Spring Roll Salad Peanut

This spring roll salad with peanut dressing brings a fresh and vibrant twist to your table. It combines crisp vegetables with fragrant herbs and a creamy, nutty dressing that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s an easy dish to prepare and perfect for warm days or as a bright side alongside grilled mains.

I first tossed this salad together one summer when craving something crunchy and satisfying. Since then it has become a favorite way to brighten any meal, and guests always ask for the dressing recipe.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Two cups shredded cabbage: provides great crunch and is budget friendly, choose fresh with tightly packed leaves
• One cup shredded carrots: adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, look for bright orange and firm roots
• One red bell pepper thinly sliced: gives a sweet peppery note and pretty hue, pick firm peppers without soft spots
• One cup thinly sliced cucumber: adds cool refreshing juiciness, English cucumber is ideal for fewer seeds
• Quarter cup chopped fresh cilantro: brings a fresh herbal zing, pick bunches with vibrant green leaves and no wilting
• Quarter cup chopped fresh mint: adds a surprising fresh and cooling lift, choose bright green leaves
• Two tablespoons smooth peanut butter: the dressing’s creamy base and signature flavor, natural peanut butter without added sugar works best
• One teaspoon sesame oil: gives essential nutty aroma and smoothness, opt for toasted sesame oil for extra depth

How to Make It

Sauté the Vegetables:

Combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, sliced bell pepper, cucumber, chopped cilantro, and mint in a large bowl. Make sure the vegetables are well washed and drained before shredding or slicing for the freshest taste and best texture.

Whisk the Peanut Dressing:

In a small bowl, mix together rice vinegar, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, and minced garlic until smooth and creamy. Whisking the peanut butter first with the vinegar helps prevent lumps and makes a silky dressing that coats the salad beautifully.

Toss and Serve:

Pour the peanut dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat every bite. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch and a burst of salty contrast. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp freshness and creamy dressing at its best.

This salad is one of my go-to dishes when I want something bright but filling. The peanut dressing is my favorite part. I remember making this for a summer picnic, and the way the herbs and crunchy veggies paired with the savory dressing had everyone asking for seconds. It feels like a little celebration of fresh flavors every time.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers if you want to keep leftovers. The salad itself stays crisp if kept chilled, but the dressing can make it soggy if mixed too early. Use within two days for best texture.

Serving Suggestions

This salad works wonderfully as a light main course or as an accompaniment to grilled chicken, tofu, or seafood. Try wrapping mixed salad and some cooked rice noodles in rice paper for an easy spring roll appetizer using the same flavors.

Creative Twists

Seasonal Adaptations In cooler months, add thinly sliced radishes or jicama for crunch and a seasonal twist. You can also substitute some of the cucumber for steamed edamame beans for extra protein and warmth.

This salad offers a perfect balance of fresh and nutty flavors that can brighten any meal. It’s quick to make yet satisfying, ideal for busy days.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What vegetables are used in the salad?

The salad includes shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, fresh cilantro, and mint leaves for a crisp and fresh flavor.

→ How is the peanut dressing made?

The dressing is made by whisking together peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, and garlic, creating a smooth and flavorful coating.

→ Can I prepare the salad in advance?

It’s best to toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.

→ What nuts are added as a topping?

Chopped peanuts are sprinkled on top to add a crunchy texture and enhance the peanut flavor.

→ Is this salad suitable for any event?

Yes, its fresh ingredients and quick preparation make it suitable for casual gatherings, light lunches, and spring or summer occasions.