Fresh Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing (Print version)

A crisp rice noodle salad with cabbage, cucumber, carrots, herbs, peanuts, and a punchy spicy ginger dressing.

# Ingredients:

For the spicy ginger dressing

01 - 3 tablespoons tamari
02 - 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
04 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
05 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as avocado or canola
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
07 - 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
08 - 2 teaspoons maple syrup
09 - 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
10 - 1 tablespoon warm water, as needed

For the salad

11 - 8 oz (225 g) thin rice vermicelli noodles
12 - 2 cups (140 g) finely shredded purple cabbage
13 - 1 English cucumber, julienned
14 - 2 medium carrots, julienned
15 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
16 - 1 cup (70 g) bean sprouts
17 - 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
18 - 1/3 cup torn fresh mint
19 - 1/3 cup (45 g) roasted peanuts, chopped
20 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional
21 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Add tamari, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, neutral oil, ginger, garlic, maple syrup, and red pepper flakes to a jar. Seal and shake until combined. Thin with warm water if it tastes too strong or salty.
02 - Prepare the rice noodles according to the package directions, usually 3-5 minutes in boiling water or a hot-water soak. Rinse under cold water until chilled, then drain very well.
03 - Julienne the cucumber and carrots, thinly slice the bell pepper, and shred the cabbage. Keep the cuts thin so they toss evenly with the noodles.
04 - Place the noodles, cabbage, cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, bean sprouts, cilantro, and mint in a large bowl. Add half the dressing and toss gently with tongs.
05 - Taste and add more dressing as needed. Top with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds if using, and lime wedges. Serve right away.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served immediately after dressing.
02 - For meal prep, store dressing and peanuts separately.
03 - Add tofu, shrimp, chicken, or edamame for extra protein.

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