These Easy and Fresh Summer Spring Rolls are like little bundles of joy! Packed with colorful veggies and fresh herbs, they’re light and refreshing, perfect for warm days.
Rolling them up is half the fun—I often end up making a mess, but who cares when they taste so great? 😄 Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a yummy treat!
I love how quick these rolls are to make. Just prep the filling, wrap them up, and they’re ready to go. Great as a snack or a lunch—so tasty and healthy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Sheets: These are perfect for wrapping your spring rolls! If you can’t find them, large lettuce leaves are a great substitute. They add a nice crunch and keep things gluten-free, which is a bonus!
Cooked Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken works. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or chickpeas instead!
Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These noodles are light and add a chewy texture. You can swap them with cooked quinoa or even shredded cabbage for a different twist.
Cucumber and Carrot: These veggies add crunch and color. If you want a change, bell peppers or avocado slices are great alternatives!
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint or cilantro brighten things up! If you’re not a fan, just leave them out or use a sprinkle of dried herbs for a milder taste.
How Do You Roll Spring Rolls Without Breaking Them?
Rolling spring rolls can be tricky, but here are some tips to get it right:
- Soften the rice paper just enough so it’s pliable but not too mushy. About 5-7 seconds in warm water is perfect.
- Don’t overfill the wraps! Less is more—keep the filling small to make rolling easier.
- When rolling, tuck the bottom over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly. This helps keep everything secure.
- If they tear, it’s okay! Just grab another sheet and keep practicing. You’ll get the hang of it!
Easy and Fresh Summer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 rice paper sheets (or large lettuce leaves for a lighter wrap)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced into strips or cubes
- 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced into sticks
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1 cup fresh lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine)
- Fresh herbs (optional): mint, basil, or cilantro
Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Water to thin sauce if needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time. You’ll have fresh spring rolls ready to enjoy in no time! Just a bit of chopping and rolling, and you’re on your way to a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice Paper Wraps:
Start by filling a large shallow bowl with warm water. This is where you’ll soften the rice paper wrappers. Dip one sheet into the warm water for about 5-7 seconds, just until it’s soft but doesn’t fall apart. Carefully remove it and lay it flat on a clean surface, ready for filling.
2. Add the Lettuce Leaf:
Take a fresh lettuce leaf and place it right in the center of the softened rice paper. This will help hold all the deliciousness inside!
3. Add the Noodles:
Now, take a small handful of cooked rice vermicelli noodles and place them on top of the lettuce. This adds a nice chewy texture to your spring rolls.
4. Layer the Fillings:
Next, add a few strips of cooked chicken, some of the shredded carrot, and a few slices of cucumber on top of the noodles. Don’t be shy with the filling, but remember not to overfill!
5. Sprinkle on Fresh Herbs:
If you love fresh flavors, now is the time to toss in some mint, basil, or cilantro for that extra zing!
6. Roll It Up:
Now for the fun part! Fold the sides of the rice paper in towards the center, then start rolling from the bottom, tucking everything in tightly. Roll until you reach the top of the rice paper, sealing in all the tasty goodness.
7. Repeat the Process:
Continue this process with the remaining rice paper and fillings until you have a delicious platter of spring rolls ready to enjoy!
8. Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
If you want to whip up a tasty dipping sauce, combine the hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice in a small bowl. Add a little water to achieve your desired consistency—thicker for dipping or thinner if you prefer it to drizzle!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the fresh spring rolls on a serving platter and offer the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy these crunchy, healthy rolls with friends or family as a light meal or snack!
Happy rolling, and enjoy your fresh summer spring rolls! They’re sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re not keen on chicken, you can use shrimp, tofu, or even shredded pork. Just make sure whatever protein you choose is cooked and sliced into thin pieces for easy rolling.
How to Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To prevent them from sticking together, you can place a piece of parchment paper between each roll.
Can I Make These Spring Rolls Vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use extra vegetables and herbs. You can also add ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, or marinated tofu for protein.
What Are Some Good Dipping Sauces?
While the hoisin-peanut sauce is a favorite, you can also try a simple soy sauce, spicy sriracha with lime, or a sweet chili sauce for different flavor options!
