Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce
🌈 Description:
These Hearty Veggie Rolls are a refreshing, vibrant, and nutritious meal or snack made with crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and fragrant herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper. Paired with a creamy, savory-sweet peanut dipping sauce, they’re not only delicious but also naturally gluten-free, vegan, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a healthy appetizer!
📝 Ingredients (Makes 8 Rolls):
For the Rolls:
8 rice paper wrappers
½ cup shredded red cabbage
1 carrot, julienned
1 cucumber, julienned
½ avocado, thinly sliced
Fresh mint leaves (8–10)
Fresh cilantro leaves (small handful)
For the Peanut Sauce:
¼ cup peanut butter
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin the sauce)
👩🍳 Instructions:
Prep all vegetables and herbs: Wash, peel, and julienne or thinly slice as needed. Set aside in a prep station.
Fill a shallow bowl or pan with warm water. Dip a rice paper wrapper into the water for 5–10 seconds, just until soft but still slightly firm (it will continue to soften).
Lay the wrapper flat on a clean surface or damp towel.
Place a small amount of cabbage, carrot, cucumber, avocado, mint, and cilantro in the center of the wrapper.
Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom up like a burrito. Repeat for all 8 rolls.
To make the peanut sauce, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup. Add warm water 1 tbsp at a time until smooth and pourable.
Serve rolls with the dipping sauce. Slice in half for presentation, if desired.
💡 Notes & Tips:
Make it a Meal: Add tofu, vermicelli noodles, or tempeh for more bulk and protein.
Meal Prep Friendly: Wrap tightly and store in an airtight container with a damp paper towel to keep them fresh.
No Rice Paper? Use large lettuce leaves (like romaine or butter lettuce) for a low-carb alternative.
Allergy Swap: Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter if peanut allergies are a concern.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of ginger or chili flakes to the peanut sauce for extra kick.
🍽️ Servings:
Makes: 8 rolls
Serving Size: 2 rolls with sauce (approx. 1 full portion)
🔢 Nutritional Info (per 2 rolls + sauce – approx.):
Calories: 180–220 kcal
Protein: 5–6g
Fat: 11g
Carbs: 18–22g
Fiber: 4–5g
Sugar: 4–5g
Sodium: ~300mg (depending on soy sauce used)
✅ Health Benefits:
Vegan & Gluten-Free: Ideal for most diets and gut-friendly.
Fiber-Rich: Packed with raw veggies and healthy fats from avocado.
Hydrating & Light: Great for warm days and refreshing as a clean meal.
Customizable: Easy to change based on preferences or pantry availability.
Good for Digestion: Herbs like mint and cilantro support digestive health.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Just store them tightly wrapped with a damp towel in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Wait to slice until serving.
Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: No, rice paper does not freeze or thaw well. Stick to fresh or refrigerated within a day.
Q: What else can I dip these in besides peanut sauce?
A: Try hoisin sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, sesame-ginger dressing, or tamari with a dash of lime.
Q: Can I add protein?
A: Absolutely! Grilled tofu, shrimp, or even shredded chicken (for non-vegan) make great additions.