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Easy Fresh Summer Rolls Recipe Perfect Penny Per Serving Snack

fresh summer rolls recipe - featured image

Light, refreshing, and affordable fresh summer rolls bursting with crisp veggies, herbs, and optional protein, perfect for a quick snack or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Rice paper wrappers
  • 4 ounces vermicelli rice noodles
  • 2 medium carrots, julienned
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, thin strips
  • 4 large lettuce leaves, torn
  • Handful fresh mint leaves
  • Handful fresh cilantro leaves
  • 56 small sprigs basil leaves (optional)
  • Protein options (optional): 8 medium cooked shrimp peeled and sliced, or pressed tofu thinly sliced, or 1 grilled chicken breast sliced
  • Dipping sauce: 3 tablespoons smooth natural peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts
  • Minced garlic (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups (950 ml) of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 4 ounces (115g) of vermicelli rice noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Julienne 2 medium carrots, thinly slice 1 cucumber and 1 bell pepper. Tear 4 large lettuce leaves into manageable pieces. Pick about a handful each of fresh mint and cilantro leaves. If using basil, strip the leaves from 5-6 small sprigs. Keep all ingredients separate for easy rolling.
  3. Prepare protein if using: peel and slice 8 medium cooked shrimp in half lengthwise; or press tofu to remove excess moisture and slice into thin strips; or grill/pan-sear 1 chicken breast and slice thinly. Protein should be fully cooked and cooled before rolling.
  4. Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper for about 10-15 seconds until soft but still slightly firm. Lay it flat on a clean, damp kitchen towel or cutting board.
  5. On the lower third of the wrapper, layer a small handful of noodles, a few strips of each vegetable, a couple of herb leaves, and protein if using. Leave about 1.5 inches (4 cm) free on each side to fold.
  6. Fold the sides inward, then roll from the bottom up like a burrito, keeping the filling snug. Place the finished roll on the serving platter, seam side down. Repeat with remaining wrappers and ingredients.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon honey. Add a splash of warm water to thin as needed. Stir in 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts and minced garlic if desired.

Notes

Do not soak rice paper wrappers too long to avoid tearing. Toss noodles with sesame oil to prevent sticking. Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel. Protein should be fully cooked and cooled before rolling. Dipping sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and thinned with water if thickened. Store rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer rolls, fresh rolls, rice paper rolls, healthy snack, easy recipe, Vietnamese snack, peanut dipping sauce, vegetarian option, gluten-free