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Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

A vibrant, fresh salad featuring crisp vegetables, tender rice noodles, and an addictive spicy ginger dressing. Ready in just 25 minutes, this healthy Asian-inspired dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian, Vietnamese
Servings 4
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad:
  • 1 cup rice vermicelli noodles
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers red and yellow
  • 1 cup cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions sliced
  • 1/4 cup peanuts crushed (optional)
  • For Spicy Ginger Dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili sauce adjust based on spice preference

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Rice Vermicelli Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add rice vermicelli noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-4 minutes). Drain immediately in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking. Set aside to drain completely.
  • Prepare the Vegetables: While noodles cool, julienne or shred the carrots into thin, matchstick-like pieces. Slice bell peppers into thin strips, removing seeds and membranes. Cut cucumber into thin half-moons or matchsticks. Trim any brown ends from bean sprouts.
  • Chop the Fresh Herbs: Roughly chop the cilantro and mint leaves, keeping pieces relatively large. Slice green onions on a diagonal for visual appeal.
  • Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, cucumber slices, bean sprouts, chopped cilantro, mint leaves, and green onions. Add the cooled rice vermicelli noodles on top. Don't toss yet.
  • Make the Spicy Ginger Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and chili sauce until well blended and smooth. Taste and adjust spice level if desired.
  • Dress and Toss the Salad: Pour the spicy ginger dressing over the salad ingredients. Using your hands or salad tongs, gently but thoroughly toss everything together until every vegetable and noodle strand is coated.
  • Serve: Transfer the dressed salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts if using. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or sesame seeds if desired. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep extra dressing separate if possible to maintain optimal texture.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prep all vegetables, cook noodles, and make dressing up to 2 days ahead. Store separately and combine just before serving.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce in the dressing.
Nut-Free: Omit peanuts and substitute with toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried shallots.
Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for a complete meal. Marinate protein in a bit of the ginger dressing before cooking.
Low-Carb Option: Replace rice vermicelli with spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Pro Tips:
Don't overcook the noodles as they'll continue to soften in the dressing
Use a microplane grater for the finest ginger texture
Toast peanuts in a dry pan before crushing for enhanced flavor
Fresh ginger is essential; don't substitute with dried ginger powder
Keyword healthy salad recipe, spring roll salad
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