Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite recipes: Rainbow Rice Paper Rolls! If you’ve ever found yourself wandering through a vibrant farmer’s market, filled with colors and the sound of good vibes, then you can imagine how delightful these rolls are. They’re basically a gorgeous explosion of fresh veggies and herbs, all wrapped up in delicate rice paper. I discovered these heavenly creations when visiting a quirky little Vietnamese eatery with a friend one sunny afternoon, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
There’s something about the freshness of each bite coupled with that creamy peanut dipping sauce that just makes my heart happy. Not to mention, these rolls are as much fun to make as they are to eat—perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or even as a casual snack while binge-watching my favorite shows. They are versatile, delicious, and so pretty that you can’t help but instantly feel like a culinary artist when you serve them! Let me share how you can easily whip these up at home!
What’s in Rainbow Rice Paper Rolls?
Rice Paper Sheets: These delicate wraps are the stars of our show! They’re gluten-free and provide the perfect thin casing for all those yummy fillings.
Cooked Vermicelli Noodles: These little noodles add a delightful chewy texture. I usually prepare them according to the package instructions and sometimes even use whole grain or rice noodles for a healthier twist.
Lettuce Leaves: I always opt for crisp romaine or butter lettuce as they add a refreshing crunch and great flavor.
Red Cabbage: Look at that color! Not only does it provide that gorgeous purple hue, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Plus, it adds a satisfying crunch!
Carrots: Julienned carrots give a sweet crunch and brighten up the rolls. You can use regular carrots or even go wild with rainbow carrots if you can find them!
Cucumber: Fresh and crisp, thinly sliced cucumbers boost hydration and add a refreshing taste.
Bell Peppers: Any color works, but I always love the sweetness that comes from red or yellow bell peppers.
Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip on these! Mint, cilantro, or basil elevate the dish with their aromatic freshness. My personal favorite is mint!
Avocado: Ah, the creaminess of avocado is just divine! Plus, it adds healthy fats making your rolls even more satisfying.
Sesame Seeds: For garnish, they don’t just look pretty—they add a nutty kick too!
Is Rainbow Rice Paper Rolls Good for You?
Absolutely! These rolls are not only visually appealing but also pack a nutritional punch. The fresh vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals.
Vegetables: Every handpicked veggie brings its unique set of antioxidants and hydrating properties. Go ahead and mix and match your favorites!
Rice Paper: A great low-calorie option, rice paper is often lighter than traditional wraps, perfect for those looking to keep things light.
Peanut Butter: This ingredient provides protein and healthy fats, making these rolls hearty and satisfying. Just make sure you’re using natural peanut butter without added sugars!
However, if you’re watching your calorie intake or managing a peanut allergy, you can swap the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Just like that, you have an allergy-friendly, tasty alternative!
Ingredients:
– 8 rice paper sheets
– 1 cup cooked vermicelli noodles
– 1 cup lettuce leaves, shredded
– 1/2 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
– 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
– 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
– 1/2 cup bell peppers (any color), julienned
– 1/2 cup fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, or basil)
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
– 1/4 cup peanut butter
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– 1-2 tbsp warm water (to thin out the sauce, as needed)
This recipe serves about 4 as a snack or appetizer.
How to Make Rainbow Rice Paper Rolls?
1. Start by prepping all your veggies. Wash, peel, and cut them into those lovely thin strips—think colorful art on a plate!
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, and warm water until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. Set aside and don’t lick the spoon (but I won’t judge if you do).
3. Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Submerge one rice paper sheet for about 10-15 seconds until it softens—be patient; it can be a little slippery!
4. Carefully lay the softened rice paper on a clean cutting board or plate. On the lower third, place a small portion of your treasured vermicelli noodles, then layer on the shredded lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, fresh herbs, and a few slices of creamy avocado.
5. Like a little burrito, roll the rice paper tightly, folding in the sides as you go to keep everything tucked in nicely.
6. Repeat this zen-like process with your remaining rice paper and fillings until you have a beautiful platter of rainbow rolls.
7. Serve them fresh, garnished with those lovely sesame seeds, alongside your peanut dipping sauce. It’s time to dig in!
Rolling Tips and Serving Suggestions
– If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding protein such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
– For a spicy kick, add a few slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili flakes in the filling.
– Keep any leftovers (if there are any!) in a damp paper towel and an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days—though I doubt they’ll last that long!
– These make for a fun party activity! Set up a rolling station and let your guests create their own rainbow rolls with their favorite ingredients.
So there you have it—Rainbow Rice Paper Rolls that are just as fun to make as they are to eat! I hope you give them a try and, more importantly, that you enjoy every colorful, delicious bite. When you do, I’d love to hear how they turn out, so don’t forget to share your experiences! Happy rolling!
