This vibrant Spring Roll Salad is inspired by the fresh flavors of traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, served deconstructed in a salad form with a spicy ginger dressing. It’s refreshing, packed with crisp vegetables, and topped with a flavorful dressing that brings all the components together beautifully.
Ingredients for Spicy Ginger Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar (or honey as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on heat preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredients for Spring Roll Salad:
- 8 oz rice noodles (cooked according to package directions and cooled)
- 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
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the minced ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, agave nectar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, and red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked and cooled rice noodles with the shredded cabbage, julienned cucumber, carrots, and sweet pepper.
- Add the minced cilantro and mint to the bowl.
- Toss the Salad:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together until well coated and evenly mixed.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the top of the salad. Add additional cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
Tips:
- Noodle Alternatives: If rice noodles aren’t available, you can use thin vermicelli noodles or even angel hair pasta as a substitute.
- Protein Additions: For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked shrimp, sliced chicken, or tofu to the salad.
- Dressing Adjustments: If the dressing is too spicy, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a bit more agave nectar to balance the heat with sweetness.
Conclusion:
This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing captures the essence of a classic spring roll in a fresh, accessible format. The spicy, tangy dressing complements the crunch of the fresh vegetables and the soft texture of the noodles, making this salad a delightful meal for warm weather or any time you desire something light yet satisfying. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures in this delicious salad!