If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant textures, the Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe is absolutely the one to try. It perfectly captures the essence of spring rolls in a light, colorful salad form packed with crisp veggies, tender shrimp, and delicate rice noodles all tossed in a zesty, spicy ginger dressing that wakes up every bite. This recipe is a delightful celebration of freshness and a bit of heat, making it a joyful dish to share any time you want something healthy, exciting, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to this dish’s bright, satisfying harmony. Each component plays a role, whether it’s adding crunch, a fresh herbaceous note, or that punch of umami in the dressing. The simplicity of these ingredients lets the flavors shine in every forkful.
- 2 cups mixed greens: The crisp, leafy foundation that brings freshness and a bit of bite.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 1 cup sliced cucumber: Cool and refreshing to balance the spice.
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Offers crunch and a sweet, slightly fruity flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Brings a bright, citrusy herb note essential to spring rolls.
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped: Adds a cooling contrast that lifts the entire salad.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Provides a mild onion flavor with crunch and color.
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, sliced: Tender and savory protein that complements the fresh vegetables beautifully.
- 1/2 cup rice noodles, cooked: Soft, delicate texture that makes the salad more substantial.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch as a perfect finishing touch.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Gives the dressing a gentle tang that wakes up the palate.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings savory depth and a bit of saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the spice with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: The star in our Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe—zesty, aromatic, and warming.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds subtle pungency and complexity to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Provides zesty brightness and acidity.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: The spicy kick that brings life to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Creates a silky texture and helps marry the flavors in the dressing.
How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
Start by rinsing your mixed greens thoroughly and drying them completely so your salad isn’t soggy—it’s all about maintaining that fresh crunch. Shred the carrots finely and slice the cucumber thinly for a refreshing, crisp bite. The red bell pepper sliced thin will add sweetness and vibrant color, while chopped cilantro and mint burst with fresh herbal notes that bring this salad to life. Don’t forget the green onions—they infuse a mild pungency and a bit of lift.
Step 2: Add the Protein and Noodles
Shrimp is the perfect protein here because it’s light yet satisfying. Slice the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces that distribute evenly throughout the salad. Toss in your cooked rice noodles as well, which add a lovely softness and help make the dish more filling without overpowering the fresh veggies.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Spicy Ginger Dressing
This is where the magic happens in your Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe. Fresh ginger grated finely creates a zingy, aromatic punch that blends beautifully with minced garlic. Whisk in the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and sriracha sauce to balance spice, sweetness, and acidity. Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing, making it luscious and perfect for coating every ingredient.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together Gently
Pour your fragrant dressing over the veggies, shrimp, and noodles in the large bowl. Use a gentle hand to toss everything so you don’t bruise the greens but ensure every bite is lightly coated with that spicy, tangy ginger dressing. This step is all about melding flavors while preserving the freshness of each ingredient.
Step 5: Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds
The final flourish is a sprinkle of sesame seeds that add that extra layer of texture and a lovely nutty note, a signature touch for this vibrant salad.
Step 6: Serve Immediately or Chill Briefly
Though best served fresh to keep the textures crisp and bright, the salad can hang out in the refrigerator for up to an hour. This resting time lets the flavors mingle even more and makes it perfect for entertaining or a quick prep ahead meal.
How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the look and flavor, consider adding thin slices of avocado for creaminess or a handful of crushed peanuts for an extra crunch. A few lime wedges on the side invite guests to add a spritz of brightness before digging in. Fresh herbs like extra mint or cilantro leaves on top add a fragrant, final pop that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed jasmine rice or a simple miso soup. If you want to keep the meal on the lighter side, a chilled glass of white wine or green tea complements the fresh and spicy notes perfectly. The versatility of the Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe means it can stand as a main star or sidekick to your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful presentation, try serving the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or lettuce cups for a hand-held option. Layer it in clear glass bowls or mason jars to highlight all the colorful ingredients, perfect for meal prep or picnics. You can also turn this salad into a vibrant noodle bowl by adding more rice noodles and a protein of choice, making it a flexible and fun meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers to preserve the crispness of the greens. The salad is best eaten within one day for optimal freshness, especially when it comes to the delicate herbs and seafood.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The fresh vegetables and herbs lose their texture, and the dressing can separate after thawing, changing the overall taste and experience.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a warm dish, consider warming just the rice noodles or shrimp separately, then combining with fresh veggies and the chilled dressing for a warm-cold contrast experience.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the shrimp or replace it with tofu or tempeh for protein. The spicy ginger dressing remains delicious and vibrant with or without seafood.
How spicy is the dressing?
The sriracha adds a moderate kick, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less depending on your preference. The honey also helps balance any strong spiciness, keeping the flavor harmonious.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before using as it may separate slightly.
What type of rice noodles work best?
Thin rice vermicelli noodles are ideal for this salad because they’re light and mix well without overpowering the other ingredients.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients naturally do not contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a fresh lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side dish, the Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe is one you’ll want to keep handy. Its combination of crisp veggies, tender shrimp, and that zingy, spicy dressing is a pure joy from the first bite to the last. Give it a try—you might just have found your new favorite way to celebrate vibrant, fresh flavors year-round.
Print
Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 5m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This vibrant Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing combines fresh mixed greens, crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, tender cooked shrimp, and delicate rice noodles. Tossed in a zesty, homemade ginger-based dressing with a hint of heat from sriracha, this salad offers a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, sliced
- 1/2 cup rice noodles, cooked
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Spicy Ginger Dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Rinse and dry the mixed greens thoroughly, then place them into a large salad bowl. Peel and shred the carrots with a grater and add to the bowl. Thinly slice the cucumber and red bell pepper, then add these to the bowl along with the vegetables. Finely chop the fresh cilantro, mint, and green onions, and sprinkle them over the salad.
- Add Shrimp and Noodles: Slice the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad bowl. Place the cooked rice noodles in a separate bowl while preparing the dressing.
- Make the Spicy Ginger Dressing: In a small bowl, combine grated ginger and minced garlic. Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and sriracha sauce. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Garnish the Salad: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the tossed salad to add flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve immediately for best freshness, or refrigerate for up to one hour to let flavors meld before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the cooked shrimp and consider adding tofu or extra vegetables.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the sriracha sauce.
- Rice noodles should be cooked according to package instructions and rinsed under cold water to prevent sticking.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 hour.
