Description
This Spring Roll Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that brings all the flavors of a traditional spring roll in a salad form. Crispy tofu, colorful veggies, and a zesty dressing make this salad a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Units
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For the Salad
- 6.75 ounces rice noodles – Dynasty Maifun Rice Sticks
- 1 cup green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned or diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4–1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4–1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 block firm tofu (about 7 oz), cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-frying tofu)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for tofu; substitute with salt and pepper to taste)
- Chopped peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or crispy fried shallots (optional garnishes)
- Fresh lime juice (optional for serving)
For the Dressing
- 6 tablespoons vegan fish sauce or 6 tablespoons soy sauce + 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1–2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
- 1 heaping tablespoon sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- Juice of one lime
Instructions
- Prep the noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions (usually they sit in hot water for 10 minutes).
- Prep the veggies: Chop and prep the cabbage, carrots, cucumber, red pepper, red onion, cilantro, and mint.
- Cook the tofu: Heat olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add cubed tofu and soy sauce; cook until golden and crispy on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sambal oelek until combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the noodles, veggies, and herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Serve: Plate the salad immediately, top with cooked tofu and optional garnishes. Add a squeeze of lime over the top if desired.
Notes
- The vermicelli-style noodles are best for mimicking a spring roll but feel free to use any rice noodle.
- This salad can be eaten cold or at room temperature.
- Use a mandoline for super-thin, even cabbage slices.
- Balance the ratio of noodles to veggies to suit your taste.
- For spicy tofu, sauté with chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Mix the sauce in just before serving for meal prep or potlucks.
- Purple cabbage can tint noodles pink if left in the sauce too long.
- Nutritional information is an estimate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg