Description

A vibrant, deconstructed take on Vietnamese spring rolls, this fresh salad combines crisp vegetables, herbs, and optional rice noodles with a bold, spicy ginger dressing. It's light, customizable, and perfect for warm days or meal prep.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded green cabbage

1 cup shredded red cabbage

1 large carrot, julienned

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

1/4 cup Thai basil leaves (or regular basil)

1/4 cup chopped scallions

1/2 cup cooked rice noodles (optional)

1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts or cashews

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)

Juice of 1 lime

2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)

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Instructions

Prepare all the vegetables and herbs: shred the cabbage, julienne the carrot, and thinly slice the bell pepper and cucumber.
Add the cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, cucumber, fresh herbs, scallions, and optional rice noodles to a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, sriracha, lime juice, and water until smooth.
Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning to your preference.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Top with crushed peanuts or cashews and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Store salad and dressing separately for best freshness.

Swap rice noodles for quinoa or omit for a low-carb option.

Use sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

Add grilled tofu or tempeh for extra protein.

Stir in peanut butter for a richer dressing.

Try with seasonal vegetables like shredded Brussels sprouts or snap peas.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Vietnamese-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg