Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Introduction

The Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce are a light, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. These spring rolls are filled with an assortment of crisp vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. The vibrant colors and satisfying crunch make them a refreshing choice for any occasion.

What sets these rolls apart is the creamy, rich peanut dipping sauce. Made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a hint of sweetness, this sauce adds a savory and tangy touch that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients. It’s a versatile pairing that makes the rolls irresistible and enhances their flavor with every bite.

Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce are ideal as a healthy snack, a party appetizer, or a light meal. They can be made ahead for meal prep or assembled as a fun DIY activity with friends and family. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed solo, these rolls are a delightful way to add color, nutrition, and bold flavors to your table!

Perfect for:

Healthy appetizers or light meals
Vegan and gluten-free diets (if using gluten-free soy sauce)
Quick meal prep or portable lunches
Refreshing summer snacks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why the Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce will become a household favorite:

Healthy & Fresh: Packed with raw vegetables and fresh herbs.
Customizable: Add your favorite fillings or proteins to make them your own.
Quick to Prepare: Minimal cooking is required; just chop, roll, and dip!
Crowd-Pleaser: A visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress guests.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 20 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for the peanut sauce)
Servings: 4 (2 spring rolls per serving)
Calories per serving: Approximately 220 calories
Key Nutrients: Fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats

Ingredients

For the Spring Rolls:

8 rice paper wrappers
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup red bell peppers, julienned
1 cup cucumber, julienned
1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup cooked rice noodles (optional)

For the Peanut Sauce:

1/3 cup peanut butter (natural, unsweetened preferred)
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup warm water (adjust for consistency)
1 tsp sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for spice)

Ingredient Highlights

Rice Paper Wrappers: The perfect vessel for fresh ingredients, soft and pliable when soaked.
Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro add an aromatic, refreshing flavor.
Peanut Sauce: Creamy, savory, and slightly sweet, it ties everything together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Peanut Sauce:

Mix Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, and warm water. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
Add Spice (Optional):
Stir in sriracha or chili flakes for a hint of heat. Set the sauce aside.

Assemble the Spring Rolls:

Prepare Wrappers:
Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 10–15 seconds, until soft and pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface or damp kitchen towel.
Add Fillings:
Place a small amount of carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, purple cabbage, and fresh herbs in the center of the wrapper. Add rice noodles if using.
Roll the Wrapper:
Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings.

Serve:

Plate and Dip:
Arrange the spring rolls on a platter and serve with the peanut sauce for dipping.

How to Serve

The Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce can be enjoyed as:

A light appetizer or snack
A side dish for an Asian-inspired meal
A healthy lunch or dinner option paired with a salad

Additional Tips

Use Fresh, Crisp Vegetables: Choose fresh vegetables like julienned carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and shredded lettuce or cabbage. Avoid soggy or overripe produce for a crisp bite.
Soften Rice Paper Properly: Dip the rice paper in lukewarm water for just 3-5 seconds. It will continue to soften as you roll. Avoid over-soaking, which makes it too sticky and prone to tearing.
Add Herbs for Flavor: Fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or mint add an aromatic and authentic touch. Don’t skip them!
Layer Ingredients Strategically: Place sturdier ingredients like lettuce first to prevent delicate ones (like noodles) from poking through the rice paper.
Include Protein Options: For variety, add tofu, shrimp, or cooked chicken. Marinate them beforehand for extra flavor.
Use Vermicelli Noodles Sparingly: Don’t overload with noodles; it can make rolling difficult and take away from the freshness of the veggies.
Keep Rolls Tightly Packed: Roll firmly but gently. Too loose, and they’ll fall apart; too tight, and the rice paper might rip.
Balance the Flavors: Adjust the sauce to taste by balancing sweet (honey or sugar), salty (soy sauce), tangy (lime juice), and spicy (Sriracha or chili).
Thin Sauce for Dipping: If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of warm water or coconut milk.
Garnish for Presentation: Serve with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil on top of the sauce for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.

