Name: Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 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· 4.1 from 65 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, you’re in for a serious treat with this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe. Imagine crisp, colorful veggies, tender rice noodles, and fragrant herbs all tossed in a perfectly balanced dressing that teases your taste buds with a little heat and a lot of zing. It’s light enough for lunch, satisfying enough for dinner, and utterly irresistible as a side dish. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals when you want something healthy but exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with neatly arranged layers of fresh vegetables and toppings. On one side, there are thin, bright orange carrot sticks, next to vibrant red bell pepper strips. Adjacent to these are light green cucumber sticks, followed by shredded deep purple cabbage. Scattered on top across the colorful layers are crushed peanuts and finely chopped green herbs. The vegetables have a fresh, crisp texture, and the whole dish looks bright and healthy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right for this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe is key because each component adds its own magic — whether it’s crunch, color, or that punch of flavor that pulls everything together. The ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, making this dish wonderfully approachable yet packed with wonderful tastes.

Fresh ginger (3 tablespoons minced): The heart of the dressing, adding a spicy, aromatic kick that livens up the salad.
Garlic (2 medium cloves, minced): Adds depth and a subtle warmth to the dressing.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a salty, umami richness that complements the fresh veggies.
Agave nectar (1 tablespoon): Balances the tang and spice with a touch of natural sweetness.
Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Offers a gentle acidity that brightens the entire salad.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a smoky nuttiness to the dressing.
Canola or vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Smoothens the dressing and helps it coat the salad perfectly.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 to 1 teaspoon): Customize the heat level to your liking; just the right spark of spice.
Salt and pepper: To taste, to bring out all the other flavors beautifully.
Rice noodles (8 oz): Soft and delicate, they give body and comfort to the salad.
Green or purple cabbage (1 1/2 cups shredded): Adds crunch, a pop of color, and a refreshing zest.
Cucumber (1 small, julienned): Crisp and cooling, balancing the spiciness of the dressing.
Carrots (2 small, julienned): Sweet and crunchy, enhancing the texture and sweetness.
Sweet pepper (1 medium, julienned): Brings vibrant color and a mild sweet flavor.
Cilantro (1/4 cup minced): Fresh herbaceous notes that feel like a breath of fresh air.
Mint (1/4 cup minced): Adds a refreshing coolness to each bite.
Roasted peanuts (1/4 cup chopped): Crunchy and salty, perfect for garnish and texture contrast.
Additional cilantro and sesame seeds: For topping and that final touch of flavor and crunch.

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Ginger Dressing

The secret to making this salad truly unforgettable is in the dressing. Start by combining the minced ginger, garlic, soy sauce, agave nectar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, and red pepper flakes in a food processor or blender. Blend until it’s smooth and a little glossy. This dressing perfectly balances spicy, sweet, salty, and tangy, making each bite shine. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste before setting it aside in the fridge so the flavors can meld beautifully.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Rice Noodles

Next, cook your rice noodles following the package instructions—usually a quick boil does the trick. Once cooked, rinse them thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking and cool them down. This step is crucial because it keeps the noodles tender, not mushy, and ready to soak up all that wonderful dressing.

Step 3: Toss the Fresh Veggies and Herbs

Grab a large bowl and add shredded cabbage, julienned cucumber, carrots, sweet pepper, and the chopped cilantro and mint. Each veggie brings a unique texture and burst of color, while the herbs add an aromatic freshness that lifts the entire dish. Toss together to create a lively, vibrant base for your salad.

Step 4: Combine Noodles with Veggies and Dress

Add the cooled rice noodles to your bowl of veggies and herbs. Now for the fun part—drizzle your spicy ginger dressing evenly over the top. Toss everything with care so the dressing coats every strand and shred. The noodles and veggies soak up the flavors marvelously, resulting in a salad that is light, refreshing, yet robust with flavor. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed for that perfect balance.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Finish your salad by garnishing with chopped roasted peanuts, extra cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These toppings add not only texture but deepen the flavor profile, giving that delightful crunch and nuttiness that makes every bite exciting. And just like that, your Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe is ready to serve!

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful noodle salad sits on a white marbled surface. The dish has a base layer of thin, pale rice noodles topped with mix strips of vibrant orange carrot, bright red bell pepper, light green cucumber, and small bits of purple cabbage. Chopped fresh green herbs and crushed nuts are sprinkled evenly across the top, adding texture and contrast. Nearby on the surface are fresh green mint leaves on a wooden board and a whole orange bell pepper. A soft blue textured cloth is casually placed beside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes for this salad are not just decorative but essential to elevate the eating experience. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish with herbal freshness, roasted peanuts contribute a crunchy texture, and sesame seeds add a subtle toasted flavor. These finishing touches make the salad visually inviting and more delicious with each bite.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed dumplings, grilled chicken skewers, or even a light Vietnamese spring roll for a well-rounded Asian-inspired meal. The fresh, crisp flavors of the salad are perfect alongside richer or savory dishes, balancing the palate delightfully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, serve this salad in individual clear glass bowls to highlight its colorful layers. Alternatively, create lettuce wrap cups and spoon the salad inside for a fun, interactive serving style. You can also pile it over a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves or nori sheets for a bit of playful fusion. The possibilities to make it festive and creative are endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the salad includes delicate herbs and rice noodles, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This spring roll salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and delicate noodles losing their texture once thawed.

Reheating

Since this salad is served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. Just give it a fresh toss with any extra dressing or a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors if serving leftovers.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The spicy ginger dressing actually benefits from resting a few hours or overnight in the fridge, allowing the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully.

What can I substitute for rice noodles?

If you’re not a fan of rice noodles, you can use thin vermicelli noodles or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter, low-carb option.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be—just ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes! Grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or tofu cubes make great protein additions to this salad, turning it into a more substantial meal.

How spicy is the dressing?

The heat level depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. You can adjust from mild to quite spicy, so it’s easy to make this dish your own based on your heat tolerance.

Final Thoughts

Once you make this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dish—fresh, colorful, and packed with bold flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a light dinner full of texture and excitement, this salad will not disappoint. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen rotation for healthy and delicious meals anytime.