Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing, Gluten-Free
Table of Contents
The gentle rustle of spring fills the air as I cozy up in my kitchen, ready to share a recipe that’s as fresh as the season itself: Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing, gluten-free. These sunny days remind me of my childhood, where the kitchen was the heart of our home, brimming with laughter, stories, and the aroma of delightful home-cooked meals. This salad is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and memories, effortlessly bringing a touch of nostalgia to your table. It’s perfect for those lazy afternoons when you want something both refreshing and nourishing.
What I love most about this salad is how it combines simplicity with a burst of flavors, making it a true testament to the beauty of homemade meals. The crispness of the fresh vegetables paired with the creamy, nutty dressing is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a comforting reminder of why we cherish homemade goodness. It’s also a wonderful way to introduce little ones to the joys of fresh, wholesome food — a tradition I’ve cherished and nurtured over the years. And the best part? It’s naturally gluten-free, ensuring that everyone at the table can indulge without a worry.
So, let’s gather around, friends, and dive into the delightful world of this Spring Roll Salad. I promise, it will soon become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
This Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings the freshness of spring straight to your plate. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table:
- Fresh Flavors: The medley of fresh vegetables and herbs makes this salad a vibrant and refreshing choice for any meal. It’s like a garden party on your plate, where cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage dance together in harmony.
- Nutty Delight: The peanut dressing adds a creamy, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the crisp veggies. It’s a symphony of taste that’s slightly sweet, a bit tangy, and wholly satisfying.
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Naturally gluten-free, this recipe is inclusive, ensuring everyone can enjoy it without dietary concerns. It’s a thoughtful choice when catering to guests with varied dietary needs.
- Simple Preparation: With minimal cooking involved, this salad is as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat. It’s a perfect recipe for those days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Whether served as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, it fits seamlessly into any meal plan. It’s adaptable to any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinners.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up this delightful salad, you won’t need much — just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade snacks:
- Mandoline Slicer: Perfect for slicing cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage thinly and evenly. This tool ensures uniform slices, which not only look beautiful but also ensure even flavor distribution.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing all those fresh ingredients together. A large bowl gives you plenty of space to mix without spilling, making the process neat and efficient.
- Whisk: Ideal for blending the peanut dressing to a smooth consistency. A good whisk ensures that all the ingredients are well-incorporated, resulting in a creamy, cohesive dressing.
- Jar with Lid: Handy for shaking up the dressing if you prefer that method. It’s a no-mess, no-fuss way to emulsify the dressing.
- Knife: For chopping herbs and slicing prawns with precision. A sharp knife makes preparation quicker and safer, reducing the risk of injury.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
Salad:
- 250g Rice Vermicelli Noodles, gluten-free
- 2 Lebanese cucumbers, sliced into sticks
- 1 large carrot, grated or sliced into thin sticks
- ¼ purple cabbage, finely shredded*
- ¼ iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup coriander leaves
- 1 cup mint OR Thai basil leaves
- ½ cup peanuts, roughly chopped
- 20 cooked prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 x juice of lime
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Peanut Salad Dressing:
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter (or almond butter)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons sweet chilli, gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons tamari soy sauce (or coconut aminos), gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons hot water (enough to create a smooth consistency)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame oil
*optional to use a mandoline slicer
Instructions
Prepare the Rice Vermicelli Noodles: Soak the noodles in a bowl of boiling water for 5-8 minutes or according to packet instructions. Once soft, rinse under cold water, drain and set aside. This step ensures the noodles are perfectly tender and ready to absorb the flavors of the dressing.
Make the Peanut Dressing: In the meantime, combine the salad dressing ingredients in a jar and shake or add to a bowl and whisk. If too thick, add a tablespoon of hot water at a time until it creates a smooth salad dressing consistency. (Tip: for extra flavour add 1 tablespoon sesame oil). The dressing should be creamy but pourable, clinging to the veggies without overwhelming them.
Prepare the Salad and Prawns: Peel and devein the prawns, then slice into 2cm pieces. Place into a bowl and squeeze a whole lime over them. Then chop, slice, and grate the salad ingredients, optional use a mandoline slicer for the cucumber, carrot, and cabbage. The lime adds a zesty brightness to the prawns, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Bring it together: Add to a large bowl all the ingredients, drizzle over the Peanut Salad Dressing and gently toss to combine. Serve and enjoy! Ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing for a consistent taste in every bite.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: Asian • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 5 minutes • Total Time: 20 minutes • Calories: 350 • Servings: 4
Note: For a vegetarian version, omit the prawns and add tofu or extra vegetables of your choice. Consider using pan-fried tofu or edamame for added protein.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
This Spring Roll Salad not only promises delightful flavors but also comes with some surprising benefits:
- Rice Vermicelli Noodles: A gluten-free alternative rich in carbohydrates, providing energy without any gluten concerns. They are light and won’t weigh you down, perfect for a refreshing salad.
- Cucumbers: Hydrating and low in calories, they add a refreshing crunch. Their high water content helps keep you hydrated, especially on warmer days.
- Purple Cabbage: Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, boosting your immune system. It also adds a vibrant color and a slight peppery taste.
- Peanuts: Offer healthy fats and protein, making the dressing both nutritious and satisfying. They contribute to heart health and keep you full longer.
- Coriander and Mint: These herbs add a burst of freshness and aid in digestion. Mint provides a cooling effect, while coriander offers a citrusy undertone.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
This salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with various beverages and dishes, making it perfect for any occasion:
- Iced Green Tea: The subtle flavors of green tea complement the fresh, vibrant notes of the salad. It’s a light beverage choice that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the salad.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Add some protein with lightly seasoned chicken for a more filling meal. The smoky flavor of the grill adds depth to the meal.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: Enhance the Asian theme with these crispy delights as a side. The contrast in texture between the crispy rolls and the soft noodles is delightful.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: A refreshing drink option that pairs effortlessly with the citrus notes of the salad. It cleanses the palate and enhances the meal’s freshness.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing is best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to keep them delicious:
- Refrigerate Promptly: Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Consume within two days for optimal freshness. This separation prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
- Revive the Noodles: If the noodles become a bit dry, a quick rinse under cold water before serving can refresh them. This step helps restore their texture without altering the flavor.
- Toss Before Serving: Always toss the salad just before serving to ensure the dressing coats every ingredient perfectly. This reintegration ensures you enjoy the full experience of the salad’s flavors and textures.
As we come to a close, I hope this Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or a quiet lunch just for you, may it remind you of the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals and the love that goes into every dish. Until next time, keep cooking with heart and sharing those beautiful table moments. 💕
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Spring Roll Salad with Peanut Dressing, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Rice Vermicelli Noodles: Soak the noodles in a bowl of boiling water for 5-8 minutes or according to packet instructions. Once soft, rinse under cold water, drain and set aside.
- Make the Peanut Dressing: In the meantime, combine the salad dressing ingredients in a jar and shake or add to a bowl and whisk. If too thick, add a tablespoon of hot water at a time until it creates a smooth salad dressing consistency. (Tip: for extra flavour add 1 tablespoon sesame oil).
- Prepare the Salad and Prawns: Peel and devein the prawns, then slice into 2cm pieces. Place into a bowl and squeeze a whole lime over them. Then chop, slice, and grate the salad ingredients, optional use a mandoline slicer for the cucumber, carrot, and cabbage.
- Bring it together: Add to a large bowl all the ingredients, drizzle over the Peanut Salad Dressing and gently toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!