Recipe Variations

Avocado & Mango Spring Rolls: For a refreshing take, you can make these spring rolls with slices of creamy avocado, sweet mango, and a mix of crunchy vegetables like lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint. The peanut sauce for these rolls can be made by blending smooth peanut butter with lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of honey for a light sweetness.
Spicy Thai Spring Rolls: If you love heat, this variation is perfect. You can combine shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, Thai basil, mint, and slices of jalapeños for a spicy kick. The peanut sauce gets a bit of extra flavor with red curry paste, lime juice, fish sauce, and a dash of chili flakes to balance the spiciness.
Tofu & Vegetables Spring Rolls: These spring rolls are packed with plant-based protein, featuring marinated tofu, cucumber, shredded carrots, spinach, and cilantro. For the peanut sauce, mix creamy peanut butter with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a little sesame oil to create a savory dipping sauce.
Rainbow Veggie Spring Rolls: A vibrant and colorful version of vegetable spring rolls, these include a mix of red cabbage, yellow bell peppers, purple cabbage, carrots, and fresh herbs. The peanut sauce is tangy and light, made from a combination of peanut butter, apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and lime juice.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Spring Rolls: This variation brings in a hearty, comforting flavor with roasted sweet potato, black beans, corn, and a bit of cilantro and lime for freshness. The peanut sauce can be enriched with a touch of cumin, chili powder, and lime juice, creating a southwestern-inspired dip.
Crispy Lotus Root Spring Rolls: For a more exotic twist, try crispy lotus root slices paired with bell peppers, lettuce, carrots, and basil. The peanut sauce for these rolls gets a savory edge with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and chili paste for a bit of heat.
Kimchi & Veggie Spring Rolls: These spring rolls bring a zesty, fermented kick with the addition of kimchi, alongside cucumber, carrots, spinach, and scallions. The peanut sauce takes on a Korean-inspired flavor when combined with gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, vinegar, and honey for a balance of sweet and spicy.
Cucumber & Herb Spring Rolls: If you’re after a lighter option, cucumber ribbons, basil, cilantro, lettuce, and mint make a refreshing filling for these spring rolls. The peanut sauce can be kept light as well, combining rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of honey for a fresh and tangy flavor.
Mushroom & Garlic Spring Rolls: For an earthy, umami-packed version, sauté shiitake mushrooms with garlic and pair them with spinach, carrots, and red bell peppers. The peanut sauce here combines peanut butter with garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, and a little brown sugar for richness and depth.
Roasted Vegetables Spring Rolls: These spring rolls are perfect for using up leftover roasted vegetables. Try a combination of roasted zucchini, eggplant, carrots, and bell peppers, finished off with fresh parsley for added brightness. The peanut sauce here can include roasted peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, and a pinch of smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store the assembled rolls in an airtight container with damp paper towels between layers to prevent sticking. Consume within 24 hours for the best freshness.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the rice paper wrappers will lose their texture.

Special Equipment

Julienne Peeler or Mandoline: For evenly cut vegetables.
Shallow Dish: For soaking the rice paper wrappers.

FAQ Section

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, but store them with damp paper towels to prevent the wrappers from drying out.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter work as great alternatives.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Can I bake or fry the spring rolls?
These are fresh spring rolls, but you can fry or bake them for a crispy variation.
What other vegetables can I use?
Try zucchini, radishes, or bean sprouts for additional crunch and variety.

Conclusion

The Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce are a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Packed with crisp, colorful veggies and wrapped in delicate rice paper, these spring rolls deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite.

What truly sets them apart is the creamy, savory-sweet peanut sauce that pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients. It’s a versatile dish, allowing you to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or even tofu for added protein. Whether you’re hosting guests or looking for a light, healthy snack, these spring rolls are an excellent choice.

Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, the Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve them as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a refreshing side dish, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures!