These Fresh Spring Rolls are filled entirely with veggies. Spaghetti squash takes the place of rice noodles. They are perfect with a peanut dipping sauce.
Fresh spring rolls are also called Vietnamese-style spring rolls, gỏi cuốn, salad rolls, rice paper rolls or summer rolls. And now you might be wondering, all these sound kind of out of season for December.
But not my version. Often, you will see bean sprouts or rice noodles in fresh spring rolls. In place of those, I am using spaghetti squash which is very much in season right about now. This dish reminds me of living in SE Asia and all of the fond memories Konrad and I made while there. Living in different parts of the world truly changes your perspective, and often for the better. Talking to all you jet-setters out there.
This isn't even the first time I am using spaghetti squash instead of rice noodles. I find the shape and texture is pretty similar so it makes a perfect stand-in.
You Ate Up The Previous Spaghetti Squash Recipe!
I made this Spaghetti Squash with Thai Peanut Sauce recipe a few weeks ago and you guys absolutely LOVED it! With over 55K pins to date this must be my most popular recipe on Pinterest, ever!!
In that recipe, I suggested using the leftover peanut sauce for dipping fresh spring rolls. When I set out to follow my own advice to make these delicious, raw salad rolls, I realized that I could also use some of the spaghetti squash I still had instead of the usual rice noodles.
Working with rice paper - the wrapper in these rolls - can be a little tricky the first time. However, I realize it can be quite forgiving if you mess up a little (even a slightly torn sheet might roll up just fine due to its tackiness). And if you mess one up completely, it's not the end of the world. After all, rice paper usually comes in big packs.
Prepare All Your Materials In Front Of You First
For best success, you need to set up a little workstation with all your fresh, cut-up veggies in reach, a large shallow bowl of warm water, and a flat surface like a plate or cutting board.
I like to work with 2 papers at a time. I dip one in the warm water until it starts to soften but doesn't get too squishy (about 10-20 seconds). It takes longer as the water starts to cool. Using both hands, spread the dipped rice paper on the flat working surface and let it rest while dipping the next paper.
Dip The Paper Rolls, Lay Out Veggies, and Roll Up
This little rest time allows for more water to be absorbed and the paper becomes more malleable. Set the second dipped paper out to rest while filling the first.
I layered the veggies in the order of lettuce, spaghetti squash, cucumber sticks, carrot sticks and green onion. The order isn't too important. Just using the lettuce leaf first helps to keep the other veggies together while rolling.
And then you roll them up pretty much like a burrito. Fold over the short end, tuck in the sides and finish rolling.
If you like, you could also add some protein to the veggies. Prawns or thin chicken strips would work really well. Then serve with peanut sauce for dipping. Boom!
More Spring Roll Recipes
Recipe
6-Ingredient Fresh Spring Rolls with Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 8 rice paper sheets
- ½ medium spaghetti squash
- olive oil
- salt
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 8 small Romaine lettuce leaves
- ⅓ long English cucumber cut into sticks
- 1 large carrot cut into long match sticks
- green onion or chives
- Peanut Sauce for dipping; see previous Thai recipe
Instructions
- Start by roasting the spaghetti squash. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Scrape out the seeds from half a spaghetti squash. Rub it with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti strands. Combine with minced garlic and set aside to cool. Or cook the spaghetti squash in the pressure cooker.
- Prepare a work station with all your cut veggies within reach. Fill warm (not hot) water into a large, shallow bowl or pan. Dip 1 rice paper sheet at a time. Let soak until somewhat softened (10-20 seconds) but not limp, and place on a flat surface like a large plate or cutting board.
- On one end layer your veggies - lettuce, spaghetti squash, a couple cucumber sticks, a few carrot sticks and some green onion/chives. Wrap like a burrito. Fold one end over, tuck in the sides and finish rolling up.
- Serve with peanut sauce for dipping.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers could be stored in the fridge for a few days in an airtight container.
Pin Spaghetti Squash Spring Rolls tutorial for later?
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Random Questions
Fresh spring rolls typically consist of a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and sometimes protein, all wrapped in a delicate rice paper wrapper. They are often served with a flavorful dipping sauce.
Fresh spring rolls, also known as Vietnamese-style spring rolls or gỏi cuốn, originate from Vietnamese cuisine. They are a popular dish in various Southeast Asian countries and have gained popularity worldwide.
In America, fresh spring rolls are often referred to as salad rolls, rice paper rolls, or summer rolls. These names are used to describe the same dish that consists of fresh vegetables and other ingredients wrapped in rice paper.
Fresh spring rolls are best enjoyed soon after assembly to maintain their texture and freshness. However, if you need to store them, it's advisable to cover them with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. They can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
Brenda
I was looking for a spring roll recipe to introduce to my cooking class. This seems just right for them (they're preteens). Thanks a bunch, they look delicious.
Regina
Yay! I hope your preteens love these fresh spring roll 🙂
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy
These look awesome! I pinned them, and I can't wait to share these in my Super Bowl recipe roundup.
Regina
Aww thank you! Looking forward to the round up 🙂
Thalia @ butter and brioche
Love how easy and delicious these spring rolls are make! Think that they definitely will be perfect for lunch today - just need to get my hands on some rice paper so I can make the recipe!
Regina
I find rice paper in the Asian section of my supermarket. Let me know how this goes for you 🙂
Angie@Angie's Recipes
I totally adore the idea of using spaghetti squash in those spring rolls. They look so beautiful and I have no doubt that they are very tasty too, Regina.
Regina
Thank you so much Angie! I know many use this squash type in place of spaghetti, but I find it resembles rice noodles much more 😉
Jacquee @ I Sugar Coat It!
Ohhh, yummy-yum-yum! Very cool idea to add the squash to make them more seasonal. I do love me some Spring Rolls and may have to cut open one of the packages in my pantry for these.
Regina
I bought a huge package of rice paper wafers back in the day when I was doing cake decorating for some project that I never got to. Luckily, my food horizon has broadened since then and I can use them for cooking now 😉