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Take all those amazing Vietnamese spring roll flavors and turn them into an easy, deconstructed salad that's just as tasty but way simpler. You'll get that wonderful crunch and flavor without spending ages rolling anything up. This bright dish mixes soft rice noodles with loads of crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and juicy shrimp, all tied together with a rich peanut sauce that hits sweet, salty, tangy and spicy notes perfectly.
I came up with this dish after coming back from Vietnam where I fell in love with their spring rolls but couldn't be bothered making them at home all the time. Now we eat this regularly, especially when it's hot outside and we want something cool but filling.
Tasty Salad Elements
- Rice noodles: They soak up all that yummy dressing so nicely.
- Shredded cabbage: Gives you that satisfying crunch and healthy fiber.
- Romaine lettuce: Adds that nice fresh snap.
- Bean sprouts: Bring that slight nutty taste and signature crunch.
- Shredded carrots: Add beautiful color and natural sweetness.
- Cucumber: Makes everything taste cool and crisp.
- Fresh herbs: You can't skip the cilantro and mint for that real Vietnamese kick.
- Green onions: Give a gentle oniony flavor that's not too strong.
- Chopped peanuts: Make everything taste better and crunchier.
- Cooked shrimp: Brings protein and that light sweet seafood flavor.
Mouth-Watering Dressing Ingredients
- Peanut butter: Creates that smooth, rich base.
- Soy sauce: Gives that savory depth.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a nice tang.
- Lime juice: Makes everything taste zingy.
- Honey: Brings just enough sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Adds that wonderful nutty smell.
- Garlic and ginger: Pack a flavor punch together.
- Sriracha: Skip it if you want, but it adds a nice kick.
Easy Preparation Steps
- Noodle Know-How:
- Put rice noodles in hot water then wash with cold water so they don't stick together.
- Veggie Prep:
- Cut everything about the same size so it all mixes well.
- Dressing Magic:
- Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and flavor boosters until it's nice and smooth.
- Mix It Up:
- Throw the noodles, veggies, and herbs together with some dressing.
- Finishing Touch:
- Put shrimp and peanuts on top with extra dressing before you dig in.
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Different Protein Options
Don't like shrimp? No problem. Try crispy tofu, some grilled chicken, or even roasted chickpeas instead. They all work great with these flavors.
Year-Round Ideas
Switch things up based on what's in season. Try adding snap peas and radishes in summer, shredded Brussels sprouts and apples in fall, or mix in some fennel and broccoli stems during winter months.
Party-Ready Presentation
Set up a build-your-own salad station, pack individual portions in glass jars for a picnic, or get fancy with some pretty dressing drizzles when you've got company coming.
Quick Shortcuts
Grab pre-cut veggies from the store, keep some cooked noodles in the fridge, and store your sauce separately so you can throw dinner together in minutes.
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With just a bit of prep work and the right approach, this salad brings you all those awesome Vietnamese spring roll flavors in a much easier, more relaxed way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- You sure can! Pack the vegetables, noodles, and herbs together. Store the shrimp separately and keep the sauce in a small container. Combine before eating for a fresh, crisp salad that lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
- → How can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
- Skip the shrimp and swap it for tofu, tempeh, or edamame. Also, replace the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave for a vegan-friendly dish. The dressing is already dairy-free, so no worries there!
- → What's a good substitute for peanut butter?
- If you can't use peanut butter, try almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter. Tahini works too and keeps things nut-free. Swap the peanut topping with sesame or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Double-check that the rice noodles are labeled gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
- → What other proteins can work besides shrimp?
- Plenty of options! Grilled chicken, salmon, pork, or even marinated steak work great here. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you choose.
- → Why is it recommended to cook the bean sprouts?
- Cooking bean sprouts kills potential bacteria while keeping them crunchy. It's a good safety measure, especially for kids, the elderly, pregnant women, or anyone with a weaker immune system. If you're not worried about the slight risk, raw sprouts work too!