Bright, crisp, and bursting with vibrant flavors, Fresh Spring Rolls are one of those dishes that instantly put a smile on your face. There’s something magical about the combination of delicate rice paper, fragrant herbs, crunchy vegetables, and tender shrimp (or your protein of choice), all wrapped up and ready to dip into that irresistible, creamy peanut-hoisin sauce. Not only are these rolls gorgeous to look at, they’re a joy to eat—refreshing, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making them as a light lunch, party appetizer, or a fun DIY dinner, you’ll quickly see why Fresh Spring Rolls have become a staple in kitchens around the world.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Fresh Spring Rolls lies in their simplicity and adaptability. Every ingredient brings something special to the table, from the chewy noodles and crisp veggies to the aromatic herbs and savory dipping sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to create a platter of springtime magic.
- Rice paper wrappers: The delicate casing that holds everything together—handle gently, as they become pliable quickly after soaking.
- Rice vermicelli noodles: Light and springy, these noodles add body and soak up the flavors of the filling and sauce.
- Cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu: Choose your favorite protein for a satisfying bite; shrimp adds a classic touch, but tofu makes it vegetarian-friendly.
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage: Brings freshness and a soft crunch, balancing out the chewy noodles and soft herbs.
- Julienned carrots: For sweetness and color, plus a delightful crispness in every bite.
- Cucumber (julienned): Adds juiciness and a cool, refreshing snap—don’t skip it!
- Red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Offers a sweet, subtle pepper flavor and vibrant color.
- Fresh mint leaves: Delivers that signature fragrant lift that makes Fresh Spring Rolls unforgettable.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: A punch of herbal brightness; if you’re not a fan, you can swap for extra basil or mint.
- Fresh basil leaves: Thai basil is especially lovely, but any basil will work for a peppery, aromatic note.
- Hoisin sauce: The base of the creamy dipping sauce, sweet and savory with a hint of umami.
- Peanut butter: Gives the sauce its rich texture and nutty flavor—creamy or chunky, your choice.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth and saltiness; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Rice vinegar: For a gentle tang that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Sriracha (optional): A little heat, if you like your sauce with a kick.
- Warm water: Thins out the dipping sauce to your desired consistency.
- Crushed peanuts (for topping): A crunchy finish for your sauce—don’t forget this final flourish!
How to Make Fresh Spring Rolls
Step 1: Prep All Your Fillings
Before you even touch the rice paper, get all your fillings ready and lined up. Cook your rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse them under cold water and drain well so they don’t stick together. Slice your protein and veggies into uniform, thin strips, and set out your mint, cilantro, and basil leaves. Having everything prepped and within arm’s reach will make assembling the Fresh Spring Rolls a breeze and much more fun.
Step 2: Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers
Fill a large, shallow dish or pie plate with warm water—not hot, just comfortably warm. Take one rice paper wrapper at a time and dip it into the water for about 10 to 15 seconds, making sure it’s submerged and evenly softened. The goal is to make it pliable but not too soft, or it might tear when you roll. Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface or a damp kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Now comes the fun part: building your roll! Arrange a few pieces of shrimp (or chicken or tofu) horizontally across the center of the wrapper, leaving about an inch on each side. Add a small handful of noodles, then top with lettuce or cabbage, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, and a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs. Don’t overfill; a little goes a long way, and you want to be able to roll everything up neatly.
Step 4: Roll It Up
To roll, fold the bottom edge of the wrapper up and over the fillings, then fold in the sides like you’re making a burrito. Continue to roll tightly away from you, tucking in the ingredients as you go. The rice paper will seal itself, no extra help needed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings, lining up your beautiful Fresh Spring Rolls as you finish each one.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is smooth and creamy but still thick enough to cling to the rolls. Pour into a serving bowl and sprinkle with crushed peanuts for a little extra crunch and flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your Fresh Spring Rolls on a platter, slice them in half if you like, and serve with that dreamy peanut-hoisin dipping sauce. Enjoy the moment when everyone grabs their first roll—there’s truly nothing like that first, fresh bite!
