Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

These Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce are the ultimate fresh, healthy snack or appetizer—light, crisp, and bursting with flavor. Loaded with crunchy vegetables, leafy herbs, and creamy avocado, they’re served with the most luscious homemade peanut sauce that takes them over the top. They’re perfect for prepping ahead, using up extra veggies in your fridge, or impressing guests at your next gathering.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Yield: 8 servings | Total Time: 30 minutes

For the Spring Rolls:

  • 8 to 10 (10-inch) rice paper wrappers

  • 5 green leaf lettuce leaves, torn into large pieces

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves

  • ¾ cup fresh mint leaves

  • ¾ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

  • 1 cup matchstick carrots

  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • ½ English cucumber, seeded and cut into matchsticks

  • 1 avocado, halved, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Peanut Sauce:

  • ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

  • 4 teaspoons reduced sodium soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (or more, to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

  • 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin sauce to desired consistency)

Directions

Step 1:
In a shallow dish, soak 1 rice paper wrapper in warm water for 10–15 seconds until soft but still slightly firm. Place it on a clean work surface.

Step 2:
In the center of the wrapper, layer lettuce, basil, mint, cilantro, carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, cucumber, and avocado. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3:
Fold the bottom edge over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly from bottom to top, being careful not to tear the rice paper. Cover with a damp towel. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 4:
To make the peanut sauce, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and ginger in a small bowl. Add water as needed until smooth and creamy.

Step 5:
Serve spring rolls immediately with peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving – includes peanut sauce)

  • Calories: ~180

  • Fat: 11g

    • Saturated Fat: ~2g

  • Carbohydrates: 15g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Protein: 4g

  • Sodium: ~300mg

Why These Spring Rolls Stand Out

What makes these spring rolls truly special is how effortlessly they blend healthfulness with indulgence. They’re packed with fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins thanks to their veggie-forward composition and avocado. At the same time, the peanut sauce adds a comforting richness and umami complexity that makes every bite deeply satisfying.

Another remarkable feature of this dish is its adaptability. You can customize the filling to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Want more crunch? Add julienned radish or bean sprouts. Craving protein? Toss in some grilled shrimp or tofu. Going low-carb? Swap out some of the root vegetables for leafy greens or shredded zucchini.

For those trying to eat more plant-based meals or reduce their reliance on processed foods, these spring rolls offer an easy and exciting way to nourish the body without sacrificing flavor. And with just around 180 calories per roll (including the sauce), they’re a guilt-free indulgence that can fit into nearly any eating plan.

Perfect for Entertaining and Meal Prep

These spring rolls are also an entertainer’s dream. Their striking appearance and clean, fresh flavors make them ideal for parties, picnics, or gatherings of any kind. Since they don’t require cooking (aside from softening the rice wrappers), they come together quickly and with minimal mess. You can even set up a DIY spring roll bar at your next get-together, letting guests assemble their own rolls with their favorite fillings.

In terms of practicality, this recipe scores high marks for make-ahead potential. You can prepare the fillings in advance and assemble the rolls shortly before serving. If stored properly under a damp towel and sealed in an airtight container, the rolls can stay fresh for several hours, making them a great choice for lunchboxes, meal prep, or road trips.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

Spring rolls are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Here’s how:

  • High in Fiber: The carrots, cabbage, and cucumbers contribute a generous amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and supporting blood sugar regulation.

  • Rich in Antioxidants: Colorful vegetables like red bell peppers and purple cabbage are rich in vitamins A and C, which help support immune function and fight inflammation.

  • Healthy Fats: Avocado provides monounsaturated fats that benefit heart health and help keep you feeling full.

  • Low in Calories: With minimal oil and no frying, these spring rolls are light yet satisfying, making them a smart choice for those watching their weight.

  • Protein Boost (with Peanut Sauce): The peanut sauce contributes healthy fats and a plant-based protein boost, making the meal more balanced.

Tips for Rolling Like a Pro

One of the only slightly challenging aspects of making spring rolls is handling the rice paper wrappers. Here are a few tips to help you roll like a pro:

  • Soak Briefly: Don’t oversoak the wrappers—10 to 15 seconds in warm water is just enough. They will continue to soften as you assemble.

  • Use a Damp Surface: Work on a slightly damp cutting board or plate to prevent sticking and tearing.

  • Layer Wisely: Place lettuce first to act as a cushion, followed by herbs and veggies. This layering helps prevent tearing and creates an attractive presentation.

  • Tuck and Roll: Fold the bottom up first, then fold in the sides before rolling tightly away from you. Think of it like wrapping a burrito.

Serving Suggestions

These spring rolls are incredibly versatile in how they can be served. While they shine as appetizers or party snacks, they also work well as:

  • A light lunch paired with a bowl of miso soup or a cold soba noodle salad.

  • A post-workout snack that hydrates and replenishes nutrients.

  • A family-friendly dinner when served alongside a protein like grilled tofu or teriyaki chicken.

If you want to enhance the flavor contrast even further, consider serving the rolls with additional sauces like hoisin-lime drizzle, chili oil, or a tangy tamarind sauce for variation.

Make It Your Own

While this recipe includes a specific blend of vegetables and herbs, you can tweak it endlessly to make it your own:

  • Add Fruits: Thin mango or apple slices add a lovely sweetness.

  • Try Different Herbs: Swap in Thai basil or chives for a new flavor profile.

  • Include Grains: A few spoonfuls of cooked rice noodles or quinoa can make the rolls more filling.

  • Protein Options: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, marinated tofu, shrimp, or even slices of seared steak for a heartier version.

These additions make the spring rolls suitable for everything from quick snacks to full-on meals.

Why You’ll Love It

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the tactile experience of eating these rolls—the soft, chewy wrapper giving way to the crunchy, juicy, herby filling. They provide a meditative, hands-on way to enjoy your food and to connect with the ingredients. Plus, they’re so visually stunning that you’ll want to snap a photo before taking the first bite.

They’re also kid-friendly and great for picky eaters, who may enjoy helping to choose or assemble the fillings themselves. With their colorful appearance and customizable nature, spring rolls are a wonderful way to sneak more veggies into any diet without making it feel like a chore.

Conclusion

Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce are a celebration of fresh ingredients, healthy eating, and customizable flavor. They’re everything you want in a wholesome dish—light but satisfying, simple yet elegant, and endlessly adaptable. From their nutrient-dense contents to the creamy, zesty dip that ties it all together, these spring rolls are more than just a recipe—they’re an experience in mindful eating and culinary creativity.

Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or thoughtful meal prep, they offer a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re a longtime lover of spring rolls or discovering them for the first time, this dish promises freshness, flavor, and feel-good food all wrapped into one.

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