten-free (with tamari)
It pairs perfectly with sips of Blueberry Lemonade or as a side to light dishes like Tangy Chicken Salad.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Spicy Ginger Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar (or honey)
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- ½–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1½ cups shredded cabbage
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 2 small carrots, julienned
- 1 medium sweet pepper, julienned
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- Extra cilantro and sesame seeds, for garnish
🥬 Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Cabbage: Napa, green, or red cabbage all work well.
- Peanuts: Substitute with cashews or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Agave: Can be replaced with maple syrup or honey.
- Noodles: Vermicelli or flat rice noodles both work—just rinse in cold water after cooking to prevent clumping.
👨🍳 How to Make Spring Roll Salad
1. Make the Dressing
In a small blender or bowl, combine ginger, garlic, soy sauce, agave, vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Blend or whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust spice and seasoning.
2. Cook the Noodles
Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water to cool and prevent sticking. Drain well.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine noodles, cabbage, cucumber, carrots, sweet pepper, cilantro, and mint. Toss gently.
4. Dress the Salad
Pour the spicy ginger dressing over the salad. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Garnish & Serve
Top with chopped peanuts, extra cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately!
🔥 Tips for Success
- Chill the noodles before tossing for a crisp, cool bite.
- Prep in advance: Make the dressing and chop veggies ahead—assemble when ready to serve.
- Customize: Add tofu, grilled shrimp, or rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
- Double the dressing to use on grain bowls or roasted veggies later in the week!
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This salad shines as a light lunch or zippy side dish. Pair it with:
- Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing contrast
- Tangy Chicken Salad for a protein-packed plate
- Caramel Apple Nachos for a playful, fruity dessert
- A side of Monster Cookie Energy Balls for a grab-and-go snack
And hey, if you’re feeding little ones while you’re at it—keep them busy with this fun DIY Sidewalk Chalk while dinner’s chilling.
🧊 Storage & Leftover Tips
To Store:
Keep undressed salad and dressing separate in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Serve Later:
Toss just before serving to maintain texture and crunch.
Meal Prep Tip:
Portion into mason jars—dressing on the bottom, veggies and noodles on top. Shake when ready to eat!
🥗 More Recipes You’ll Love
- A Light Tangy Chicken Salad
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Caramel Apple Nachos
📝 Final Thoughts
This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is your shortcut to Southeast Asian-inspired flavor with no wrapping, no rolling, and no stress. It’s vibrant, healthy, and endlessly customizable.
Give it a try and tag @Chefmaniac to show us how you make it your own—because salad should never be boring!
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