Vegetarian Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Fresh rice paper rolls filled with crisp vegetables and herbs, served with a creamy, nutty peanut dipping sauce for a light and flavorful appetizer. This vietnamese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes blends sheets rice paper wrappers, medium carrot, julienned, medium cucumber, julienned into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 sheets rice paper wrappers
- 3 oz vermicelli rice noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 medium cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 8 small leaves butter lettuce leaves
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp warm water
- 2 tbsp crushed peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the peanut dipping sauce by whisking together 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 3 tbsp warm water in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Step 2: Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10 seconds, until just pliable but not too soft, then lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Step 3: Place one butter lettuce leaf near the bottom third of the wrapper, followed by a small handful of 3 oz cooked vermicelli noodles, 2 tbsp julienned carrot, 2 tbsp julienned cucumber, 2 tbsp thinly sliced red bell pepper, and a few fresh mint and cilantro leaves.
- Step 4: Fold the sides of the wrapper inward, then tightly roll from the bottom up to encase the filling completely. Repeat with remaining wrappers and ingredients.
- Step 5: Arrange the rolls on a serving platter and garnish the peanut dipping sauce with 2 tbsp crushed peanuts if desired. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegetarian Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Vegetarian Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Vegetarian Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Vegetarian Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce?
Vietnamese vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.