There is no better Summer recipe than these fresh veggie spring rolls featuring a vibrant rainbow of veggies, fresh herbs, and vermicelli noodles wrapped in spring roll rice wrappers and served with the perfect peanut dipping sauce. These are so easy to make and only take about 15 minutes to prepare. Perfect for meal prep, a fresh light lunch, or a beautiful appetizer for entertaining.
When the weather warms up I crave fresh crispy crunchy veggies and these spring rolls fit the bill. No one wants to turn on an oven or a stove when it’s blazingly hot, and these bad boys require no heat, no dishes, and no complicated steps. Gluten-free, dairy-free, healthy, and ready in only a few minutes.
Nutritional Benefits
There is no doubt that these veggie spring rolls are bursting with fresh healthy ingredients, but here is a closer look at even more reasons to love them:
- Low in Calories: Fresh veggie spring rolls are naturally low in calories, and provide a satisfying yet light option for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
- High in Fiber: The vegetables used in spring rolls are high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The variety of vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
- Protein Source: Adding tofu or tempeh increases the protein content, making the rolls a more balanced meal.
- Antioxidants: Fresh herbs and vegetables are packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Preparation Methods
Preparing veggie spring rolls involves a few key steps:
- Preparation of Ingredients: Wash all your herbs and veggies thoroughly and cut them into thin strips. If using noodles or tofu, they should be cooked and cooled before assembling the rolls.
- Hydrating the Wrappers: Soften rice paper wrappers by dipping them briefly in warm water. This process requires careful handling to prevent tearing.
- Assembling the Rolls: Once the wrapper is pliable, it is laid flat on a clean surface. A small portion of each filling ingredient is placed in the center of the wrapper. The sides are folded in, and the roll is then tightly rolled up from one end to the other, similar to rolling a burrito.
- Serving: Veggie spring rolls are typically served fresh with a dipping sauce on the side. If a fried version is preferred, the rolls are deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
Customization Tips
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Ensure the spring roll wrappers are made from rice and gluten-free.
Allergy-Friendly Adjustments:
- Nut-Free: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for the dipping sauce.
- Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and tamari.
Storage Information
Refrigeration:
- Store assembled spring rolls in an airtight container, with a damp paper towel covering them to prevent drying out. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Peanut Sauce Storage:
- Store the peanut dipping sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir well before using.
Make Ahead:
- Prepare all the filling ingredients and peanut sauce in advance. Assemble the spring rolls just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a few slices of avocado or mango for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these spring rolls with a side of edamame or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Dipping Variations: Besides peanut sauce, these spring rolls are also great with sweet chili sauce or a light soy-ginger dipping sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a significant difference in the taste and texture of the spring rolls.
- Don’t Overstuff: Overfilling the rolls can make them difficult to roll and more likely to tear. Use a moderate amount of filling for best results.
- Keep Wrappers Moist: Work with one wrapper at a time. They will become more pliable as they sit, so don’t worry if they are a little stiff when you take them out of the water bath.
- Practice Rolling: The rolling technique improves with practice. Aim for a tight, even roll to ensure the filling stays inside and the roll holds its shape.
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: A variety of dipping sauces can complement the rolls. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
These Thai spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce are beautiful and vibrant and the perfect copilot to a hot afternoon. They work great for entertaining, picnics, appetizers, make-ahead lunch prep, and when you are craving an easy and fresh light meal. Add whatever ingredients you have on hand and give them a shot!
Enjoy making and eating these fresh and flavorful Thai spring rolls! Happy cooking!
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Fresh Veggie Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
Spring Rolls
- 10 spring roll wrappers
- 1 cucumber-sliced into matchsticks
- 1/4 purple cabbage-shredded
- 2 carrots-cut into matchsticks or shredded
- 20 basil leaves
- 20 mint leaves
- 1 red bell pepper -cut into matchsticks
- 8 oz vermicelli noodles
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water, divided for thinning
- 1 tbsp garlic-minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 tsp sriracha
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the vermicelli noodles for 2-4 minutes or according to package directions. Remove from heat, drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- While the noodles cook, wash and prepare your veggies. Slice the cucumber, bell pepper, and carrots into matchsticks. Shred some purple cabbage.
- Prepare a pan with water deep enough to dip a spring roll wrapper in. Soak one spring roll wrapper for 10-15 seconds in the water bath and place it on a clean cutting board.
- Fill the spring roll with a small handful of noodles, a couple of pieces of cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, two basil leaves, and two mint leaves.
- Roll up the spring roll by tucking the edges in and folding it over just like a burrito. If your spring roll wrapper is still a little stiff, it will soften as you work with it.
- Repeat with all spring roll wrappers and ingredients.
- Whisk all the peanut sauce ingredients except for the water in a small bowl. Slowly add water and whisk until it is thinned to the desired consistency.
- Cut spring rolls in half if desired and serve with peanut dipping sauce on the side. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Do not freeze.