If you haven’t been able to tell, I kind of have a thing for spring rolls. For instance:
Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Crispy Tofu
Rainbow Spring Rolls
Banh Mi Spring Rolls
Are you really surprised that I now have a quinoa version? I didn’t think so.
Origins of Fresh Spring Rolls
Fresh spring rolls (also known as gỏi cuốn or summer rolls) are a common Vietnamese dish, but the concept is believed to have originated in China. It’s thought that they may be a modification from Chinese egg rolls, but with Vietnamese flavors.
They are typically made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and protein that are wrapped in rehydrated rice paper and served with a dipping sauce.
Quinoa Spring Rolls
These 30-minute spring rolls start with the protein-rich super grain quinoa.
Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, nutty flavor, light texture – any of this ringing a bell?
I believe I’ve only just tapped into the potential of quinoa (in burgers, curries, wraps, salads), and I can’t wait to share this new application with you.
While your quinoa is cooking away, prep your vegetables and herbs. I went with cucumber, red pepper, carrots, cilantro, and mint. But it’s so versatile that you can use whatever you have on hand. I think asparagus, avocado, radish, and even orange would be lovely additions.
All that’s left to do is roll it all together and then prepare your cashew dipping sauce!
This sauce is seriously flavorful, super dreamy and perfect for these rolls. Plus, it’s peanut-free yet mocks the flavor of peanut sauce. It’s straight-up taste bud trickery, I tell you.
I think you guys are going to LOVE these rolls! They’re:
Light
Fresh
Super healthy
Crisp
Creamy + sweet from the cashew sauce
Filling
Fast
& Seriously delicious
I think these spring rolls would make the perfect picnic, beach day or day trip food because they’re super portable. They would also make a great quick weeknight meal when you’re craving something light, fresh and vegetable-heavy.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment and rate it – it’s super helpful for us and other readers. And don’t forget to take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram! We love seeing what you guys come up with. Cheers!
Quinoa Spring Rolls with Cashew Dipping Sauce
FRESH, simple spring rolls with quinoa, veggies, herbs, and a flavorful cashew dipping sauce. A healthy, satisfying 30-minute meal that’s special-diet friendly. Print SAVE SAVED
from votes Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 15 minutes Total Time 30 minutes Servings 10 (spring rolls)Course EntreeCuisine Asian-Inspired, Gluten-Free, VeganFreezer Friendly NoDoes it keep? 2-3 Days
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Ingredients
US Customary – Metric
QUINOA
1 cup red or white quinoa (thoroughly rinsed)1 Tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for GF eaters)1/2 medium lime (juiced)
FILLINGS
10 spring roll papers, pieces of sturdy greens, or lettuce boats/cups1 cup each julienned cucumber, carrot, and red pepper1 cup fresh herbs (cilantro + mint)
CASHEW SAUCE
1/2 cup cashew butter (if unsalted, add additional soy sauce)2 Tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for GF eaters)3/4 tsp chili garlic sauce2 Tbsp sweetener (i.e. maple syrup, agave, brown sugar, or honey if not vegan)1/2 medium lime (juiced)Hot water (to thin)
Instructions
Start by preparing quinoa. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 Tbsp oil and quinoa and quick toast for 2-3 minutes. Then add 2 cups water (amount as original recipe is written // if altering batch size, use 1:2 ratio quinoa to water), bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and it’s light and fluffy in texture.Prep vegetables and herbs and set aside.Prepare cashew butter sauce by adding all sauce ingredients except water to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Add enough hot water to thin until a pourable sauce is achieved. Adjust flavors as needed (I often add a little more chili garlic sauce and sweetener).To add more flavor to the quinoa, add 1 Tbsp soy sauce + 1/2 lime, juiced (amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) and toss to coat. Set aside.To assemble spring rolls, pour very hot water into a shallow dish or skillet and immerse rice paper to soften for about 10-15 seconds.Transfer to a damp cutting board or similar surface and gently spread out into a circle. It may take a little practice, so don’t feel bad if your first few attempts fail!To the bottom third of the wrapper add a generous spoonful of quinoa, and layer carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, and fresh herbs on top (see photo). Gently fold over once, tuck in edges, and continue rolling until seam is sealed.Place seam-side down on a serving platter and cover with damp warm towel to keep fresh. Repeat until all fillings are used up – about 8-10 spring rolls total (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).Serve with cashew butter sauce and sriracha or hot sauce of choice. I like to mix mine and go dip happy.Leftovers store well individually wrapped in plastic wrap, though best when fresh.
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with a generous amount of dipping sauce.
Nutrition (1 of 10 servings)
Serving: 1 serving Calories: 253 Carbohydrates: 38 g Protein: 8.3 g Fat: 7.8 g Saturated Fat: 1.4 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 549 mg Fiber: 2.6 g Sugar: 4.2 g