Summer Rolls with Almond Dipping Sauce

Almond butter dipping sauce Dipping sauce Fresh spring rolls healthy snack ingredients Instructions nutrition Party appetizer Recipe Rice paper wraps Summer rolls Vegetable rolls vegetarian

Posted October 16, 2023 by: Admin #Kitchen

Summer rolls, also known as fresh spring rolls or rice paper wraps, offer a delightful and rejuvenating culinary experience, while presenting a fantastic means of incorporating more vegetables into your diet. And, the dipping sauce alone is enough to tantalize your taste buds! These veggie-packed summer rolls, accompanied by a delectable almond butter dipping sauce, serve as a delightful option for a light lunch, snack, or as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.

If you’ve previously savored summer rolls, you’re well aware of the limitless variations this recipe can take. You can customize these rolls by adding your choice of vegetables or proteins. While many eateries include vermicelli noodles, I’ve chosen to keep this recipe fresh and light by omitting the noodles and introducing extra vegetables in the form of leaf lettuce for added volume and crunch.

These summer rolls are my go-to option for party appetizers (someone has to bring the veggies!), but I also enjoy preparing a batch over the weekend for convenient, wholesome snacks throughout the week. And let’s not forget the true star of the show – the dipping sauce, a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and salty flavors that will tempt you to dip almost anything into it!

Summer Rolls with Almond Dipping Sauce

These summer rolls are vegetarian, but you have the flexibility to include chicken, beef, or shrimp if desired. I’ve opted for almond butter, although peanut butter can be an equally scrumptious alternative.

Ingredients

Summer Rolls:

12 sheets of rice paper
½ cucumber, julienned
1 red bell pepper, julienned
2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
¼ red cabbage, shredded
2 cups romaine or Boston lettuce, shredded
3 sprigs fresh mint leaves
½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped

Dipping Sauce:

2 garlic cloves
3 teaspoons sesame oil
¼ cup natural almond butter
1-inch fresh ginger, peeled
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons tamari (or coconut aminos)
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon water, plus more as needed

Instructions

Create the dipping sauce by combining all the ingredients in a small food processor and blending until a smooth consistency is achieved. Depending on the thickness of your almond butter, you might need to add a touch more water to reach the desired consistency. It shouldn’t be too runny, but not overly thick either. If you lack a food processor, whisk the ingredients in a small bowl, ensuring that the garlic and ginger are finely minced.
Set up a rolling station by arranging all your prepped vegetables, herbs, and rice paper wraps.
Place a large bowl of hot water on the counter with a damp tea towel nearby. The dampness of the towel prevents the wraps from sticking to it.
One at a time, submerge a rice paper into the bowl of hot water until it softens, which should take about 10-15 seconds, depending on the water’s temperature.
Retrieve the softened rice paper from the water and lay it flat on the damp tea towel. Ensure it lies as flat as possible, adjusting any curled corners.
Place your chosen fillings in the center of the rice paper, about 1/4 of the distance from the top. Avoid overfilling, as it may tear the paper. Start with a smaller amount and adjust as needed.
Fold the top portion of the rice paper over the fillings, then fold in the sides and roll it forward until sealed. Rolling techniques may vary, so find what works best for you. If the paper begins to dry, dampen your fingertips with water to keep it pliable.
In case of any mishaps, remove the vegetable filling, discard the faulty rice paper, and start over. Once rolled, set your completed rice paper wraps aside until all 12 are finished. This also helps them dry slightly.
Serve the rolls with the scrumptious dipping sauce. Any extra rolls can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 3-4 days.