How to Serve Fresh Spring Rolls
Garnishes
Add a pop of color and flavor with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs, a handful of toasted sesame seeds, or thin slices of red chili for a little heat. A wedge of lime on the side lets everyone add brightness to their taste. These simple touches make your Fresh Spring Rolls look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Fresh Spring Rolls pair beautifully with light, Asian-inspired fare. Try them alongside a bowl of miso soup, a tangy cucumber salad, or steamed edamame. For a heartier spread, add sticky rice or a platter of grilled skewers—just keep the flavors fresh and vibrant to match the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Fresh Spring Rolls into a centerpiece by arranging them in a colorful spiral on a large platter, or stand them upright in a glass for an eye-catching display. For parties, set up a DIY rolling station and let guests customize their own rolls—just provide plenty of filling options and dipping sauces for a fun, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fresh Spring Rolls are at their very best the day they’re made, but if you have leftovers, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or damp paper towels to keep them from drying out. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Any longer, and the rice paper can start to harden or get gummy.
Freezing
Unfortunately, Fresh Spring Rolls don’t freeze well—the rice paper loses its delicate texture and the fresh vegetables become watery after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, store the fillings and rice paper separately and assemble right before serving for the freshest results.
Reheating
Since these rolls are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. If the rice paper feels a bit stiff from the fridge, let the rolls come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps restore their soft, supple texture.
FAQs
Can I make Fresh Spring Rolls in advance for a party?
You can absolutely prep all your fillings and dipping sauce a few hours ahead of time, then assemble the rolls right before serving. If needed, you can roll them up to 4 hours in advance; just keep them covered with a damp towel in the fridge to prevent them from drying out.
What proteins work best in Fresh Spring Rolls?
Shrimp is traditional and offers a lovely sweetness, but cooked chicken breast or pan-seared tofu are great options too. Feel free to try thinly sliced beef, pork, or even add avocado or mango for a vegetarian or fruity twist.
How do I keep rice paper from tearing?
Don’t soak the wrappers too long—about 10 to 15 seconds is perfect. Lay them on a damp (not wet) towel, and handle gently when rolling. If a wrapper tears, don’t worry; just double-wrap your roll or enjoy it as a rustic treat!
Is there a gluten-free option for the dipping sauce?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making these rolls a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I use other vegetables in Fresh Spring Rolls?
Absolutely—these rolls are wonderfully versatile. Try adding thin asparagus spears, bean sprouts, shredded purple cabbage, or even slices of ripe mango for extra color and flavor. Use whatever is fresh, crisp, and in season.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Fresh Spring Rolls at home, now is the perfect time to dive in. With a little prep and a lot of color, you’ll have a plateful of fresh, delicious rolls that everyone will rave about. Give them a try and let the bright, lively flavors transport you to your happy place!
Print
Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook, Assembly
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Fresh Spring Rolls are light, healthy Vietnamese-inspired appetizers featuring tender shrimp or tofu, crisp fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper. Served with a flavorful peanut-hoisin dipping sauce, these no-cook rolls are perfect for a refreshing snack or elegant party starter.
Ingredients
Rolls
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 4 ounces rice vermicelli noodles, cooked
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise (or sliced cooked chicken or tofu)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons warm water
- 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather and prep all the filling ingredients, including cooking and cooling the rice vermicelli noodles, cooking and halving the shrimp (or slicing chicken/tofu), shredding lettuce or cabbage, julienning carrots, cucumber, and slicing bell pepper. Arrange fresh mint, cilantro, and basil leaves. Have everything within easy reach.
- Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish or pie plate with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 10–15 seconds until it becomes pliable but not too soft or tear-prone. Carefully lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface or damp towel.
- Assemble the Roll: Place a few shrimp halves (or chosen protein), a small handful of cooked noodles, shredded lettuce or cabbage, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, and fresh herbs in the center of the rice paper, leaving space around the edges.
- Roll It Up: Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper over the filling, then fold in both sides tightly. Continue rolling firmly like a burrito until fully sealed. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), and warm water until smooth and well combined. Top with crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Arrange the fresh spring rolls on a plate and serve immediately alongside the prepared dipping sauce. Enjoy fresh for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Best eaten the day they are made to maintain freshness and texture.
- For added variety, incorporate avocado slices or mango into the filling.
- Alternatively, serve with traditional Vietnamese nước chấm (fish sauce-based dipping sauce) for an authentic touch.
- Handle rice paper gently, as it becomes fragile when softened.
- To keep rolls from sticking, place them on a damp cloth or parchment paper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll with sauce
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
