These Easy Fresh Summer Spring Rolls are perfect for warm days! Packed with crunchy veggies and fresh herbs, they are light, colorful, and super tasty. Just wrap and enjoy!
I love making these rolls with friends—it’s like a fun little cooking party. Plus, you can dip them in peanut sauce and let the good times roll! 🥢
What’s great is they are so easy to whip up. I usually prepare a big batch and keep them in the fridge for a quick snack or light lunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Wrappers: These wrappers are essential for making spring rolls. If you can’t find rice paper, you can use lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative. Just make sure they are strong enough to hold the fillings.
Rice Vermicelli Noodles: You can use any thin noodle you have on hand, like glass noodles or even cooked quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just make sure they are cooked and cooled before using!
Cooked Chicken: While chicken is a popular choice, you can easily swap it with shrimp, tofu, or even a mix of your favorite veggies if you want a vegetarian option. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great, too!
Fresh Herbs: Herbs add a burst of flavor. If you don’t have mint, basil, or cilantro, you can use green onions or omit them altogether. Fresh is best, but dried herbs aren’t ideal here.
How Do You Roll the Perfect Spring Roll?
Rolling spring rolls can be tricky, but with a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it! Here’s how to roll them right:
- Start with a softened rice paper wrapper on a damp surface. This prevents sticking.
- Place your lettuce leaf and fillings neatly in the center—don’t overfill!
- Fold the bottom edge over the fillings, then fold in the sides to secure them, and continue rolling upwards until tightly sealed.
- Keep your rolls covered with a damp cloth as you work to avoid drying out.
Remember, it’s all about being gentle. Enjoy the process, and don’t worry if they aren’t perfect. They’ll taste great regardless!
Easy Fresh Summer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 12 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned or cut into sticks
- 1 cup fresh lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine)
- Fresh herbs (optional): mint, basil, or cilantro
For Dipping Sauce:
- Dipping sauce of your choice (optional): peanut sauce or hoisin sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take roughly 20-30 minutes to prepare, depending on your experience with rolling. Each spring roll only takes a few minutes to assemble, and they’re best served fresh! Enjoy them right after making for optimal flavor and crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are cooked, drain them well, and set them aside to cool. These noodles add a lovely texture to the spring rolls!
2. Soften the Rice Paper:
Next, fill a large shallow dish or pan with warm water. Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it into the water for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes soft yet still firm enough to handle. Carefully lay the wrapper flat on a clean, damp kitchen towel or cutting board to get ready for filling.
3. Layer the Fillings:
Place a lettuce leaf in the middle of the rice paper wrapper. Then add a small handful of cooked and cooled rice vermicelli noodles right on top of the lettuce. It’s important to keep your layers neat and not too packed!
4. Add More Ingredients:
Now, arrange a few strips of cooked chicken, followed by shredded carrots and julienned cucumber on top of the noodles. If you’re using fresh herbs, sprinkle them on at this point for extra freshness.
5. Roll It Up:
To seal your spring roll, start by folding the bottom edge of the wrapper up over the filling. Next, fold in the sides tightly so everything is secure, and then continue rolling from the bottom until the entire roll is sealed. Make sure it’s tight but not too tight that it tears!
6. Repeat and Serve:
Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients. Once you’ve made all your spring rolls, serve them immediately with your choice of peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or any favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
These fresh and light summer spring rolls make a healthy snack or appetizer that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Happy rolling! 🌱
FAQ for Easy Fresh Summer Spring Rolls
Can I Use Other Proteins Besides Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute cooked shrimp, tofu, or even grilled beef for the chicken. Just make sure whatever protein you choose is fully cooked and sliced thinly for easy rolling.
How Do I Keep My Spring Rolls From Sticking Together?
To prevent sticking, lay the spring rolls flat in a single layer on a damp kitchen towel or parchment paper. If you’re preparing them in advance, cover them with a damp cloth to keep them moist until serving.
Can I Make These Spring Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the spring rolls a few hours in advance! Just store them in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel to maintain their freshness, and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What Dipping Sauce Pairs Well With These Rolls?
Peanut sauce and hoisin sauce are popular choices! You can also try sweet chili sauce or a simple soy sauce with sesame oil. Feel free to get creative and mix flavors that you love!
