Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

The freshness of the Spring Roll Salad comes alive with each bite, as the vibrant crunch of vegetables dances in perfect harmony with the zesty, spicy ginger dressing. It’s the kind of dish that captures the essence of spring—bright, crisp, and full of energy. The dressing, with its perfect balance of tangy lime and fiery ginger, adds just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds without overpowering the delicate flavors of the greens and herbs. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, and maybe even thirds, as the salad keeps unfolding new layers of flavor. The addition of fresh mint and cilantro ties everything together, giving it a refreshing kick that lingers long after the last bite. It’s a delightful, feel-good dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or a side to any meal, and it has that magical way of making you feel like you’re savoring the essence of a garden in full bloom.

Key Ingredients in Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Each ingredient in this salad plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of fresh flavors and textures. From the crisp vegetables to the savory shrimp and the tangy, spicy dressing, every bite is a celebration of bright and vibrant ingredients.

* Mixed greens

A crisp and refreshing base for the salad, providing a variety of textures and a light, slightly bitter flavor that complements the sweeter elements.

* Shredded carrots

These add a natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch, giving the salad both color and texture.

* Sliced cucumber

With its cool, crisp texture, cucumber adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy ginger dressing and helps balance the heat.

* Red bell pepper, thinly sliced

Sweet, colorful, and slightly tangy, the red bell pepper brings a touch of sweetness and crunch, enhancing the salad’s vibrant look and flavor profile.

* Fresh cilantro, chopped

Offering a burst of herbal brightness, cilantro adds a fresh, slightly citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the dressing.

* Fresh mint, chopped

Mint gives the salad a refreshing, cool flavor that complements the spicy kick of the ginger dressing.

* Chopped green onions

These provide a mild onion flavor with a slight sharpness, contributing an extra layer of texture and flavor.

* Cooked shrimp, sliced

Shrimp brings a savory, slightly sweet taste and a chewy texture, making it a perfect protein addition that pairs wonderfully with the fresh vegetables.

* Rice noodles, cooked

Light and soft, rice noodles add a delicate texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the vegetables and the crispness of the greens.

* Sesame seeds

Toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch, enhancing the overall texture and adding a savory depth to the dish.

* Rice vinegar

This mild vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavor balance without overwhelming the other ingredients.

* Soy sauce

A salty, umami-packed addition, soy sauce adds a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy elements of the dressing.

* Honey

Sweet honey brings a natural sweetness to the dressing, balancing the acidity of the lime and the heat from the sriracha.

* Fresh ginger, grated

The key to the dressing’s spicy kick, ginger adds a zesty, warming heat that infuses the salad with a bold, aromatic flavor.

* Garlic, minced

A savory element that brings depth and an aromatic punch to the dressing, garlic rounds out the bold flavors of the salad.

* Lime juice

Fresh lime juice gives the dressing its bright, tangy acidity, lifting the flavors and tying everything together.

* Sriracha sauce

A dash of sriracha sauce brings that signature spicy heat, adding a layer of boldness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey.

* Olive oil

Olive oil helps to bind the dressing ingredients together, providing richness and a smooth finish to the spicy ginger sauce.

How to Make Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

1. Prepare the ingredients:

Rinse and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. Set them aside in a large salad bowl.

2. Shred the carrots:

Peel and shred the carrots using a grater. Place the shredded carrots into the bowl with the greens.

3. Slice the cucumber:

Thinly slice the cucumber and add it to the salad bowl along with the carrots and greens.

4. Slice the red bell pepper:

Thinly slice the red bell pepper and add it to the bowl with the other vegetables.

5. Chop the fresh herbs:

Chop the fresh cilantro and fresh mint finely, then sprinkle them into the bowl with the vegetables.

6. Chop the green onions:

Chop the green onions and add them to the salad mixture.

7. Slice the cooked shrimp:

Slice the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the vegetables and herbs.

8. Prepare the rice noodles:

Place the cooked rice noodles in a separate bowl and set them aside for later use.

9. Make the spicy ginger dressing:

In a small bowl, grate the fresh ginger and add it to the bowl. Then, mince the garlic and add it to the same bowl.

10. Add the dressing ingredients:

Into the bowl with ginger and garlic, add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and sriracha sauce. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.

11. Emulsify the dressing:

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk, creating a smooth, emulsified dressing.

12. Toss the salad:

Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the dressing evenly coats the vegetables, shrimp, and noodles.

13. Add the sesame seeds:

Just before serving, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the salad to add a final touch of flavor and crunch.

14. Serve or refrigerate:

Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions for Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

– Pair with grilled chicken or tofu: This vibrant salad is versatile and can easily be paired with grilled chicken or crispy tofu for an extra protein boost. Both options complement the fresh, zesty flavors without overpowering them.

– Serve as a light lunch or appetizer: Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a fresh starter before dinner, this salad makes the perfect choice. The spicy ginger dressing adds just the right amount of excitement, making it feel like a special treat even on a busy day.

– Garnish with extra herbs and a squeeze of lime: For a finishing touch, add a handful of extra cilantro and mint on top, along with a fresh squeeze of lime. This little extra pop of freshness elevates the flavors and brings out that garden-fresh vibe with every bite.

How to Store Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

If you find yourself with leftovers or want to prep this salad ahead of time, here are a few simple tips to keep everything fresh and flavorful:

– Store the dressing separately: To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, keep the spicy ginger dressing in a separate container. This way, you can toss the salad just before serving, ensuring the vegetables and shrimp stay crisp and vibrant.

– Keep the salad ingredients in an airtight container: Once the veggies and shrimp are mixed together, store the salad in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but the texture of the noodles and greens may change after a day.

– Refrigerate noodles separately: If you’ve prepped your rice noodles in advance, store them in a separate airtight container with a little bit of olive oil to keep them from sticking together. This way, they’ll stay soft and ready to be added when you’re ready to toss everything together.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing! This dish is a refreshing, vibrant, and absolutely delightful way to enjoy the bright flavors of spring, with a perfect balance of crunchy vegetables, zesty dressing, and savory shrimp. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it as a side dish, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

If you’ve made it to this point, I hope you’re feeling inspired to get into the kitchen and give this recipe a try. Don’t forget, you can always print this article and save it for later—just in case you want to whip it up again!

I’d love to hear how your salad turns out or if you have any questions along the way. Did you make any fun twists on the recipe? Or maybe you’ve got a tip to make it even better? Drop your thoughts in the comments or reach out if you need any help. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 5 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 350

Description

A fresh, vibrant mix of crisp lettuce, julienned veggies, and tender herbs, topped with rice noodles and crunchy peanuts. Drizzled with a zesty spicy ginger dressing, it’s the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and heat in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 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

• 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

1. Begin by preparing all of your ingredients. Rinse and dry the mixed greens thoroughly, then set them aside in a large salad bowl. Peel and shred the carrots using a grater, and place them into the bowl with the greens. Slice the cucumber thinly and add it to the salad bowl as well. Thinly slice the red bell pepper and add it to the bowl along with the other vegetables. Chop the fresh cilantro and fresh mint finely, then sprinkle them into the bowl. Chop the green onions and add them to the mix.
2. Slice the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the vegetables. Place the cooked rice noodles in a separate bowl and set them aside.
3. In a small bowl, prepare the spicy ginger dressing. Grate the fresh ginger and add it to the bowl. Mince the garlic and add it to the same bowl. Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and sriracha sauce into the bowl with the ginger and garlic. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk, creating an emulsified dressing.
4. Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the dressing evenly coats the vegetables, shrimp, and noodles.
5. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the salad just before serving to add a final touch of flavor and crunch.
6. Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Note

• Make sure to rinse and dry the mixed greens thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad.
• If you're not a fan of shrimp, try using cooked chicken, tofu, or even grilled beef as an alternative protein.
• For extra crunch, you can add crushed peanuts or cashews just before serving.
• If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce the amount of sriracha sauce to suit your taste.
• To keep the salad fresh, add the sesame seeds only right before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

Keywords: spring roll salad recipe, spicy ginger dressing, healthy spring roll salad, Asian spring roll salad, spicy ginger dressing recipe