Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Okay, salad lovers and flavor chasers—this one’s for you. Imagine everything you adore about fresh, crunchy spring rolls—the crisp veggies, the herbs, the zing of ginger, that satisfying snap of texture—all tossed together in a vibrant, no-fuss bowl. This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is a total glow-up for your weekday lunches or light dinners. It’s refreshing, colorful, and so full of flavor, it’ll have you dreaming of warm breezes and sunny patios. And that spicy ginger dressing? Oh, honey. It’s the real star of the show—zingy, garlicky, just the right amount of heat, and totally addictive. Trust me, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.

Why You’ll Love Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

This salad isn’t just pretty—it delivers on every front:
Fresh and Light: Perfect for warm days or when you’re craving something crisp and clean.
Flavor Explosion: Bright herbs, crunchy veggies, and that bold, spicy dressing come together like magic.
Super Customizable: Add tofu, shrimp, or chicken to make it heartier—or keep it totally plant-based.
Quick to Make: Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, and there’s no cooking required if you’re using pre-cooked protein.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make the dressing ahead and chop your veggies—then toss when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients in Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Rice Noodles

Soft, slurpable, and the perfect base to soak up all that dressing.

Shredded Carrots

Crunchy, sweet, and full of color—they add great texture.

Red Bell Pepper

Bright and crisp, with just the right amount of sweetness.

Cucumber

Cool and refreshing—perfect to balance out the spice.

Purple Cabbage

Adds color, crunch, and a little earthy bite.

Fresh Herbs

Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil bring the signature spring roll flavor. Don’t skip these!

Green Onions

Sharp and fresh—they give the salad a gentle bite.

Optional Protein

Add shrimp, tofu, grilled chicken, or edamame to bulk it up.

Chopped Peanuts

For that signature crunch and nutty finish.

For the Spicy Ginger Dressing

This dressing is bold, zippy, and totally crave-worthy.

Fresh Ginger

Grated for that warm, spicy zing.

Garlic

One clove goes a long way—just enough to add depth.

Lime Juice

Freshly squeezed, for tang and brightness.

Soy Sauce or Tamari

Salty, savory umami goodness.

Rice Vinegar

Mild and slightly sweet to balance the lime.

Sesame Oil

Nutty and fragrant—just a touch adds richness.

Honey or Maple Syrup

A little sweetness to mellow out the acid and spice.

Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce

For that kick. Adjust to your heat level, or skip it entirely if you’re feeling mild.

Instructions

Cook the Rice Noodles

Prepare according to the package directions. Rinse under cold water and drain well. Set aside.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the ginger, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sweetener, and chili sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust as needed—it should be tangy, a little sweet, and spicy.

Prep the Veggies

Thinly slice or julienne the carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and cabbage. Roughly chop your herbs and green onions.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss the rice noodles with the veggies and herbs. Drizzle in about half of the dressing and toss again. Add more to taste.

Add Protein (Optional)

Top with shrimp, tofu, or chicken if using, and scatter chopped peanuts on top for crunch.

Serve

Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side and lime wedges for squeezing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for noodles)
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

This salad is a total showstopper and can be served:

• As a Light Lunch: Fresh and satisfying without weighing you down.
• For Dinner: Add protein for a complete, nourishing meal.
• At a Picnic or BBQ: It holds up beautifully and brings a fun twist to classic pasta salad.
• Deconstructed Spring Rolls: Serve with lettuce cups or rice paper for DIY fun.

Pro tip: Serve chilled or at room temperature—it’s just as good either way.

Additional Tips

• Spiralize the Veggies: For even more fun texture.
• Meal Prep Like a Pro: Keep noodles, veggies, and dressing separate until ready to eat.
• Add Crunch: Try crushed wonton strips or crispy shallots on top.
• Make It Vegan or Gluten-Free: Use tamari and maple syrup to suit your dietary needs.
• Double the Dressing: You’re going to want extra. It also works great as a dip or marinade!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! Store everything separately and toss with dressing just before serving for best texture.

Q2: What if I don’t like cilantro?
A2: Just leave it out or use more mint or basil instead.

Q3: Is this salad spicy?
A3: It can be! But you can easily control the heat by adjusting or omitting the chili sauce.

Q4: Can I use different noodles?
A4: Yes! Try soba, glass noodles, or even zucchini noodles.

Q5: How long does the dressing last?
A5: Up to one week in the fridge in a sealed jar. Just shake well before using.

Q6: Can I use pre-shredded veggies?
A6: Totally! It’s a great time-saver and still tastes delicious.

Q7: What protein works best?
A7: Shrimp, grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame are all fantastic options.

Q8: How do I keep noodles from sticking?
A8: Rinse in cold water and toss with a tiny bit of oil after cooking.

Q9: Can I serve it warm?
A9: You can! Warm noodles and protein over cool veggies—it’s a lovely contrast.

Q10: Is this kid-friendly?
A10: Yes—just tone down the chili in the dressing for little taste buds.

Conclusion

This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is everything you love about fresh, vibrant, flavor-packed meals—without the hassle. It’s got crunch, it’s got zest, it’s got that perfect kick of heat, and it feels just as fun to eat as it looks. Whether you’re meal-prepping lunches for the week or throwing together a quick dinner, this salad checks all the boxes. So grab your chopsticks or a fork (no judgment!) and dig into something seriously delicious—you’re going to want to make this on repeat.

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