If you have ever craved a fresh, crunchy, and delightfully light appetizer that bursts with vibrant colors and flavors, then this Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. These spring rolls bring together crisp veggies, fragrant herbs, and optional creamy avocado all wrapped in delicate rice paper that’s both fun to make and irresistible to eat. Paired with a luscious, slightly sweet peanut dipping sauce, every bite is a perfect dance of textures and tastes that will impress your friends and satisfy your own cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is a breeze, and each component adds its own special touch. From crisp veggies to fresh herbs, everything contributes to a wonderfully balanced spring roll experience, while the peanut dipping sauce ties it all together with just the right amount of creamy tang.
- Rice paper wrappers: These are the delicate yet sturdy shells that give the rolls their signature translucent look and soft texture.
- Shredded carrots: Provide sweetness and crunch that brighten every bite.
- Cucumber, thinly sliced into matchsticks: Adds refreshing moisture and a cooling contrast.
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Offers a pop of sweet flavor and vibrant color.
- Purple cabbage, thinly sliced: Brings both crunch and a beautiful jewel tone to the mix.
- Fresh mint leaves: Infuse a cool, aromatic lift.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Add a herbal, slightly citrusy edge.
- Fresh basil leaves: Bring a subtle spice and sweetness to balance the veggies.
- Avocado, sliced (optional): Lends a creamy texture that complements the crunch perfectly.
- Rice vermicelli noodles (optional): For those who want a more filling roll with tender noodles that soak up flavors.
- Peanut butter: Forms the creamy, nutty base of the dipping sauce.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Delivers a mild tang to brighten the peanut sauce.
- Honey or maple syrup: Balances the flavors with just a hint of sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Offers a toasty, nutty aroma that rounds out the sauce.
- Warm water: Used to thin the sauce to that perfect dip consistency.
- Crushed peanuts (optional): For garnish and extra crunch.
How to Make Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs
Begin by thinly slicing your carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, and purple cabbage into matchstick-style strips. Lay them out neatly alongside fresh mint, cilantro, and basil leaves. If you’re including avocado, slice it just before assembling to keep it fresh and creamy. Having everything ready and organized makes rolling so much easier and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Rice Vermicelli Noodles (Optional)
If you want to add rice vermicelli noodles, cook them according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop cooking and prevent them from sticking together. Set aside for rolling. These noodles add a luscious chewiness that pairs wonderfully with crisp veggies.
Step 3: Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers
Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10 to 15 seconds; it will soften but remain pliable without becoming too fragile. Lay it flat on a clean surface, ready for filling. Quick tip: don’t soak too long or it may tear when rolling.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Spring Rolls
Place a small handful of the sliced veggies, herbs, and optional vermicelli noodles in the center of the softened wrapper. Add a couple of avocado slices if you like that creamy touch. Fold the sides of the wrapper inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up, like rolling a burrito. Repeat until all wrappers and fillings are used.
Step 5: Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and sesame oil. Gradually add warm water one tablespoon at a time until your sauce is smooth and dippable—not too thick or too runny. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top if you want some extra texture and visual appeal. This sauce is the perfect companion to the fresh rolls.
How to Serve Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your spring rolls elevates both the appearance and flavor experience. Fresh chopped peanuts sprinkled on the peanut sauce add wonderful crunch. A few extra mint or cilantro leaves on top can enhance aroma and freshness. Thin lemon or lime wedges on the side also brighten things up with a zesty squeeze.
Side Dishes
Pair these spring rolls with a light cucumber salad or an Asian-inspired slaw for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or a mild coconut curry. The fresh rolls’ crispness balances beautifully with warm, comforting dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try rolling these spring rolls in colorful edible flowers or serving them on a platter layered with banana leaves for a tropical flair. For entertaining, arrange the rolls standing upright in a shallow bowl or glass alongside your peanut dipping sauce for an interactive, fun presentation that encourages everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover spring rolls, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator and try to consume within 1 to 2 days for the best freshness. The rice paper can start to harden or become sticky over time, so fresh is always best.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for these Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe because the rice paper and fresh veggies don’t hold up well under freezing and thawing. To keep that crispness and fresh taste, it’s better to prepare just what you’ll eat within a couple of days.
Reheating
These spring rolls are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as it can soften the rice paper too much and lead to sogginess. Your peanut dipping sauce can be warmed slightly if you prefer, but it’s delicious chilled as well.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any crunchy, fresh veggies like julienned zucchini, bean sprouts, or even thin strips of jicama. The great thing about this recipe is how flexible it is to your taste and what you have on hand.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply choose maple syrup instead of honey to keep the peanut dipping sauce vegan-friendly. All other ingredients are plant-based, making this dish perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike.
How do I keep the rice paper from sticking together?
Once you’ve softened the rice paper, place each roll on a plate lightly dusted with a bit of cornstarch or line plates with damp kitchen towels between layers. This helps prevent them from sticking and tearing when you handle them.
Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare all your fillings and dipping sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the spring rolls no more than a few hours before serving to keep them fresh and the rice paper from hardening.
What can I substitute for peanut butter in the dipping sauce?
If you have a peanut allergy or prefer something different, try sunflower seed butter or tahini as tasty alternatives. Just adjust the amount of water to get the perfect dipping consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about rolling your own fresh vegetable spring rolls, and pairing them with that irresistibly creamy peanut dipping sauce makes every gathering more special. This Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe is a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious way to share love through food. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
PrintVegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fresh and vibrant Vegetable Spring Rolls are a light and healthy appetizer or snack perfect for any occasion. Filled with crisp shredded carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, purple cabbage, fresh herbs, and optionally avocado and rice vermicelli noodles, these rolls are wrapped in delicate rice paper. They are served with a flavorful homemade peanut dipping sauce that balances sweetness, saltiness, and a hint of sesame.
Ingredients
Spring Rolls
- 8–10 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced into matchsticks
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Rice vermicelli noodles (optional, quantity as desired)
Peanut Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2–3 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce)
- Crushed peanuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Veggies: Slice the carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, and purple cabbage into thin strips. Arrange them on a plate along with the fresh mint, cilantro, basil leaves, and avocado slices if using.
- Cook Vermicelli Noodles: If using rice vermicelli noodles, cook them according to package instructions, typically by soaking or boiling. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then set aside.
- Soften Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 10-15 seconds until it becomes soft but still retains some firmness, then lay it flat on a clean surface for filling.
- Assemble the Spring Rolls: Place a small handful of the sliced vegetables, herbs, and vermicelli noodles (if using) in the center of the softened rice paper. Add one or two slices of avocado on top if desired.
- Roll the Spring Rolls: Fold the sides of the wrapper inward and then tightly roll it from the bottom up to enclose the filling. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and fillings.
- Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and sesame oil. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. Garnish with crushed peanuts if desired.
- Serve: Arrange the spring rolls on a serving plate and serve them alongside the prepared peanut dipping sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu inside the rolls.
- Rice paper wrappers can stick together easily; separate them carefully and use a damp towel to keep them moist if not using immediately.
- If not using immediately, cover the assembled rolls with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
- The dipping sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or saltiness to taste by modifying the honey or soy sauce amounts.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and consume within one day for best texture.