If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It takes the best elements of a traditional spring roll—crisp veggies, refreshing herbs, tender shrimp, and delicate rice noodles—and transforms them into a lively, colorful salad. The highlight here is the spicy ginger dressing, which ties everything together with a zingy punch that keeps you coming back for more. Whether it’s a light lunch or a dazzling side dish, this salad brings that perfect harmony of textures and tastes that feels both healthy and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe uses ingredients that are simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the bowl. From fresh herbs that brighten every bite to the spicy ginger dressing that wakes up your palate, these components work in perfect harmony.
- Mixed greens: 2 cups of these form the crisp, fresh base of the salad.
- Shredded carrots: 1 cup adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Sliced cucumber: 1 cup contributes a cool, refreshing bite.
- Red bell pepper: 1/2 cup thinly sliced for a juicy, sweet pop of red.
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup chopped to impart a bright, herbal note.
- Fresh mint: 1/4 cup chopped for a cool, aromatic freshness.
- Green onions: 1/4 cup chopped to add a gentle sharpness.
- Cooked shrimp: 1/2 cup, sliced for tender, protein-packed bites.
- Rice noodles: 1/2 cup cooked, providing a soft and satisfying texture.
- Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon for toasty crunch.
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon, giving the dressing a delicate tang.
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons for depth and umami richness.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon for a touch of natural sweetness.
- Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon grated, crucial for that spicy, warming flavor.
- Garlic: 1 clove minced to boost savory notes.
- Lime juice: 1 tablespoon, adding a fresh, zesty kick.
- Sriracha sauce: 1 tablespoon to bring the perfect spicy heat.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, creating a smooth, balanced dressing.
How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by giving your veggies and herbs a good rinse and dry. Toss the mixed greens into a large salad bowl as the foundation. Shred the carrots finely and add them to join the greens. Then, slice your cucumber thinly for that crisp freshness and layer it in. Add thin ribbons of red bell pepper to bring gorgeous color and a sweet crunch. Don’t forget to chop your fresh cilantro and mint; these herbs are what make this salad feel truly fresh and vibrant. Lastly, sprinkle in the chopped green onions for an extra hint of zest.
Step 2: Add Protein and Noodles
Slice your cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and gently fold them into the salad mix. In a separate bowl, set aside the cooked rice noodles—they bring softness and balance the crunch of your veggies perfectly.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Spicy Ginger Dressing
This dressing is where the magic happens. In a small bowl, combine your freshly grated ginger and minced garlic, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and Sriracha for an exciting mix of tang, sweetness, and heat. Whisk everything well, then slowly drizzle in olive oil to emulsify the dressing, resulting in a silky, flavorful blend ready to coat your salad.
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the vibrant spicy ginger dressing over your assembled salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together so the dressing coats every leaf, noodle, and shrimp piece evenly, making sure each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Sesame Seeds
Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds to add a nutty crunch and an extra burst of texture that makes this dish truly special.
Step 6: Serve Immediately or Chill
You can enjoy the salad right away for the freshest taste, or refrigerate it for up to an hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for a more intense experience.
How to Serve Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe by topping it with extra fresh herbs like cilantro and mint or a wedge of lime on the side. A sprinkling of chopped peanuts adds lovely texture and an earthy crunch that complements the spicy dressing perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad plays well as a vibrant side to grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, or alongside a bowl of warm miso soup or steamed dumplings for a delightful Asian-inspired meal. Its light freshness balances out heavier dishes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, serve the salad in individual cups or glass jars layered neatly for a visually stunning presentation. Alternatively, use edible lettuce cups to create handheld spring roll-inspired bites that guests will love to dive into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. It’s best to keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the greens and noodles from becoming soggy.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh ingredients and delicate textures, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short periods.
Reheating
Since this dish is served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. If you want to warm certain components like the shrimp or rice noodles, do so separately before assembling the salad.
FAQs
Can I make this Spring Roll Salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the shrimp and add tofu or extra crunchy veggies like snap peas or avocado to maintain substance and protein.
How spicy is the dressing?
The use of Sriracha adds a gentle to medium heat level that can be adjusted to taste. If you prefer less spice, reduce the Sriracha or substitute with a mild chili sauce.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes! You can use vermicelli, soba, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option. Just make sure they are cooked and cooled well before adding to the salad.
Is it necessary to use fresh ginger?
Fresh ginger really makes a difference in this recipe by providing bright, zesty flavor. Ground ginger won’t give the same kick, so fresh is highly recommended.
How long does this salad keep well?
Best eaten within a day, especially if dressed. If stored without dressing, the salad ingredients can keep fresh for another day when refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about the bright colors and bold flavors of this Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe. It’s light but satisfying, easy to prepare yet impressive on the plate, and perfect for any occasion where you want fresh, exciting flavors to shine. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to salad for spring and summer days ahead.
Print
Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 5m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Spring Roll Salad featuring mixed greens, crisp vegetables, cooked shrimp, and rice noodles, all tossed in a zesty, spicy ginger dressing. This light and flavorful salad offers a perfect combination of textures and tastes, garnished with sesame seeds for an added crunch, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a 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: Rinse and dry the mixed greens thoroughly, placing them in a large salad bowl. Shred the carrots with a grater and add them to the bowl. Thinly slice the cucumber and red bell pepper, then add them as well. Finely chop the fresh cilantro, fresh mint, and green onions, incorporating all into the salad bowl with the other vegetables.
- Add Protein and Noodles: Slice the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions if not already done, then place them in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Make the Spicy Ginger Dressing: In a small bowl, grate the fresh ginger and mince the garlic. Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and sriracha sauce. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined, then gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad bowl containing vegetables and shrimp. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats everything evenly, including the rice noodles.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the top of the salad to add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors, or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp or substitute with tofu or extra vegetables.
- Rice noodles should be rinsed in cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and cooled before adding to the salad.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha for desired spice level.
- The salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to one hour prior to serving.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and aroma.
