Go Back Email Link

Easy Vegetable Spring Rolls – Whole Food & Gluten-Free

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Rice paper wrappers (8–10-inch rounds, labeled gluten-free)
  • Fresh vegetables: 1 cup shredded purple cabbage, 1 large carrot (julienned), 1 small cucumber (seeded and cut into matchsticks), 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced), a handful of baby spinach or butter lettuce
  • Fresh herbs: 1 bunch cilantro, 1 bunch mint, optional Thai basil
  • Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, sliced (optional but recommended for creaminess)
  • Protein boost (optional): Baked tofu strips or edamame
  • Dipping sauce base: Creamy peanut butter or almond butter
  • Sauce seasonings: Tamari (gluten-free), lime juice, maple syrup or honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, warm water to thin
  • Extras for brightness: Sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, and a small chili or red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

  • Prep the veggies: Wash and dry everything well. Cut carrots and cucumber into matchsticks. Thinly slice bell pepper and cabbage. Tear spinach or lettuce into wide strips. Slice avocado last to avoid browning.
  • Set up your station: Fill a large, shallow bowl with warm water. Lay a clean, damp kitchen towel or cutting board nearby. Place your veggies, herbs, and optional tofu in separate piles for easy grabbing.
  • Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup peanut or almond butter, 1–2 tablespoons tamari, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 small minced garlic clove. Add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until pourable. Taste and adjust salt, sweetness, or acidity.
  • Soften the rice paper: Dip one wrapper into the warm water for 5–8 seconds. Do not soak until floppy. It will continue to soften on the towel.
  • Build the roll: Lay the softened wrapper on the towel. Place a small bed of greens in the lower third, then a few sticks of carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper. Add some cabbage for crunch, a few avocado slices, and a sprig or two each of cilantro and mint. If using tofu, add 1–2 strips.
  • Roll it tight: Fold the sides inward over the filling. Pull the bottom edge up and over, tucking firmly. Roll forward like a burrito, keeping it snug but not tearing. If the wrapper feels sticky, wet your fingers slightly.
  • Repeat and garnish: Continue until you use your filling. For a pretty look, tuck a few herb leaves near the top edge before the final turn so they show through the wrapper. Sprinkle finished rolls lightly with sesame seeds.
  • Serve: Slice rolls in half on a diagonal with a sharp knife. Serve with the dipping sauce and extra lime wedges. Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce if you like heat.