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Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing Recipe

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4.4 from 7 reviews

This vibrant Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing offers a refreshing, light, and delicious meal option. Featuring crisp vegetables, tender rice noodles, and a bold, zesty ginger dressing with a hint of heat, this salad embodies the flavors of fresh herbs and Asian-inspired ingredients. Perfect as a healthy lunch or side dish, it’s quick to prepare and delightful to the palate.

Ingredients

Spicy Ginger Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon agave nectar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Spring Roll Salad

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded green or purple cabbage
  • 1 small cucumber, julienned
  • 2 small carrots, julienned
  • 1 medium sweet pepper, julienned
  • 1/4 cup firmly-packed minced cilantro
  • 1/4 cup firmly-packed minced mint
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • Additional cilantro and sesame seeds for topping

Instructions

  1. Make the Spicy Ginger Dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine the minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, agave nectar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola or vegetable oil, and red pepper flakes to taste. Blend until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
  2. Season and chill the dressing: Taste the dressing and add salt and pepper as needed. Refrigerate the dressing until you are ready to use it to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Prepare the rice noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them thoroughly under cold water until completely cooled to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Drain well and transfer to a large serving bowl.
  4. Assemble the salad: To the bowl with the cooled noodles, add shredded cabbage, julienned cucumber, carrots, sweet pepper, minced cilantro, and minced mint. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Dress and serve: When ready to eat, drizzle the spicy ginger dressing over the salad. Toss thoroughly to ensure the salad is evenly coated. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  6. Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts, extra cilantro leaves, and sesame seeds on top for garnish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • The salad is best served immediately after dressing to maintain freshness and texture.
  • You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • If desired, substitute peanuts with cashews or almonds for variation.
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Make the dressing ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.