Summer Spring Rolls Recipe

Light, refreshing, and bursting with color, Summer Spring Rolls are my absolute go-to recipe when the days get warmer and produce is at its most vibrant. These rolls are a crisp celebration of summer’s bounty, filled with crunchy bell peppers, creamy avocado, sweet mango, and garden-fresh herbs all wrapped up in translucent rice paper. They’re just the right balance of satisfying and light, and their beautiful rainbow appearance makes them as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch, a potluck appetizer, or a gorgeous plate for a picnic, Summer Spring Rolls always steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic behind Summer Spring Rolls lies in their simplicity: every ingredient brings its own texture, flavor, and, most importantly, color. Gather these fresh items and you’re halfway to capturing the essence of summer on a plate.

• Rice paper wrappers (round): These delicate wrappers are the canvas for our veggie masterpiece and become soft and pliable after a quick dip in warm water.
• Red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a punch of sweetness and lots of stunning color for visual pop and crunch.
• Yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings a mellow, sunny flavor that contrasts beautifully with the other veggies.
• Carrot, julienned: Their crisp bite and natural sweetness ground every bite in freshness and texture.
• Cucumber, julienned: Cool, juicy, and ultra-refreshing; cucumber is essential for that summery feel.
• Purple cabbage, thinly shredded: Not just for crunch—its deep purple hue makes every roll look irresistible.
• Mango, julienned: A touch of sweetness from mango takes these rolls from tasty to unforgettable.
• Avocado, sliced: Creamy goodness that ties all the crunchy elements together. Look for ripe but firm avocados for tidy slicing.
• Fresh herbs: mint, cilantro, or basil: Each herb gives its own unique aroma; choose your favorite or mix for a bright, herbal lift.
• Lettuce leaves: Butter or romaine lettuce adds extra crunch and a lovely green background for the other fillings.

How to Make Summer Spring Rolls

Step 1: Prepare All Your Fillings

Start by washing and slicing every vegetable into slender strips so they’re easy to layer. Lay them out on a big platter or cutting board. This not only speeds up assembly but also helps you see the beautiful rainbow of ingredients you’ll be tucking into each roll. Don’t skip prepping everything beforehand—these rolls come together fast once you get rolling!

Step 2: Soften the Rice Paper

Fill a large bowl or shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10 seconds. It should turn soft but still hold a bit of firmness (it will continue to soften as you assemble). Lay the wrapper flat on a clean, damp towel or cutting board to avoid sticking—this is your rolling station!

Step 3: Layer the Fillings

Here’s where Summer Spring Rolls show their true beauty. Start with a few whole leaves of your chosen herbs and some of the most vibrant veggies—this way, those gorgeous colors will peek through the finished roll. Add a little of each ingredient: peppers, carrot, cucumber, cabbage, mango, avocado, and lettuce. Don’t overfill! A modest pile allows you to roll without tearing the wrapper.

Step 4: Roll It Up!

Gently fold the bottom of the rice paper up over the fillings. Next, fold in the sides, sort of like tucking in a burrito, and then roll tightly from the bottom up. That’s it! If the wrapper tears, don’t stress—just try again with the next one. Place the finished Summer Spring Roll seam-side down and repeat with remaining wrappers and fillings.

How to Serve Summer Spring Rolls

Garnishes

For a special touch, arrange the Summer Spring Rolls on a serving platter and scatter extra fresh herbs like mint and cilantro across the top. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty note and an Instagram-worthy finish. Don’t forget a little dish of your favorite peanut, hoisin, or sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Side Dishes

Pair these bright rolls with tangy pickled veggies or a fragrant coconut rice to round out the meal. A simple miso soup or a crispy Asian slaw are also delightful sides that keep things light, letting your Summer Spring Rolls shine as the star of the table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling festive, serve the rolls sliced in half on a platter so their colorful cross-sections are on full display. For picnics or parties, wrap each Summer Spring Roll in a piece of parchment tied with a twine for easy, mess-free eating. Or, set up a DIY spring roll bar and let everyone roll their own—guaranteed fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have some rolls left at the end of the day (though I’ll be impressed if you do!), keep them fresh by wrapping each Summer Spring Roll tightly in plastic wrap and storing in the fridge. This keeps the rice paper from drying out and the veggies crisp for about 24-36 hours.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Summer Spring Rolls. The delicate rice paper and fresh ingredients don’t hold up well to thawing and can turn mushy. Instead, make only what you’ll enjoy within a day or two for the very best texture.

Reheating

Since these rolls are best served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. Just remove them from the fridge 15-20 minutes before eating so the fillings aren’t too chilly and the flavors are at their best.

FAQs

Can I add protein to these Summer Spring Rolls?

Absolutely! Cooked shrimp, tofu, or shredded chicken make delicious additions and turn your Summer Spring Rolls into a more filling meal. Just slice the proteins into thin strips and layer with the veggies.

What if I can’t find mango or avocado?

No worries! Substitute mango with pineapple or papaya for a sweet touch, and swap avocado with thinly sliced cucumber or even creamy hummus for richness. The beauty of Summer Spring Rolls is their flexibility!

Are these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, the basic recipe for Summer Spring Rolls is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check that your dipping sauces don’t contain wheat-based ingredients if you need to keep everything gluten-free.

How do I keep the rice paper from sticking?

Always use a damp towel or a wet cutting board while working. Rice paper loves to stick to dry surfaces, but with a bit of moisture, you’ll be rolling happily without any sticky situations.

Can I prepare ingredients ahead for faster assembly?

Absolutely—prep all your veggies and herbs in advance, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Assembly goes lightning-fast when everything is sliced and ready to roll!

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the combination of bright veggies, aromatic herbs, and sweet, creamy fruit in these Summer Spring Rolls. If you’ve been searching for a dish to celebrate summer’s best flavors, look no further! Gather your favorite produce and give these rolls a try—I have a feeling they’ll become a beloved staple in your warm-weather kitchen, too.

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