Summer Roll Bowl
This Summer Roll Bowl combines tender rice noodles with crisp, colorful vegetables.Fresh mint and cilantro add a bright Vietnamese-inspired herbal flavor.Shrimp, chicken, tofu, or another protein can be added for extra substance.Creamy avocado provides richness and a smooth contrast to crunchy vegetables.A tangy peanut-lime dressing brings all the ingredients together.It is a refreshing, healthy-feeling meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
For the Bowl
- 200 g rice vermicelli noodles
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
For the Peanut-Lime Dressing
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- 2–4 tablespoons warm water
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
Cook the Rice Noodles
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.Cook the rice vermicelli according to the package instructions until tender but not mushy.Drain the noodles thoroughly and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.Set aside to drain completely.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and prepare all the vegetables.Shred the lettuce and red cabbage. Julienne the carrot and cucumber, then slice the red bell pepper into thin strips.Slice the avocado just before assembling the bowls so it remains fresh and attractive.
Prepare the Fresh Herbs
- Pick the mint and cilantro leaves from their stems.Gently rinse and dry them.Fresh herbs are an important part of the bright flavor of this bowl, so use them generously.
Prepare the Protein
- If using shrimp, make sure they are fully cooked, peeled, and deveined.If using chicken, cook it until it reaches a safe internal temperature and slice it thinly.For tofu, cut it into cubes and pan-fry until golden on the outside.You can also leave out the protein for a lighter vegetarian bowl.
Make the Peanut-Lime Dressing
- Add peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili sauce to a small bowl.Whisk until smooth.Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a creamy but pourable consistency.Taste and adjust the flavors as needed.Add extra lime juice for tanginess, peanut butter for richness, or soy sauce for saltiness.
Add the Vegetables
- Arrange shredded lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper around the noodles.Add sliced avocado to each bowl.Keeping the ingredients separated creates a beautiful restaurant-style presentation.
Add the Protein
- Place the cooked shrimp, sliced chicken, tofu, or boiled egg on top of each bowl.For a vegetarian version, tofu or additional vegetables make excellent additions.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Scatter fresh mint and cilantro generously over the bowls.Add sliced green onions for additional freshness and mild onion flavor.
Add the Dressing
- Drizzle the peanut-lime dressing generously over each bowl.You can also serve the dressing separately so everyone can add as much as they prefer.
Serve
- Serve the Summer Roll Bowls immediately.Gently mix the ingredients just before eating so the noodles, vegetables, herbs, protein, and dressing combine in every bite.
Notes
- Don't overcook the noodles: Rice noodles can quickly become soft and sticky.
- Rinse noodles with cold water: This stops cooking and helps prevent sticking.
- Use fresh vegetables: Crisp vegetables provide the best texture.
- Add avocado last: This helps prevent browning before serving.
- Adjust the dressing: Peanut butter brands vary in sweetness and thickness.
- Use warm water for the dressing: It helps loosen peanut butter smoothly.
- Dry fresh herbs properly: Excess water can dilute the dressing.
- Serve fresh: The vegetables are at their crispest immediately after assembly.