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Summer Dinner Ideas — Fresh Light Summer Rolls Everyone Loves

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Rice paper wrappers: Look for 8–9 inch round wrappers.
  • Vermicelli rice noodles: Thin noodles that soften quickly.
  • Protein of choice: Cooked shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, baked tofu, or tempeh.
  • Crisp vegetables: Julienned cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers.
  • Leafy greens: Butter lettuce or romaine leaves.
  • Fresh herbs: Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil (use any or all).
  • Avocado: Sliced for creaminess (optional but great).
  • Green onions: Thinly sliced.
  • Lime: For brightness.
  • Sesame seeds: For a subtle crunch (optional).
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1–2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1–2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce or sriracha (to taste)
  • Warm water to thin
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce (or vegan fish sauce)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1–2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 1 thinly sliced chili (or a pinch of red pepper flakes)

Method
 

  1. Prep the noodles: Soak vermicelli in hot water per package directions (usually 3–5 minutes). Drain well and toss with a squeeze of lime so they don’t clump.
  2. Chop your veggies: Julienne cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers into thin matchsticks. Wash and pat dry lettuce. Slice avocado and green onions.
  3. Get your protein ready: Slice cooked shrimp in half lengthwise, shred chicken, or cut tofu into thin strips. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and lime.
  4. Mix the peanut sauce: Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, and chili-garlic sauce. Add warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until smooth and dippable.
  5. Make the nuoc cham (optional): Stir fish sauce, water, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili until the sugar dissolves.
  6. Set up a rolling station: Fill a large shallow dish or pie plate with warm water. Lay out a clean cutting board, a damp kitchen towel, and all fillings within reach.
  7. Soften the wrapper: Dip one rice paper wrapper into warm water for 5–10 seconds. Remove while it still feels slightly firm; it will continue softening on the board.
  8. Layer the fillings: Place a leaf of lettuce near the bottom third of the wrapper. Top with a small handful of noodles, a few strips of veggies, protein, herbs, and a couple avocado slices. Don’t overfill.
  9. Roll it up: Fold the bottom edge over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll forward tightly like a burrito. The wrapper will seal itself.
  10. Repeat and garnish: Continue with remaining wrappers. Sprinkle finished rolls with sesame seeds if you like. Serve with peanut sauce and nuoc cham on the side.