Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the freshest vegetables and a few pantry staples that make the dressing sing. When I shop for this salad, I always go for crisp cucumbers, bright carrots, and fragrant herbs like cilantro and mint, which bring that authentic fresh flavor. The ginger in the dressing is essential — fresh is best, but if you’re in a pinch, high-quality ground ginger works too. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this vibrant salad:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 large cucumber, julienned
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup cooked shrimp or tofu (optional for protein)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for crunch)
- For the Spicy Ginger Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
If you want to make this vegan, just skip the shrimp and use tofu or more crunchy veggies. I also love swapping peanuts for cashews or toasted sesame seeds depending on what’s in my pantry.
Instructions
- Prepare all your vegetables by washing, peeling, and julienning them into thin strips. This step is key for easy rolling and a balanced bite.
- If using shrimp, cook them until just opaque and let cool. For tofu, press out excess moisture, then pan-fry until golden on all sides.
- Fill a large shallow dish or pie pan with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds until it softens but is still slightly firm — it will continue to soften as you roll.
- Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean, damp kitchen towel. Arrange a small handful of veggies, herbs, and protein near the bottom third of the wrapper.
- Fold the sides in, then tightly roll from the bottom up, sealing the filling inside. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking.
- Serve the spring rolls whole or sliced in half, drizzled with the spicy ginger dressing and sprinkled with chopped peanuts for extra texture.
One trick I learned is to keep a damp towel over the prepared rolls to prevent them from drying out while you finish rolling the batch. It saves a lot of frustration and keeps everything fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing, recipe, cooking, food
