Name: Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger; 2 medium cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon agave nectar; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons canola oil or vegetable oil; 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 oz rice noodles; 1 1/2 cups shredded green or purple cabbage; 1 small cucumber, julienned; 2 small carrots, julienned; 1 medium sweet pepper, julienned; 1/4 cup firmly-packed minced cilantro; 1/4 cup firmly-packed minced mint; 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts; Additional cilantro and sesame seeds for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 5 reviews

The Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe is a vibrant, fresh, and incredibly satisfying dish that brings the best of crunchy vegetables, tender rice noodles, and a zesty, bold dressing all in one bowl. Imagine a colorful medley of crisp cabbage, sweet peppers, cucumber, and fragrant herbs bringing a refreshing crunch, all tied together with a spicy ginger dressing that packs a flavorful punch. This salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or an impressive party platter. The balance of textures and the brightness of the dressing make it a must-try recipe you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass pitcher filled with smooth, thick yellow dressing with small black specks, positioned upright on a white marbled surface. To the left, a pair of golden salad utensils lay flat, shining softly in the light. In the background, a stack of white plates with a blue cloth on top sits slightly blurred to the left, while to the right, a portion of a white bowl is filled with green leafy salad and slices of pink radish, creating a fresh and colorful contrast. The overall look is bright and clean, with soft natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe performs its own delightful role, creating a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. These straightforward components are easy to find, yet they come together to make a spectacular dish that feels both fresh and indulgent.

Fresh ginger (3 tablespoons minced): Packs a sharp, warm spice essential for the dressing’s vibrant kick.
Garlic (2 medium cloves, minced): Adds depth and a savory undertone that complements the ginger perfectly.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a salty, umami richness that balances the sweetness and spice.
Agave nectar (1 tablespoon): Offers a gentle sweetness that rounds out the bold flavors.
Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Imparts a tangy brightness that lifts the entire salad.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that ties the dressing together flawlessly.
Canola or vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Provides a smooth, neutral base for the dressing’s texture.
Red pepper flakes (1/2-1 teaspoon): Gives the dressing its signature spicy heat — adjust to your liking!
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
Rice noodles (8 oz): Soft and silky, they soak up the dressing beautifully while adding a lovely chew.
Shredded green or purple cabbage (1 1/2 cups): Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch and vibrant color.
Julienned cucumber (1 small): Adds a cool, hydrating contrast to the spicy dressing.
Julienned carrots (2 small): Offer a sweet earthiness and brighten the bowl with their orange hue.
Julienned sweet pepper (1 medium): Sweet and crisp, balancing the spicy dressing.
Minced cilantro (1/4 cup): Infuses fragrant, citrusy notes that brighten the salad.
Minced mint (1/4 cup): Adds a cool, bright herbal lift that makes every bite refreshing.
Chopped roasted peanuts (1/4 cup): Provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty dimension.
Additional cilantro and sesame seeds: For topping, adding freshness and texture.

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Ginger Dressing

Start by blending together minced fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, agave nectar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, canola oil, and red pepper flakes in a food processor or blender. This creates a smooth, well-integrated dressing bursting with bold, spicy, sweet, and tangy notes. Once blended, season with salt and pepper to taste and pop it into the fridge to chill until you’re ready to toss it with the salad. This dressing is the heart of the dish, delivering vibrant flavor that ties all the fresh ingredients together beautifully.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Rice Noodles

Follow the package instructions to cook the rice noodles just until tender. Once cooked, rinse them thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down, which also helps keep them from sticking together. Drain well and transfer the noodles to a large serving bowl. Their silky texture provides a wonderful base for the crunchy vegetables and dressing.

Step 3: Combine the Fresh Vegetables and Herbs

To the bowl of noodles, add shredded cabbage, julienned cucumber, carrots, sweet peppers, as well as the minced cilantro and mint. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the colorful fresh ingredients mingle well. These veggies bring crispness, sweetness, and herbal brightness that make each bite feel so fresh and delightful.

Step 4: Dress and Garnish the Salad

When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the spicy ginger dressing over the salad and toss well to coat every strand of noodle and veggie with that amazing flavor. Taste and adjust with a bit of salt and pepper if needed. To finish, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts, extra cilantro leaves, and a handful of sesame seeds on top. This final touch adds crunch, aroma, and a beautiful presentation that invites you in.

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with a colorful noodle salad placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has thin, light beige rice noodles at the base. On top, there are thin strips of bright orange carrots, red bell peppers, and light green cucumber slices mixed with small pieces of purple cabbage. The salad is sprinkled with chopped green herbs, white sesame seeds, and scattered chopped peanuts. Two wooden spoons rest inside the bowl, one with a darker wood tone and the other lighter. To the side, there is a blue textured cloth, fresh green mint leaves on a small wooden board, and bright orange and red bell peppers next to the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few thoughtful garnishes elevates the salad experience. Besides the chopped roasted peanuts and sesame seeds, fresh cilantro sprigs and thinly sliced red chili peppers bring even more color and a touch of extra heat. These little details make serving the salad feel festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe pairs wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides such as steamed dumplings, grilled shrimp skewers, or a simple miso soup. The freshness and spice of the salad complement heartier or savory dishes, balancing out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or a casual get-together, serve the salad in individual cups lined with butter lettuce leaves for handmade “spring roll cups” that guests can pinch and eat easily. Alternatively, arrange the salad on a large platter with extra herbs and nuts sprinkled around for a colorful, communal feel. Wrapping small portions in rice paper sheets for a hand-held treat is another fun idea that highlights the spring roll inspiration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and the dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Because the dressing soaks into the noodles and veggies, keeping them apart helps maintain the salad’s texture and freshness. The salad is best enjoyed within two days for optimal crunch and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh vegetables and herbs will lose their crispness and become soggy upon thawing. The delicate balance of textures is key to this dish’s charm, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary or suggested. If you prefer a warm meal, consider adding the salad as a fresh side to gently warmed entrees instead. Just be sure to dress the salad fresh or mix in the chilled dressing right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use another type of noodles in this recipe?

Absolutely! While rice noodles are traditional and offer a lovely silky texture, you can substitute with thin glass noodles or even cooked soba noodles for a different twist. Just be mindful of the cooking times and preparation instructions.

How spicy is the Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe?

The spice level hinges on the amount of red pepper flakes you add. The recipe suggests ½ to 1 teaspoon so you can adjust depending on your heat tolerance. The agave nectar helps balance the heat with sweetness, making it pleasantly spicy but not overwhelming.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! The salad and dressing are naturally vegan as written. Just be sure to use soy sauce rather than fish sauce and check that any pre-made components align with your dietary preferences.

What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have cilantro or mint?

If you’re out of cilantro or mint, fresh basil or Thai basil can add a wonderful aromatic lift. You could also use fresh parsley for a milder herbaceous note. These substitutions will change the flavor slightly but still keep it fresh and vibrant.

How long does the dressing keep in the fridge?

The spicy ginger dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake or stir well before using if ingredients have settled or separated.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make, bursting with fresh flavors and textures that satisfy and delight every time. Whether for a quick weeknight lunch or a colorful side at your next gathering, this salad is guaranteed to become a favorite that you’ll keep coming back to.

Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe