Vegetable Fresh Rolls with Spicy Mayo & Peanut Dipping Sauce

As summer vacation and swimsuit season rolls near, healthy eating is on the mind. Lately these vegetable fresh rolls have been a staple in our house. They are a much healthier choice than their deep-fried counterparts, and the peanut dipping sauce kicks them up a notch. They may be a bit time consuming to make, but sure are worth it in the end!

Vegetable Fresh Rolls with Spicy Mayo & Peanut Dipping Sauce

Ingredients:

For the rolls:

rice paper wrappers

rice Vermicelli noodles 

1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced

1/2 carrots, julienned

1 sweet red pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 cup green onion, chopped

1 small can of water chestnuts, sliced

1 avocado, sliced

peanuts (unsalted)

optional fillings: cooked shrimp, bean sprouts, lettuce, fresh herbs (cilantro, basil or mint), tofu

For the spicy mayo:

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp sriracha hot sauce

For the peanut dipping sauce:

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar

2 tbsp fresh lime juice

3 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp honey

2 tbsp sugar

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp hot water

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

For the spicy mayo:

1. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayo and desired amount of sriracha hot sauce.  If you like heat, add more hot sauce.

For the rolls:

1. Bring a medium saucepan of water to boil. Boil rice vermicelli 3 to 5 minutes, or until al dente, and drain. Allow to cool.
2. Fill a pie dish with warm water.  Soak the rice papers for no more than 10 seconds.  Make sure you don't soak them too long, remember they will continue to soften as you work with them!
3. Remove softened rice paper from water and place on hard surface, such as a clean and dry countertop or cutting board.
4. Place a little spicy mayo in the middle of the wrapper, followed by the rice noodles and your fillings of choice.  
5. Once you have added all of your fillings, roll the paper.  Start with the end closest to you.  Roll tightly around veggies.  Fold each end over and then continue rolling. 
6. Lay completed roll on plate, cover with moist paper towel and refrigerate until ready to serve. 
7. Complete above steps until you run out of ingredients.

For the peanut dipping sauce:

1. In a small bowl, add peanut butter, vinegar, lime juice, oil, soy sauce, honey and sugar. Whisk in hot water. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and combine.

The great thing about these rolls is that you can add whatever you want! Don't like avocado? No problem! Not a straight veggie person? Add some shrimp or chicken! Watching your carb intake? Nix the noodles. Need more greens? Add some spinach. Get creative and enjoy :)

Side note, this peanut dipping sauce also makes a great salad dressing.

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