Fresh & Flavorful Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing: A Healthy & Vibrant Meal

Salads

If you love the fresh, vibrant flavors of spring rolls but want something a little lighter and easier to eat, this spring roll salad is your new go-to. Packed with crisp vegetables, juicy shrimp (or chicken or tofu), and a rich, creamy peanut dressing, this salad is a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and nutrition. It's a salad that tastes as fresh as it looks and will keep you satisfied without weighing you down.

This recipe combines all the best parts of spring rolls—fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and flavorful protein—but in an easy-to-eat salad form. It’s also super customizable: swap the shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu if you prefer, or even add in extra veggies to make it your own. The peanut dressing is absolutely delicious and comes together quickly, bringing the whole dish together in a way that’s both healthy and indulgent.

Let’s dive into how to make this gorgeous, nutrient-packed salad that will be your new favorite meal!

---

Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing: Fresh, Crunchy, and Protein-Packed

---

Macros per Serving (Makes 4 servings):

• Calories per serving: ~350

• Protein: 25g

• Carbs: 30g

• Fat: 20g

---

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1/2 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles (or rice paper wrappers if you prefer)

• 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage

• 1 medium carrot, shredded

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• Fresh mint leaves, minced (about 2 tbsp)

• Fresh cilantro, minced (about 2 tbsp)

• 1 jalapeno, minced (optional for heat)

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper)

• 1/4 cup peanuts, roughly chopped

• 1 tablespoon chili crisp oil (optional but adds great flavor and spice)

For the Peanut Dressing:

• 1/3 cup low-calorie peanut butter (I use PBFit for a lighter option)

• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon stevia (or substitute with 1 teaspoon of honey)

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon chili crisp oil

• 1/2 lime, juiced

---

1. Cook the Shrimp:

   • Start by cooking the shrimp. Season 1 pound of shrimp with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

   • Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Set aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.

2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:

   • Shred the red cabbage and carrot using a grater or a food processor.

   • Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces.

   • Chop the green onions, mint, cilantro, and jalapeno (if using).

   • Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions (usually a quick 3-5 minutes in hot water), drain, and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Make the Peanut Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup peanut butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon stevia, 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon chili crisp oil.

   • Add the lime juice and a little bit of water if needed to thin the dressing to your desired consistency. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrot, cucumber, green onions, red bell pepper, mint, cilantro, and jalapenos. Toss gently to combine.

   • Add the cooked vermicelli noodles and the shrimp (or your protein of choice) to the bowl and toss everything together.

5. Serve and Top:

   • Drizzle the peanut dressing generously over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.

   • Top with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a drizzle of chili crisp oil for added flavor and crunch.

   • Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and vibrant spring roll salad!

---

Meal Prep Safety Tips & Storage:

1. Storage: If you’re making this salad ahead of time, I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This will prevent the salad from getting soggy. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The shrimp and veggies will stay fresh, but the dressing can cause the lettuce to wilt if mixed too early.

2. Meal Prep Tip: For meal prep, you can portion out the salad ingredients (without the dressing) into individual containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply add the dressing and toppings. This will keep everything fresh and crispy.

3. Protein Variations: Feel free to swap out the shrimp for grilled chicken, tofu, or even tempeh for a vegetarian option. If you want a plant-based version, tofu works really well because it soaks up the peanut dressing flavor.

4. Customizing Your Salad: This salad is super customizable! Feel free to add in other veggies like avocado, edamame, or cabbage for more crunch. If you prefer less spice, skip the jalapeno or use a milder pepper. You can also add other herbs like basil or Thai basil for extra freshness.

---

Additional Notes & Customizations:

1. Noodles: If you want to make the dish low-carb or keto, you can replace the vermicelli noodles with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. Both are low in carbs and provide great texture without the added calories.

2. Make the Dressing Ahead: The peanut dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. It's versatile enough to be used on other salads, as a dipping sauce, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables.

3. Crunchy Toppings: To add even more crunch, consider sprinkling in some toasted sesame seeds, crispy onions, or crunchy wonton strips.

---

Conclusion:

This spring roll salad is the perfect balance of freshness, crunch, and flavor. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a filling meal that won’t leave you feeling sluggish. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can make it your own by swapping ingredients or adjusting the spice level.

Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a healthy dinner, or a meal prep option that keeps you energized throughout the week, this salad is a delicious and satisfying choice. The homemade peanut dressing ties everything together beautifully, and the addition of shrimp or tofu ensures you’re getting a nutrient-dense meal that keeps you full.

Enjoy this vibrant and refreshing salad the next time you need a healthy meal that’s full of flavor!