This bright and crunchy salad is packed with fresh veggies and fun flavors. Topped with a tangy spicy ginger dressing, it’s as healthy as it is tasty!
I love how colorful and crunchy this salad is—each bite feels like a mini fiesta! It’s perfect for lunch or as a fresh side dish. Who knew healthy could taste this good? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These thin noodles add a wonderful texture. If you cannot find them, feel free to use other types of noodles like glass noodles or even pasta. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Red Cabbage: Red cabbage is crunchy and colorful, packed with nutrients. If you’re looking for a lighter taste, green cabbage or even shredded carrots can be used instead.
Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro brighten up the salad. If you’re not a fan, try using basil or parsley for a different twist. Just remember, fresh herbs make a big flavor difference!
Spicy Ginger Dressing: For a milder dressing, reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce or replace it with sweet chili sauce. You can also swap honey for agave syrup for a vegan option.
How Do I Cook the Rice Vermicelli Noodles Perfectly?
Cooking rice vermicelli noodles is easy, but it’s important not to overcook them. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Remember, the water should be at a rolling boil.
- Add the rice noodles and cook for just 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still a bit firm. Keep an eye on them!
- Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together.
This technique keeps your noodles perfectly al dente, ensuring a great texture in your salad!
How Can I Make the Salad Ahead of Time?
If you want to prepare this salad in advance, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving. This way, the noodles and veggies stay fresh and crisp:
- Prepare the salad ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Mix the dressing in a separate container and keep it stored as well.
- When you’re ready to serve, combine everything together for a crunchy, flavorful salad.
This is a great way to ensure your salad tastes freshly made, even if it’s prepared hours or even a day in advance!
Healthy Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 oz rice vermicelli noodles (thin rice noodles)
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For the Spicy Ginger Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for dressing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for a healthy lunch or a side dish. If you’d like to chill it after making, adding 30 minutes in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add the rice vermicelli noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions (usually around 3-4 minutes) until they’re tender but still slightly firm. After cooking, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to drain further.
2. Preparing the Vegetables:
While the noodles cool, it’s time to get your veggies ready! Shred the red cabbage, julienne the carrot, thinly slice the red bell pepper, and cucumber. Also, slice the green onions, and chop the fresh mint and cilantro. Get everything ready in a big mixing bowl for easy tossing later!
3. Making the Spicy Ginger Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended. Taste it and adjust the spiciness if you like!
4. Combining the Ingredients:
In your large bowl with the veggies, add the cooled rice noodles. Pour the spicy ginger dressing over the top and toss everything together gently. Make sure all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing.
5. Topping and Serving:
Finally, sprinkle the salad with chopped roasted peanuts and toasted sesame seeds for that extra crunch. You can serve it right away or pop it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Enjoy this colorful, fresh salad as a light meal or side dish!
This salad is a delightful combination of vibrant colors and delicious flavors, bringing you a fresh taste reminiscent of spring rolls—all packed neatly in a bowl! 🌱🥗
FAQ for Healthy Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Salad?
Absolutely! While rice vermicelli noodles give a traditional taste, you can easily substitute them with glass noodles, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or even whole wheat spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the noodle type.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is mostly vegan as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. Make sure to check that your soy sauce is vegan-friendly, and you’re good to go!
Can I Prep This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately in advance. Just keep the dressing in a sealed container in the fridge. Combine everything just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may soften a bit, but it’ll still be delicious! Give it a quick toss with a bit of extra dressing before enjoying.
