“`html
If you’re looking for a refreshing, vibrant, and delightfully tangy dish to brighten your mealtime, this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Packed with crisp mixed greens, juicy shrimp, fresh herbs, and delicate rice noodles, all tossed in a bold and zesty ginger dressing with just the right kick of spice, this salad combines every texture and flavor you hope for in a light yet satisfying meal. It’s the perfect balance of fresh and spicy that feels both indulgent and healthy at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and thoughtfully selected ingredients form the heart of this salad, each bringing its own unique zing, crunch, or freshness so you get the perfect harmony in every bite.
- 2 cups mixed greens: The crisp, leafy base adds freshness and volume to the dish.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and a bright splash of orange color.
- 1 cup sliced cucumber: Brings a cool crunch that balances out the spices beautifully.
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Offers a mild sweetness and vibrant color pop.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Gives an irresistible fresh and citrusy aroma.
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped: Adds an unexpected cooling freshness that lifts the whole salad.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Provides a gentle bite and enhances the savory notes.
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, sliced: Tender protein that adds a satisfying seafood touch.
- 1/2 cup rice noodles, cooked: Soft and light, these noodles give that authentic spring roll feel without the wrap.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: For nutty crunch and an appealing finishing touch.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Lends that gentle tanginess essential for the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory depth and umami flavor to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the heat and acidity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: The star of the dressing, providing warmth and zest.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Lends a mild pungency and depth to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the entire dish with fresh citrus notes.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Packs the salad with gentle heat and a smoky undertone.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps emulsify and smooth out the dressing’s flavors.
How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping all your fresh ingredients. Make sure to rinse and dry the mixed greens well so they remain crisp and not soggy. Shred the carrots finely to get that perfect texture, and slice the cucumber and red bell pepper thinly for delicate bites that complement every forkful. Don’t forget to chop the cilantro, mint, and green onions finely—these herbs are what give this salad its unforgettable, fresh garden feel.
Step 2: Add the Protein and Noodles
Slice the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and toss them gently into your bowl of veggies. This adds a lovely layers of protein and subtle sweetness. Next, cook and drain the rice noodles, serving them on the side for now to preserve their tender, chewy texture until mixing.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Spicy Ginger Dressing
Take a small bowl and combine freshly grated ginger and minced garlic for that aromatic base. Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and sriracha sauce—it’s this magic mix that brings together sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Whisk everything thoroughly, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify, creating a silky dressing that beautifully coats every ingredient.
Step 4: Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour your spicy ginger dressing over the salad bowl and toss everything gently, ensuring that every leaf, noodle, and shrimp piece gets a perfect kiss of flavor. The dressing’s zest pairs wonderfully with the fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables, turning the salad into an irresistible harmony of textures and tastes.
Step 5: Add Sesame Seeds and Final Toss
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for that extra dimension of nuttiness and crunch, a subtle finishing touch that makes every bite feel considered and special.
Step 6: Chill or Serve Immediately
This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe shines best fresh, but if you want the flavors to blend a little more, refrigerate for up to an hour before serving. Just remember to toss it again gently before plating.
How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring a new level of excitement. Try adding extra chopped mint or cilantro on top for even more brightness. A wedge of lime on the side invites your guests to add an extra splash of citrus. Crushed peanuts or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil can also elevate the flavor profile and texture beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad itself can be a full meal, but it pairs wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides like steamed edamame, crispy spring rolls, or even a small bowl of miso soup. These add variety without overpowering the fresh and spicy charm of the main salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in individual clear glasses or small bowls layered with noodles at the bottom and herbs on top for a striking visual effect. You can also spoon it into rice paper wrappers to create handheld spring roll cups—a playful way to enjoy this healthy salad!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately for best results. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge and the dressing in a sealed jar. When you’re ready to eat, toss them together fresh to maintain the crunch and vibrant flavors.
Freezing
This recipe doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh vegetables and delicate noodles. The textures would become mushy and the herbs lose their brightness, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Reheating
Because this salad is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended. If you want to enjoy leftovers, simply let them come to room temperature or add a few fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime to refresh the salad before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the shrimp and substitute with firm tofu or extra crunchy vegetables like snap peas or shredded cabbage to keep it hearty and delicious.
How spicy is the Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe?
The heat comes from sriracha, so you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less, or swapping it for a milder chili sauce if you prefer.
Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, cooked pork, or even marinated tempeh can all work beautifully with this salad’s bright flavors.
What kind of rice noodles should I use?
Thin rice vermicelli noodles work best because they’re light and delicate, allowing the fresh ingredients to shine without making the salad too heavy.
How long can I keep the dressing?
The spicy ginger dressing can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it on other salads or as a dipping sauce.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe enough when you want something fresh, flavorful, and a little bit fun to prepare. The balance of crunchy vegetables, bright herbs, tender shrimp, and that intoxicating ginger-spicy dressing creates an experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Give it a try and see how it instantly livens up your meal rotation!
“`
Print
Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Spring Roll Salad featuring mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, tender shrimp, and delicate rice noodles, all tossed in a zesty and spicy ginger dressing. This light and flavorful salad captures the essence of traditional spring rolls in an easy-to-make bowl, perfect as a healthy lunch or light dinner.
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 rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: Rinse and dry the mixed greens thoroughly, then place them in a large salad bowl. Shred the carrots and add them to the bowl. Thinly slice the cucumber and red bell pepper and add both to the bowl. Finely chop the fresh cilantro, fresh mint, and green onions, then sprinkle them over the vegetables.
- Add the Protein and Noodles: Slice the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad bowl. Place the cooked rice noodles separately for now.
- Make the Spicy Ginger Dressing: In a small bowl, grate the fresh ginger and add the minced garlic. Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and sriracha sauce. Whisk the ingredients together, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuing to whisk, creating a smooth, emulsified dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the dressing evenly coats the vegetables, shrimp, and noodles.
- Add the Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for up to one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and add tofu or extra vegetables.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce if gluten intolerance is a concern.
- Rice noodles can be substituted with thinly sliced zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- The salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to an hour without losing its crispness.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce in the dressing to control the spiciness.
