Roll Into Spring with These Fresh Spring Rolls

Spring has arrived, and it’s time to refresh your meals with something light, crisp, and full of flavor. Fresh spring rolls are the perfect way to celebrate the season—filled with colorful vegetables, fresh herbs, and your choice of protein, all wrapped up in a delicate rice paper.

Perfect for a light lunch, snack, or appetizer, these rolls are as fun to make as they are to eat! Plus, they’re customizable to fit any dietary preference, from vegan to pescatarian and everything in between.

Ready to roll into spring with some fresh, healthy, and delicious spring rolls?

1. Fresh Spring Rolls: The Basics

Before we get into the fun fillings, let's go over the basic components. Fresh spring rolls are made by soaking rice paper sheets in water, then rolling them up with your chosen fillings. Typically, they contain fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and lettuce, along with herbs such as cilantro or mint. The filling options are endless, so let your creativity shine!

2. Classic Ingredients for a Fresh Spring Roll

• Rice Paper: These thin sheets of rice flour are the foundation of your roll. They soften when soaked in warm water and provide the perfect, delicate wrap.
  
• Protein Options: Grilled shrimp, chicken, tofu, or even cooked pork can all make delicious additions to your rolls. For a vegan twist, try using avocado or tempeh.
  
• Crunchy Veggies: Carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and lettuce add freshness and crunch.
  
• Herbs and Greens: Mint, cilantro, and basil will infuse your rolls with refreshing flavors.
  
• Dipping Sauces: Classic peanut sauce or a tangy hoisin sauce are the perfect partners for your rolls. You could even try a zesty lime or chili dipping sauce for a kick.

3. Mix & Match: Fun Fillings for Fresh Spring Rolls

Fresh shrimp, spinach, avocado, carrots, and cucumber.

Crispy tofu, mango slices, carrots, and leafy greens like spinach or lettuce for a sweet and savory combination.

Fresh zucchini, basil, yellow squash and other seasonal veggies wrapped in rice paper.

Traditional Vietnamese spring rolls with chicken, fresh herbs, and rice noodles.

Grilled Shrimps, mango, rice noodles, cilantro, and a dash of lime juice for a burst of citrus.

Sweet strawberries and mango wrapped with fresh mint, lettuce and rice paper.

4. Rolling Tips for Perfect Spring Rolls

• Tip 1: Use Fresh Rice Paper: Dip rice paper quickly in warm water to soften it without soaking too long.
  


• Tip 2: Prep Ingredients First: Prepare your vegetables, herbs, proteins, and noodles beforehand for easy assembly.
  


• Tip 3: Don’t Overfill: Use a moderate amount of each ingredient to avoid tearing.
  


• Tip 4: Layering Matters: Start with leafy greens, then proteins, followed by veggies and noodles for balanced rolls.
  


• Tip 5: Use Rice Vermicelli: Adds a light, soft texture and absorbs flavors beautifully.
  


• Tip 6: Add Fresh Herbs: Mint, cilantro, and basil are essential for that burst of freshness.
  


• Tip 7: Roll Tightly (But Not Too Tight): Roll from one edge, folding in the sides. Don’t pull the rice paper too tight to avoid tearing.
  


• Tip 8: Wrap in a Damp Towel: Prevent your rolls from sticking together by keeping them covered with a damp towel.
  


• Tip 9: Serve Immediately or Keep Covered: Serve fresh, or refrigerate wrapped in plastic with a damp cloth to keep them moist.
  


• Tip 10: Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Peanut sauce, hoisin, lime soy—try them all for a new flavor experience.

5. Dipping Sauce Recipes

No spring roll is complete without the perfect dipping sauce. Here are a few ideas:

6. Fun Ideas for Spring Roll Parties

Want to make rolling even more fun? Host a DIY Spring Roll Party! Set out a variety of fresh ingredients—proteins, veggies, herbs, sauces—and let your guests get creative.

It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy these light, fresh spring rolls, and everyone can customize their roll exactly how they like it.

7. Spring Roll Meal Prep Tips

Fresh spring rolls make a great meal prep option. You can fill them with all sorts of fresh ingredients, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to two days. Keep your dipping sauce separate until you’re ready to eat. That way, you'll have a healthy, portable meal on hand whenever you need it.

Fresh spring rolls are the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant, fresh flavors of spring. With endless combinations of ingredients and dipping sauces, you’ll never run out of delicious new rolls to try. They’re not only healthy and light but also a fun and interactive way to enjoy fresh veggies, proteins, and herbs.

So, roll into spring with these light, healthy, and oh-so-tasty spring rolls—and share the love with your friends and family!