Spring rolls are loved for their fresh textures and vibrant ingredients, often combining crunchy vegetables with herbs and flavorful dipping sauces. Crispy, packed with fresh, colorful veggies inside—these spring rolls are the perfect light yet satisfying snack. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something crunchy and homemade, this easy recipe brings a little joy to every bite.
Grinchmas, 2020
For my birthday, my kids bought me an ugly Christmas sweater… three years in a row. And the first world, mom drama gets worse. Somehow, it’s still 2020, there is no where to wear the newest edition. Bah Humbug. Am I wrong in assuming Christmas parties just aren’t going to be a thing this year? I’ll miss the champagne towers and sparkliness. Maybe a little less, I’ll miss trying to keep up on all the chit-chat and inside jokes of Chris’s coworkers. I’m not quite sure I’ll ever understand that. I’m quite sure he feels the same about my work holiday parties. Upside – there is potential for the sweaters to join the work-from-home yoga pant collection. And I will confidently rock it through the Spring.
That’s where I am thankful for dear friends who hosted us for a small night of fun games, good company, and delightful food. A little Christmas cheer and the snow falling – sounds idyllic, especially for this weird year! And we made some spring rolls to bring. I suppose they aren’t the most Christmassy of all the appetizers. But they are cheerful and colorful and look so, so happy on a Christmas plate. They are also pretty dang healthy, at a time when we are overindulging on all the holiday cookies!
Vietnam: Spring Rolls
I should give the credit to my sissy for this treat, she totally taught me how to make them. Hers are also way prettier! My plan is to give you my go to’s for making this happy snack, but you can change it up in so many ways! Use chicken or tempeh instead of shrimp, cut out veggies you don’t dig, use some or all of the stuff listed here! Change out the herbs (thai basil, mint, scallions), the world is your oyster! Serve them up with some tasty peanut sauce!
These are a labor of love. Prep time cutting all those veggies is a bear and depending on how many you want to make. Rolling can take some time also, but I promise, they are worth it. On the plus side, there are minimal dishes – a knife and your cutting board!
Ingredients
For the Spring Rolls:
- Rice paper wrappers
- Carrots (julienned)
- Cucumber (thin strips)
- Bell peppers (colorful mix)
- Purple cabbage (shredded)
- Lettuce or spinach
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, or basil)
Optional Add-ins:
- Avocado slices
- Cooked shrimp or tofu
- Rice noodles
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce
- Lime juice
- Honey or maple syrup
- Garlic & ginger
Directions
1. Prep the Veggies
Julienne slice all the veggies. The thinner your veggie pieces the easier it will be to roll.
2. Soften the Rice Paper
Fill a wide pot or plate with water and place one rice wrapper sheet in the water. Only place for approximately 10-15 seconds, too long and they become too sticky and soggy to manage.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Stuff your spring rolls with your desired ingredients. Don’t overfill as wrapping will become difficult. Leave about an inch from the wrapper’s edge to allow room for rolling.
Turn in the sides of the wrapper and begin to roll! Repeat and repeat until you run out of stuffing or you’ve lost your sanity!
4. Serve Fresh!
*** And then when you have all these vegetables already cut up and left over, feel inspired to make this bowl for a health lunch. For other healthy recipes try: Cambodia – Lok Lak (Beef Salad); Ecuador – Ceviche
Tips for Perfect Spring Rolls
- Don’t over-soak the rice paper—it becomes too fragile
- Keep fillings balanced for easy rolling
- Use a damp surface to prevent sticking
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste
FAQs
Are spring rolls healthy?
Yes! Fresh spring rolls are typically low in calories and packed with vegetables, making them a nutritious option.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, but store them covered with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out.
What sauce goes best with spring rolls?
Peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or soy-based dips are the most popular options.
2 Comments on “Vietnam: Fresh & Crispy Spring Rolls – A Cheerful Homemade Favorite”
Comments are closed.