Vegetarian Summer Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian Summer Rolls are light and refreshing, yet satisfying. The combination of crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and soft rice paper creates a perfect texture contrast. They are also very versatile—feel free to add or swap in ingredients like tofu, avocado, or mango for variety. These rolls are not only healthy but also fun to assemble, making them an interactive meal or snack option. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce, and you’ve got a delicious, well-rounded dish that’s both nutritious and full of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

• 8 rice paper wrappers

• 1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens

• 1 cup cucumber, julienned

• 1 cup carrot, julienned

• 1/2 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional)

• 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)

• 1/4 cup cooked vermicelli noodles (optional, for added texture)

• 1/2 cup sprouts (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tbsp peanut butter (or almond butter)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)

• Water to thin out the sauce, if needed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper into thin strips. Shred the lettuce or use mixed greens, and chop the herbs (cilantro, mint, and basil) into small pieces.

2. Cook the Noodles: If using vermicelli noodles, cook according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Add a little water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Set aside.

Assemble the Summer Rolls:

1. Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 5-10 seconds, or until it softens, then lay it flat on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or clean kitchen towel.

2. Layer the Ingredients: On the bottom third of the rice paper, place a small handful of lettuce, followed by a few strips of cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper. Add a few slices of avocado, a handful of herbs, and a small portion of vermicelli noodles if using. Be careful not to overstuff the rolls to ensure they can be wrapped tightly.

3. Roll the Summer Roll: Fold the sides of the rice paper inward, then carefully roll the paper from the bottom up, tucking in the filling as you go. Make sure it’s tight but not so tight that the paper tears.

4. Repeat: Repeat the process for the remaining rice paper wrappers and filling ingredients.

Serve:

1. Serve Immediately: Arrange the rolls on a platter and serve them with the dipping sauce on the side.

2. Optional Garnish: You can garnish the rolls with extra herbs, sesame seeds, or chili flakes for a little extra flavor and crunch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 summer rolls (2 servings). The preparation time is about 20 minutes, and no cooking is required (other than optional noodle preparation).

Variations

• Add Protein: To make the rolls more filling, add cooked tofu, tempeh, or even edamame for extra plant-based protein.

• Fruit Twist: Add a few slices of mango or pineapple for a tropical flavor.

• Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling or dipping sauce to give your rolls a spicy kick.

• Nutty Dipping Sauce: For a richer flavor, add crushed peanuts to the dipping sauce or sprinkle them on top of the rolls.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover summer rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To prevent them from sticking together, separate the rolls with parchment paper or plastic wrap.

• Reheating: These rolls are best served fresh and are not recommended for reheating, as the rice paper may become tough.

FAQs

1. Can I make these summer rolls ahead of time?

These rolls are best made fresh, but you can prepare the filling ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Assemble the rolls just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the rice paper from drying out.

2. Can I use a different dipping sauce?

Yes! If you don’t like peanut butter, you can make a hoisin sauce dipping sauce or use a simple soy sauce and lime juice mixture.

3. Can I use lettuce instead of rice paper?

Rice paper is essential for the texture of summer rolls, but if you want a lower-carb alternative, you can try using large lettuce leaves to wrap the fillings, though they won’t have the same chewy texture.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like radishes, zucchini, or even cooked sweet potatoes for additional flavor and color.

5. Can I make these rolls without herbs?

While herbs add a fresh, aromatic flavor, you can make the rolls without them if you prefer. Just add more of the crunchy vegetables or protein of your choice for flavor.

6. Can I freeze these summer rolls?

It’s best to enjoy these rolls fresh, but you can freeze them if needed. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper before freezing. To eat, let them thaw in the refrigerator and serve with the dipping sauce.

7. How can I keep the rice paper from sticking together?

To prevent rice paper from sticking together, either place a damp towel between the rolls or wrap them individually in parchment paper.

8. How can I add more flavor to the rice paper?

For added flavor, you can brush the rice paper with a little bit of soy sauce or a flavored sesame oil before adding the filling.

9. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, rice paper is naturally gluten-free, but make sure your soy sauce or dipping sauce is gluten-free (use tamari instead of regular soy sauce).

10. How do I make the rolls more filling?

Add extra protein like cooked tofu, tempeh, or even quinoa to make these rolls more substantial.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Summer Rolls are a light, healthy, and fun meal that’s perfect for warmer weather or when you’re craving something fresh and light. The combination of crispy veggies, creamy avocado, and a tangy dipping sauce makes these rolls satisfying and full of flavor. Plus, they are customizable to fit your preferences—add protein, extra veggies, or adjust the spice level. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, and share the vibrant, fresh flavors with friends and family!