If you are searching for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious dish to brighten up your meals, look no further than these incredible Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce. This recipe brings together crisp, colorful vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper, paired with a rich, creamy peanut sauce that bursts with tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Each bite is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, guaranteed to impress your family, friends, or even just yourself on a cozy night in.

Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, crunch, and freshness that makes Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce so irresistible. From fragrant herbs to crisp veggies and that luscious sauce, everything combines to create magic.

Rice paper wrappers (8 to 10, 10-inch): The delicate yet sturdy vessel for all the fresh filling inside.
Green leaf lettuce (5 leaves, torn): Adds a tender crunch and a mild, cooling base layer.
Fresh basil leaves (1 cup): Brings an aromatic, slightly peppery note to brighten each bite.
Fresh mint leaves (3/4 cup): Imparts a refreshing coolness that balances the richness.
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves (3/4 cup): Offers a fragrant, citrusy pop for depth of flavor.
Matchstick carrots (1 cup): Provides vibrant color and a sweet crispness.
Shredded purple cabbage (1 cup): Packs a satisfying crunch and a gorgeous visual contrast.
Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Delivers a juicy sweetness with every bite.
English cucumber (1/2, seeded and in matchsticks): Adds cool, juicy freshness to the roll.
Avocado (1, halved, peeled, seeded and thinly sliced): Offers buttery richness that complements the crisp veggies beautifully.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and enhance all the fresh flavors.
Creamy peanut butter (1/4 cup): The star of the peanut sauce, delivering smooth, nutty goodness.
Reduced sodium soy sauce (4 teaspoons): Adds umami depth and a touch of savory saltiness.
Freshly squeezed lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the sauce with zesty tanginess.
Brown sugar (2 teaspoons): Balances acidity and spice with a hint of sweetness.
Chili garlic sauce (1 teaspoon or more): Brings a gentle heat and garlicky punch to the peanut sauce.
Freshly grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle spicy-sweet kick.

How to Make Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Paper Wrappers

Start by moistening each rice paper wrapper for 10 to 15 seconds in warm water. Be gentle here, as you want them pliable and soft but not sticky or tearing. Lay each softened wrapper flat on a clean work surface, ready to be filled with the vibrant vegetable mixture.

Step 2: Assemble the Fresh Filling

In the center of each wrapper place torn lettuce leaves, followed by a handful of fresh basil, mint, and cilantro leaves. These fragrant herbs form the aromatic base for your rolls. Then add the crunchy veggies—the matchstick carrots, shredded purple cabbage, thinly sliced red bell pepper, cool cucumber sticks, and silky avocado slices. Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to season the fresh ingredients beautifully.

Step 3: Roll the Spring Rolls

Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper tightly over the filling, then fold in the sides for a neat, secure roll. Carefully continue rolling upward until you reach the top of the wrapper. This technique ensures your Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce hold together perfectly without tearing. Place finished rolls on a plate and cover with damp paper towels to keep fresh and pliable as you work.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Peanut Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, reduced sodium soy sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and grated ginger. Slowly add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water, whisking continuously, until the sauce reaches your desired smooth, pourable consistency. This peanut sauce is the perfect sweet, tangy, nutty, and spicy companion for your rolls.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange your fresh Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce beautifully on a platter and serve the peanut sauce on the side for dipping. The contrast between the crisp, cool vegetables and that luscious sauce is absolute magic in every bite.

How to Serve Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate the experience—try sprinkling chopped roasted peanuts on top for crunch, a few more fresh mint or cilantro leaves for bursts of herbal brightness, or thinly sliced red chili for an extra spicy kick. A wedge of lime on the side can also provide fresh acidity to brighten each bite if desired.

Side Dishes

These spring rolls pair wonderfully with light and refreshing sides like a simple cucumber salad, a bowl of miso soup, or even steamed jasmine rice tossed with a little cilantro and lime. They also work beautifully as a starter for an Asian-inspired meal featuring dishes like grilled lemongrass chicken or sautéed bok choy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, slice the rolls in half diagonally to reveal the colorful layers inside, arranging them upright on a platter. You can also serve these wrapped in lettuce cups as finger food or stack them individually in bamboo steamers for a charming, authentic touch that makes snack time feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap each Vegetable Spring Roll tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freshness is key, so enjoy them within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor since the rice paper can become chewy over time.

Freezing

Because these rolls rely on fresh, crisp vegetables, freezing them is not recommended as it will change the texture and taste dramatically. It’s best to make them fresh when possible.

Reheating

These spring rolls are meant to be enjoyed fresh and cold, so reheating is unnecessary and not ideal. Serve them chilled or at room temperature to savor their vibrant flavors and crisp textures.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in the spring rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce. Thinly sliced radishes, bean sprouts, or even spiralized zucchini make delicious additions or swaps based on your preference and what’s in season.

How do I prevent the rice paper from sticking?

Dip each wrapper briefly in warm water and work quickly to fill and roll it. Also, covering finished rolls with a damp towel keeps them soft and prevents sticking while you prepare the rest.

Is the peanut sauce spicy?

The spice level depends on how much chili garlic sauce you add. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to taste for a mild to medium kick that complements rather than overwhelms the flavors.

Can I make these vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Just double-check your soy sauce for gluten-free certification, and you’re good to go.

What can I serve with the peanut sauce if someone is allergic to peanuts?

If peanuts are off-limits, try a dipping sauce made from tahini, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce for a creamy, nut-free alternative that pairs wonderfully with the fresh rolls.

Final Thoughts

Making Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce is such a joyful experience because every element is fresh, flavorful, and fun to assemble. The crunchy vegetables wrapped in tender rice paper, paired with that irresistible peanut sauce, make it a perfect dish for any occasion. I truly hope you dive in and share these vibrant rolls with those you care about—they just might become a new favorite in your recipe collection!