Name: Spring Roll Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar (or plain rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar); 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tbsp avocado oil; 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced; 3 tbsp freshly grated ginger; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 ounces uncooked thin Angel hair rice noodles; 1 1/2 cups coleslaw cabbage mix (purple and green cabbage); 2 medium carrots, shredded or julienned; 1 cup sliced cucumbers (from a medium English cucumber); 1 small red bell pepper, cut in thin strips; 1 cup sugar snap peas, cut in bite size pieces; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped fine; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped fine; 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped fine; 1/3 cup roasted and salted peanuts, roughly chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 86 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and the satisfying crunch of spring rolls without the fuss of wrapping them up, you are going to absolutely adore this Spring Roll Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe. It takes all the best parts of classic spring rolls and transforms them into a lively, easy-to-make salad that’s perfect for summer days, quick lunches, or whenever you want a healthy meal that feels indulgent. The dressing is tangy, sweet, and warming thanks to ginger and toasted sesame, while the noodles, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs balance it all beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl filled with six colorful layers of fresh vegetables and noodles, arranged neatly side by side. Starting from the top, there is a pile of thin, bright orange carrot ribbons with a smooth texture. To the right, a heap of shredded cabbage mix in white, light purple, and small orange bits adds a soft, leafy look. Below this, three small bunches of fine, white rice noodles sit with a delicate, tangled texture. Moving clockwise, bright red thin strips of bell pepper create a sharp contrast. Next, a pile of chopped green beans with a crisp, firm texture sits beside a pile of fresh cucumber slices, each bright green with light, watery centers. Finally, a mix of finely chopped green leafy herbs adds a vibrant finish near the carrots. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, and the scene is lit with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this salad comes from simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own unique texture and flavor. From the silky rice noodles to the crunchy snap peas and the aromatic herbs, every component is essential for that perfect balance.

Rice noodles: Thin angel hair rice noodles work great for a delicate, tender bite without overpowering the salad.
Coleslaw cabbage mix: Adds a crisp, subtly sweet crunch, plus beautiful color contrast with the purple and green leaves.
Carrots: Shredded or julienned, they contribute a crunchy sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, their coolness complements the warm flavors of the dressing.
Red bell pepper: Thin strips bring a touch of sweetness and bright red color.
Sugar snap peas: Their natural sweetness and crisp snap create wonderful texture variety.
Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, mint): Chopped finely, these elevate the salad with a fresh, fragrant pop.
Roasted salted peanuts: Roughly chopped for a salty crunch and nutty richness.
Seasoned rice vinegar: Gives a bright, tangy base to the dressing.
Toasted sesame oil: Offers a deep, nutty aroma that’s essential for that classic sesame ginger flavor.
Avocado oil: Adds a neutral oil with a fruity finish to balance richness.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings savory umami depth without overpowering the freshness.
Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to balance the tangy and spicy notes.
Garlic and fresh ginger: Minced or grated, they provide pungency and warmth crucial to the dressing.
Toasted sesame seeds: For extra nuttiness and a nice speckled look in the dressing.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to introduce a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
Salt and pepper: To season perfectly to your taste.

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Veggies, Herbs, and Peanuts

Start by getting all your fresh ingredients ready. Shred the carrots, slice the cucumbers and bell pepper into thin strips, and chop the sugar snap peas into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the trio of fresh herbs—basil, cilantro, and mint—for that wonderfully aromatic punch. Roughly chop the roasted salted peanuts for a satisfying crunch later on. Having everything prepped ahead makes assembly smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

This Sesame Ginger Dressing is what makes the salad sing with flavor. Combine seasoned rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, avocado oil, low-sodium soy sauce, and honey in a small mason jar or bowl. Add grated garlic and fresh ginger for a lively kick, sprinkle in toasted sesame seeds, a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, then season with salt and pepper. Shake or whisk well until everything’s harmoniously blended. Give it a taste to adjust seasoning to your preference—a little sweeter, tangier, or spicier if you like.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Cook the rice noodles according to your package instructions—typically just 3 to 4 minutes for thin angel hair rice noodles. Once cooked, drain them and rinse with cold water immediately to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Drain thoroughly to keep your salad from getting soggy. The noodles should be tender but firm and ready to soak up the flavors of the dressing.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, add the drained rice noodles and pour half of the sesame ginger dressing over them, tossing gently to coat each strand. Next, add the prepped veggies and herbs, followed by the remaining dressing. Toss delicately again to combine everything evenly. Then finish with a generous handful of roasted peanuts on top. This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep all the vibrant textures and zesty flavors intact.

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe

A bowl dish with thin white rice noodles at the bottom filling the bowl, topped with bright green cucumber slices, thin strips of red bell pepper, orange carrot ribbons, chopped peanuts scattered on top, and small pieces of green herbs mixed throughout. The bowl is white, placed on a white marbled surface, with a background showing a bigger bowl with more noodles and vegetables and a small glass bowl of peanuts. The image focuses closely on the bowl from the side, showing the textures of the fresh vegetables and peanuts clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add an extra burst of flavor and texture by sprinkling more chopped fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, or basil on top. A few thin slices of red chili can also amp up the heat if you’re feeling adventurous, and a light drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil just before serving adds that irresistible nutty aroma.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a main dish but pairs beautifully alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. To keep things light, steamed edamame or a bowl of miso soup complement it nicely. For a gathering, serve alongside fresh spring rolls or Vietnamese-style steamed dumplings for a festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, layer the ingredients in clear glass jars for individual grab-and-go lunches, keeping the dressing at the bottom or on the side to maintain crispness. Or serve in lettuce cups for a deconstructed hand-held experience. You can also turn it into a vibrant picnic dish by packing the salad and dressing separately and tossing them just before eating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad will keep crisp for up to two days when stored this way. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to preserve the fresh crunch.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The noodles and fresh veggies would lose their texture and become mushy once frozen and thawed, which takes away from the overall experience.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer the noodles warm, gently heat the cooked rice noodles before assembling, then cool slightly before tossing with cold veggies and dressing, creating an interesting contrast of warm and cool elements.

FAQs

Can I use other noodles besides rice noodles?

Absolutely! While thin rice noodles are traditional and soak up the dressing beautifully, alternatives like soba noodles or thin vermicelli can work well too, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, provided you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, this salad is a wonderful gluten-free meal option packed with fresh ingredients.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the sesame ginger dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make it ahead and simply toss it with your salad when ready to serve for quick and flavorful meals.

How spicy is the salad?

The salad has just a gentle hint of heat from the red pepper flakes in the dressing. You can easily adjust by adding more flakes or fresh chili slices to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled shrimp, sliced chicken breast, or tofu cubes make excellent protein additions that complement the freshness and textures wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

This Spring Roll Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly combines health, freshness, and incredible flavor into a vibrant, easy-to-make bowl. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or a satisfying dinner, this salad delivers all the best parts of spring rolls with none of the fuss. I promise once you make it, it will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy every bright, crunchy bite!

Spring Roll Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe