Summer Roll with Peanut Sauce

These Summer Rolls are light and refreshing, perfect for the warmer months. Serve with our homemade peanut sauce for the perfect no bake appetizer, main dish or light lunch. 

If you’ve been here for a while you know I hate (hate!) turning the oven on during the warmer months. That’s when I crave these Asian-inspired summer rolls. But they are so delicious (and easy!) we eat them year round.

Unlike spring and egg rolls, there is nothing fried about these babies. You may be a little intimidated when it comes to using the rice wrappers, but I promise I am making this as easy and painless as possible. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to make summer rolls year-round, too! 

As for the homemade peanut sauce, it brings all of the flavors together. Don’t worry, it’s not too spicy, but if you want more of a kick, keep reading for options with more heat.

What You Need to Make Summer Roll with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients for the Summer Rolls 

Rice wrappers – you can grab these off the international aisle at your local grocery store or order some online

Rice noodles 

Veggies: carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, bell peppers, radishes, pea pods, baby bok choy 

Mint leaves 

Peanut Sauce Ingredients

Peanut butter – the creamy kind

Rice vinegar

Soy sauce – you can also use Braggs Aminos or tamari as a substitute

Sriracha or chili paste – add more if you like it spicy. You can also add red pepper flakes too  

Something sweet: add some sugar, honey, or maple syrup; no matter what you choose the amount remains the same

Toasted sesame oil 

Garlic

Ginger – try to get fresh if you can

Fish sauce – totally optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor 

Prepwork for the Summer Rolls and Making the Peanut Sauce

Before we get started actually assembling the summer rolls, we have a couple of things to do. 

Add all of the peanut sauce ingredients to a blender jar or food processor and mix until it’s smooth and creamy. You can also use an immersion blender if you prefer. Once you’re done, just set the sauce to the side. 

Prepare your noodles according to the directions on the package, then set the cooked noodles to the side.

Next you’ll want to prep your veggies in slices and sticks. It makes it easier to have everything cut and ready to go before you start adding ingredients to the rice wrappers.

Working with Rice Wrappers 

In all honesty, sometimes working with rice wrappers can be a pain because they are fragile when wet and are prone to tearing if you get heavy handed. 

My favorite gadget to use is a rice wrapper tray. It’s not required but it’s makes the process so much easier. Grab the colored trays – it’s easier to see the wrapper on a colored background versus the clear ones.

Simply place the rice wrapper on the tray, then dip the tray into a shallow dish filled with warm water. The tray is super shallow so it keeps the wrapper damp and easier to work with.

If you don’t have a rice wrapper tray, you can use a pie pan. Simply dip a wrapper in warm water for 10 to 15 seconds, while making sure you hold the edges down to keep them from curling. Then take the wrapper out of the water and place it onto a towel. You will want to pat gently to remove excess moisture. 

How To Make a Summer Roll 

Once your veggies are cut, noodles are made, and the sauce is ready, we can get started making the rolls. 

Start by placing your rice wrapper into warm water then gently patting it dry. 

On the lower half of the wrapper, add your noodles and veggies. 

Then roll the wrapper by pulling the bottom edge up and over the veggies. Then fold in the sides and roll tightly. 

Serve immediately with peanut sauce for a delicious appetizer or main dish. 

Tips for Making and Storing

• Don’t overstuff the wrapper or it will tear.
• Feel free to change up the fillings to suit your tastes or ingredients you have on hand.
• Add shredded chicken or sliced shrimp for a heartier version.
• These are best eaten fresh, but can be stored for up to 24 hours. Wrap individually in plastic wrap & store in the refrigerator.

More Easy Summer Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy: 

• Easy Vegetable Salad
• Open Faced Tuna Melts {Broiled or Baked)
• Copycat Chipotle Chicken Bowl
• Peach Crumble with Oats
• Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
• Chicken Cobb Salad {with Homemade Vinaigrette}